NATO Summit 2025 in The Hague

First NATO Summit in the Netherlands

This was the first time since NATO’s founding in 1949 that the Netherlands is hosting a NATO summit. The decisions the NATO members made at these summits are important to international peace and security – especially in these times, with so many conflicts in the world, like the war in Ukraine.

Heads of state and government at the NATO Summit

Around 9,000 people came to the Summit, including some 45 heads of state and government. They were the leaders of the 32 allies and leaders of partner countries. The Summit  was also attended by 45 foreign ministers and 45 defence ministers. There were a total of around 6,000 people representing various countries and 2,000 Dutch and foreign journalists.

NATO Summit programme in brief

A NATO summit is an opportunity for the leaders of various countries to talk about security in the world. In brief a NATO summit consists of:

• arrival, welcome ceremony and group photo;
• meetings of heads of state and government;
• meetings of foreign and defence ministers;
• discussions between countries and organisations;
• press conferences;
• dinners.

NATO Summit: an opportunity for the Netherlands

Hosting the NATO Summit was a unique opportunity to show how the Netherlands contributes to international peace and security. The Netherlands benefits from NATO, but shoulders its own responsibility as well. In addition, the Summit emphasises that cooperation and unity within NATO are essential, both for the world and for the security and prosperity of our own country. The Summit was important for 3 reasons:

1. Strengthening peace and security
   At the Summit NATO allies will make decisions about defence, cybersecurity and new threats. These are decisions that have a direct impact on the security of the Netherlands.
2. The Netherlands as a reliable ally
   By hosting a well-organised summit, the Netherlands has shown that it is an active and welcoming NATO ally. This can strengthen the Netherlands’ role in international cooperation.
3. Greater diplomatic visibility
   The Summit brought world leaders, government ministers, diplomats and members of the media to The Hague. This gave the Netherlands more influence and benefits our partnerships with other countries. This is especially important in today’s uncertain world.

NATO Public Forum

Parallel to the NATO Summit, there was also be a NATO Public Forum. Its aim was for as many people as possible to understand what the NATO Summit is about and why NATO makes certain decisions. At the NATO Public Forum 500 politicians, experts, journalists and young people engaged in debates, panel discussions and interactive sessions on the topics on the NATO Summit agenda. The recorded broadcast of the 25th can be viewed via NATO Public Forum

NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum

The NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (NSDIF) on 24 June was the most important meeting between NATO and the defence industry in the week of the NATO Summit. At the meeting, leaders of NATO member countries and of the industry talked about the state of play in transatlantic cooperation. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen that cooperation.

Working together to make the NATO Summit happen

A great many organisations were involved in hosting the NATO Summit. They include various ministries: Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Infrastructure and Water Management. Other organisations, such as the World Forum, the municipality of The Hague, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security, the police, Rijkswaterstaat and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol were also working to make sure the NATO Summit is both welcoming and safe.