NATO Summit 2025 in Netherlands

Introduction

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit 2025 is scheduled to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, from 24 to 25 June 2025. The summit will bring together 45 heads of state and government, 45 foreign ministers, 45 defence ministers, and approximately 2,000 journalists, with total attendance expected to reach 8,500 individuals. The event will serve as a platform for NATO member states to engage in high-level discussions and decision-making on key security and defence matters. Core agenda items are expected to include cybersecurity, emerging technologies, defence innovation, and strategic responses to global threats. The summit will also involve formal engagements, bilateral meetings, and public communications intended to reinforce alliance cohesion and address evolving security challenges. As host, the Netherlands will facilitate operational and logistical arrangements for all delegations, partners, and stakeholders.

What is NATO?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance established in 1949 through the Washington Treaty. It consists of 31 member states from Europe and North America. The alliance is founded on the principle of collective defence, as outlined in Article 5, which states that an armed attack against one or more members is considered an attack against all. NATO’s core functions include promoting democratic values, facilitating political and military cooperation, and conducting crisis-management operations. In addition to its defence mandate, NATO engages in activities related to cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and capacity building with partner countries. Its strategic approach is guided by the most recent Strategic Concept (2022), which outlines the alliance’s priorities in response to evolving threats in the global security environment.

Recent Milestones and Challenges

2021 Brussels Summit: Reaffirmed unity amid the rise of China and global instability

2022 Madrid Summit: Defined Russia as ‘the most significant and direct threat’ and invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance

2023 Vilnius Summit: Focused on continued support for Ukraine, defence industrial production, and NATO’s eastern flank

2024 Washington Summit (NATO’s 75th anniversary): Marked the formal integration of Sweden as the 32nd member and reinforced long-term military aid for Ukraine.

Environment Ahead of the Summit

The 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, is convening in a period of sustained geopolitical tension and internal alliance recalibration. The war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, continues without a strategic resolution. Despite substantial financial and military assistance, much of it from the US and other key NATO members, questions are emerging regarding the sustainability of long-term support in the absence of a clear end-state or political roadmap. In the US, the upcoming presidential transition in late 2025 introduces uncertainty about the future direction of US foreign and defence policy. A shift in leadership may influence the nature and extent of US engagement within NATO, prompting European allies to reassess their own defence planning and levels of strategic autonomy. The prospect of a more inward-focused US could lead to increased pressure on European members to assume a larger share of the alliance’s operational and financial responsibilities.Simultaneously, instability in the Middle East, notably the fallout from the Iran-Israel conflict and continued Houthi activity in the Red Sea, has elevated concerns regarding maritime security and the resilience of NATO’s global supply chains. These developments also have implications for NATO’s global posture.

Within the alliance, differences over burden-sharing and defence investment targets remain. Notably, Spain’s rejection of the proposed five percent defence spending benchmark reflects broader debate among member states, including within the US policy establishment, over how defence commitments should be structured and enforced. While NATO maintains a unified stance on core strategic objectives, internal divisions among member states continue to pose operational and diplomatic challenges. Greece and Turkey, both long-standing members, remain at odds over a range of bilateral disputes, including maritime boundaries, airspace violations in the Aegean Sea, and the status of Cyprus. Periodic tensions have led to military standoffs and diplomatic friction, complicating NATO’s efforts to maintain cohesion in its southeastern flank. Similarly, Hungary has adopted positions on several NATO and EU-related matters that diverge from the broader consensus. Budapest has delayed ratification processes related to alliance enlargement and has expressed reservations on sanctions policies and military aid packages, often citing national interest or concerns over escalation. These actions have introduced delays and, in some cases, undermined efforts to present a unified front on key security matters.

This year, the summit will introduce a new long-term defence investment plan, representing a significant shift in NATO’s capability development. For the first time, all member states have reportedly met the two percent of GDP benchmark for defence spending. In response to the changing threat environment, allies are now expected to endorse a new baseline target of five percent of GDP, reflecting a substantial scaling-up of NATO’s collective defence posture.

The investment strategy outlines significant enhancements across key capability areas, including:

• A five-fold increase in air and missile defence systems;
• Procurement of thousands of additional tanks and armoured vehicles;
• Production of millions of rounds of artillery ammunition to replenish and expand stockpiles.

These measures are intended to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and broader challenges to alliance security. The plan also underscores the need to accelerate defence industrial production, with calls for defence manufacturers to align output with NATO’s evolving operational requirements.

Iran-Israel-US Escalations and Defence Investment

The 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague is set to address the escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the US. In a pre-summit briefing, NATO reiterated its position on Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Member states have consistently called on Iran to meet its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and return to full compliance with international safeguards.
Summit discussions are expected to examine Iran’s recent activities, including advancements in its nuclear capabilities, growing regional influence through proxy networks, and alleged involvement in destabilizing actions across the Middle East. The implications of a broader escalation, particularly one involving Israel and the US, are a central concern, with the alliance focusing on options to prevent further conflict and maintain regional stability.

Security Measures

Shipping Restrictions

A security zone will be established in the North Sea off the coast of The Hague to safeguard the Summit. From 23 June to 25 June, shipping will be prohibited between Hoek van Holland and Noordwijk. Fishing vessels and tour boats will need special authorization from the Scheveningen harbour master to operate in the restricted area.

Deployment of Personnel

To maintain public safety, 27,000 Dutch police officers will be deployed during the Summit. Additionally, 10,000 military personnel will provide support for security, transport, and logistics. The Royal Military and Border Police will play a key role in securing borders, protecting key locations, and assisting with document verification and intelligence operations.

