In a significant development, Hungary has lifted its veto on Mark Rutte's candidacy as the next head of NATO. The decision came after the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister provided written guarantees that Hungary would not be forced to participate in the military alliance's new plans to support Ukraine. Rutte's assurances, conveyed in a letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, have removed a major obstacle to his appointment as the next NATO Secretary-General, the top civilian official of the organization.

This breakthrough could pave the way for NATO to demonstrate unity and solidarity with war-torn Ukraine during the upcoming summit in Washington, scheduled for July 9-11, to commemorate NATO's 75th anniversary. The agreement reached in Budapest last week between NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Orbán ensured that Hungary would not obstruct NATO's plans for Ukraine. Stoltenberg acknowledged Hungary's request to be exempt from providing personnel or funds for the collective effort, but Orbán also sought confirmation from Rutte.

Prime Minister Orbán took to social media to emphasize the importance of establishing a long-standing agreement. He posted Rutte's letter, dated June 18, where Rutte pledged his full support to the outcome of the talks between Stoltenberg and Orbán. Orbán expressed satisfaction with Rutte's commitment, stating Hungary's readiness to support Rutte's bid for NATO Secretary-General.

In addition to the concerns over Ukraine, Budapest had also raised objections regarding unspecified remarks made by Rutte about the Hungarian government three years ago and demanded an apology. In response, Rutte acknowledged that his past comments had caused dissatisfaction in Hungary and assured that, if he assumes the role of NATO Secretary-General, his priority would be to maintain unity and treat all allies with equal understanding and respect.

NATO secretaries-general play a crucial role in chairing meetings and facilitating delicate consultations among member countries, ensuring the functioning of the organization based on consensus. Rutte has emerged as the favored candidate among the majority of NATO allies, including influential members like the United States and Germany. Earlier opposition from Turkey, voiced earlier this year, was lifted in April.

With Hungary's veto now lifted, the path seems clear for Mark Rutte to assume the role of NATO Secretary-General, bringing his wealth of experience and leadership to guide the organization's future endeavors.