A routine diplomatic appointment is drawing fresh attention as officials confront threats that no longer stop at Europe’s borders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will meet in Brussels on September 2. The talks will take place at the European Commission’s Berlaymont building.
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform.
The planned meeting was announced during a briefing by European Commission chief spokesperson Paola Pinho.
The President will receive NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte here, at the Berlaymont building.
– Paola Pinho
Before the official talks begin, Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Rutte will deliver statements to the press. The event is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. local time.
The meeting will take place against the backdrop of hybrid threats
Paola Pinho noted that changes to the European Commission President’s schedule are common practice. At the same time, she stressed the relevance of the meeting amid growing hybrid threats.
I do not think any such discussion can avoid the issue of Ukraine and the events taking place there, as this clearly has implications for all of us.
– Paola Pinho
Also on September 2, EU defence ministers will hold an informal meeting in Ireland in the “Gymnich” format. The participants will discuss further support for Ukraine, including efforts to find and deliver additional anti-ballistic interceptors.