Cybersecurity

Specialized cyber teams will be deployed to monitor and counter potential cyberattacks targeting the Summit. These teams will also implement measures to prevent disinformation campaigns, which could undermine public trust and disrupt the event’s proceedings.

Coordination

The National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) will oversee all security operations to ensure seamless coordination. Multiple organizations, including the police, military, local authorities, and ministries, will work together to guarantee the safety and success of the Summit.

Road Closures and Travel Disruptions

• The temporary and partial closures of roads, motorways (including slip roads), flyovers and tunnels on the A4, A5, A44 and N44 are scheduled and the transport of the world leaders from Schiphol to The Hague will take place via a cordoned off route.
• Regional and local roads in and around The Hague, Wassenaar, Katwijk, Noordwijk, Haarlemmermeer, Leiden and Rotterdam are also likely to face disruptions.
• The A5 will be temporarily closed in both directions between the Raasdorp junction (A9) and the De Hoek junction (A4) from Sunday (22 June) afternoon to Friday (27 June) morning. In addition, two lanes between the De Hoek and Burgerveen junctions are closed off with a steel barrier.
• The A44 will be closed between the Burgerveen junction and Wassenaar in the direction of The Hague from Sunday (22 June) evening until Friday (27 June) morning.
• The N44 between The Hague and the Rozenweg in Wassenaar will be closed in both directions between Sunday (22 June) evening and Friday (27 June) morning.
• The N434 (Corbulo route) will be closed in the direction of the A44 from Wednesday (25 June) from the morning until the evening.
• During the NATO Summit 2025, buses and trams near the World Forum in The Hague will operate on modified routes due to road closures and security measures. Key changes include detours for trams 1, 10, 17, and buses 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, with some stops temporarily cancelled or replaced.
• Temporary and alternative tram and bus stops on Stadhouderslaan and Willem de Zwijgerlaan will be in place.

Impact Assessment

• The summit may attract demonstrations from anti-NATO groups, as well as counter-protests from pro-NATO supporters. The potential for ideological clashes raises the risk of public disorder and confrontations.
• Increased police deployment is expected to manage gatherings, safeguard official delegations, and maintain public order throughout the city.
• As a prominent international gathering of heads of state and military leaders, the summit remains a symbolic target for terrorist organizations. Preventative counterterrorism measures will be critical.
• The establishment of high-security perimeters around the venue and related sites will affect urban movement and necessitate strict access controls.
• The temporary closures of key motorways, including the A4, A5, A44, and N44, will significantly disrupt regional and intercity travel. Commuters and logistics operators will face delays, detours, and longer travel times, particularly on routes connecting Schiphol Airport to The Hague.
• The closure of the A5 in both directions and partial closures on the A44 and N44 will create bottlenecks, increasing congestion on alternative routes.
• Roads in and around The Hague, Wassenaar, Katwijk, Noordwijk, Haarlemmermeer, Leiden, and Rotterdam will experience heavy traffic and restricted access. Residents and businesses in these areas will face challenges in daily commutes and deliveries.
• Temporary cancellations of stops will cause inconvenience to passengers, requiring them to use alternative stops on Stadhouderslaan and Willem de Zwijgerlaan.
• With major roads closed, alternative routes will experience higher traffic volumes, leading to congestion and delays.
• Enhanced security protocols at airports, train stations, and public venues will result in longer wait times and movement restrictions for travellers.
• With an estimated 8,500 delegates, staff, and media personnel attending the summit, local hotels and transport services will operate at or beyond capacity, potentially limiting availability for regular travellers and residents.
• Businesses located within or near restricted security zones may experience reduced foot traffic, logistical delays, and temporary closures, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.
• Maritime restrictions in the North Sea, including limited port access, may disrupt shipping operations. This could affect regional supply chains and cause operational challenges for fishing and tourism enterprises within exclusion zones.
• The focus on air defence, armoured vehicles, and ammunition stockpiles will require significant industrial ramp-up, potentially causing supply chain bottlenecks.

Recommendations

• It is advised to closely monitor potential threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid interference aimed at disrupting critical infrastructure.
• It is recommended to activate contingency and incident response plans, particularly for organisations with operations in high-security zones.
• It is advised that the public transport users will need to plan ahead, as delays and longer travel times are expected due to rerouted services and increased passenger demand.
• It is recommended to check for real-time updates on road closures, public transport changes, and flight schedules. Travelers should allow additional time and consider alternative routes.
• It is advised to monitor real-time updates on road closures and public transport changes through official sources like the Haagse Tramweg Maatschappij (HTM) website, app, or local government websites.
• It is advised to opt for public transport where possible, as it will have designated detours and temporary stops to accommodate disruptions.
• It is recommended to arrive early at airports, train stations, and major public venues, as enhanced security protocols will result in longer wait times and thorough inspections.
• Advised to arrive early at airports, train stations, and public venues to account for longer wait times due to additional inspections.
• It is recommended to anticipate delays in logistics and supply chain operations, especially due to restricted shipping lanes in the North Sea and road closures affecting local deliveries.
• It is recommended to follow all instructions from law enforcement and municipal authorities, particularly regarding access limitations, crowd management, and emergency alerts.
• It is advised to develop contingency plans to address potential escalations, including humanitarian and security responses.

Emergency Contacts and Websites

• General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
• HTM Customer Service (Public Transport): +31 70 384 8666
• Municipality of The Hague (General Inquiries): +31 70 353 3000
• HTM Public Transport Updates: www.htm.nl
• Municipality of The Hague: www.denhaag.nl
• NATO Summit 2025 Information: www.rijksoverheid.nl/navo2025
• Dutch Traffic Information (ANWB): www.anwb.nl/verkeer
• Schiphol Airport Updates: www.schiphol.n
• Rotterdam The Hague Airport: www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl

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