NATO’s Rutte says Iceland is “the eyes and ears” of the alliance during Reykjavík visit

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte used a visit to Reykjavík this week to underscore Iceland’s growing strategic importance in the North Atlantic and Arctic, praising the country for what he described as a unique and indispensable role within the alliance.

“Since you took office, it is now almost a year ago, I think in December, you have made Iceland’s continued commitment to NATO clear, very clear,” Rutte said at a joint press conference with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frotadóttir.

Rutte said Iceland’s contributions have become increasingly important as security conditions shift across Europe and the High North. He highlighted both the country’s political commitment and its practical support for NATO operations.

“Iceland is unique because you do not have a military, but you do have your investments in everything related to defense and security spending,” Rutte said. “So when it comes to air defense, when it comes to surveillance systems, and you are, as a country, you are the eyes and ears for many of us in NATO.”

Prime Minister Frostadóttir said the visit comes at a moment when Iceland is reassessing how it contributes to regional security and what responsibilities it must take on as conditions in the Arctic and North Atlantic continue to evolve.

“We really appreciate your effective leadership in these turbulent times here in Europe,” Frostadóttir said. “This visit underscores the importance of the role that Iceland plays in the defense and preparedness of NATO.”

She said Iceland has been expanding its host-nation capacity and increasing defence-related spending, including its path toward the alliance’s 1.5 percent benchmark. A recently signed memorandum on harbor development at Helguvík is one example of projects intended to support both NATO activity and local communities.

“We have been strengthening our capacity when it comes to host nation support,” Frostadóttir said. “We are very focused now on expanding the funding when it comes to the one and a half percent which will be a crucial pillar in our defence strategy going forward.”

Rutte said Iceland’s political and material support for Ukraine remains significant for Europe’s security.

“Iceland is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, indeed, including through your recent contribution of more than 8 million euros… to support critical munitions to Europe,” he said.

Both leaders said the security situation in the High North is becoming more complex. Frostadóttir said Iceland’s longstanding model — non-military but deeply integrated with NATO — remains effective but requires reinforcement.

“We just need to further strengthen that,” she said. “These are not questions of changing the way we do security. Well, we need to make it more robust.”

She added that Iceland’s strategic position had long made it central to regional security.

“We have been in a strong position strategically and security wise because we’ve been an ally of NATO… So we see our role now even stronger than before,” Frostadóttir said.

Rutte said Iceland “punches above its weight” within the alliance and that NATO would continue to rely on Reykjavík as the Arctic grows more strategically significant.

“Iceland is relevant, is important and punches above its weight,” he said.