Liveblog Archive NATO Summit The Hague 2025

NATO summit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands was host the NATO summit in The Hague on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June 2025.

(Update June 25, 2025 @ 17:00 CEST)

NATO summit concluded: All NATO countries agree to increase NATO norm to five percent

All 32 NATO countries have agreed to increase the NATO norm to five percent of gross domestic product by 2035. This is stated in the NATO final declaration, which has just been published. The five percent consists of two parts: the 3.5 percent for defense spending and the 1.5 percent for defense-related spending.
As expected, Russia is mentioned as a threat to the alliance for the long term.
"This is the stronger, fairer and deadlier alliance," Rutte said. He emphasized again the alliance's unwavering support for Ukraine. He also reiterated that the country is on an "irreversible path" to NATO membership. As expected, this was not in the final declaration itself, as it was at the previous summit.
He also reiterated that increasing the NATO norm will create many jobs. Caretaker Prime Minister Schoof of the Netherlands calls the outcome of the NATO summit "a great achievement". According to him, it is "a big step forward" that there will be closer cooperation with the defense industry. "We have made some big decisions today."

Trump press conference: President happy with increase in defense spending

At his press conference, US President Trump says that he is happy that there is an agreement on increasing defense spending to five percent. "Nobody thought it was possible, but I got it through. We need this to prevent disasters in the future like now in Ukraine. So we have achieved great things."

Trump also praises the "royal treatment" he received in the Netherlands. According to him, it could not have been better. "The king and queen are wonderful people with a good heart. And Mark Rutte is a good friend and is doing a great job." Trump also thanked caretaker Prime Minister Schoof for organizing the summit.
"The Netherlands is a wonderful and beautiful country. I saw many beautiful trees along the way and I actually want to take a few with me," he joked.
In this press conference, US President Trump also focuses on the US attacks on Iran last weekend.
"I had a good meeting with Zelensky," Trump answers a question from NOS reporter Wessel de Jong. "I asked how he was doing. It was a nice conversation. I really want to get rid of the conflict and I want to end it. I'm going to talk to Putin to see if we can do that. But it's a difficult battle."
The US President does not answer a question from Nieuwsuur about his interpretation of Article 5 of the alliance. Last night, Trump answered the question whether he still supported Article 5: "That depends on the definition. There are many ways in which you can interpret Article 5."
He made this statement on the plane en route to the NATO summit. "I am determined to save lives and I am committed to life and safety," Trump said. He said he would give a precise definition when he arrived at the NATO summit. "I don't want to do that in the back of a plane." So he did not do it now either.
A Spanish journalist was unable to ask her question when Trump learned she was from Spain. The American president reacted angrily that the southern European country did not want to participate in raising the NATO standard.
Trump then said that Spain would pay no matter what. He threatened trade sanctions if the country did not meet the standard. "It's terrible what they did."
President Trump was also asked about his meeting with PVV leader Wilders this afternoon. The American leader said he did not know Wilders, "but he seemed like a nice guy."
Trump said nothing about what the two politicians had discussed in substance. Trump was asked about Wilders' anti-immigration views. "Those are his views, that's how he sees it." Trump said the Dutch government had asked him to talk to Wilders. "He is an opposition leader, I was asked to meet him, it is apparently customary here that you talk to an opposition leader."

Trump and Zelensky meeting: 'Long and substantive'

After the NATO summit, US President Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Zelensky. According to Ukrainian media, the meeting lasted about fifty minutes. What was discussed has not been made public.
Zelensky writes on X that it was a long and productive meeting. Details about what they discussed will follow, he writes.
It is the second time that the leaders have met since Zelensky left the White House in Washington this year in disappointment, after a row with Trump. Two months ago, Trump and Zelensky had a brief meeting during the funeral of the Pope.

Alliance reaffirms 'unwavering commitment' to Article 5

"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to collective defense as laid down in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, that an attack on one is an attack on all," NATO writes in the final declaration of the summit. Last night, Trump said when asked if he still supported Article 5: "It depends on the definition. There are many ways to interpret Article 5." Article 5 is the core of the alliance.
Within the alliance, there are concerns that the American president will announce immediately after the summit or in the months that follow that he will withdraw American troops from Europe. Last month, American NATO ambassador Whitaker said that the US will discuss this at the end of this year.
NATO Secretary General Rutte has consistently repeated in his speeches in recent days that the NATO countries do not have to worry about the US's commitment to the alliance.
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez told the press that Spain can achieve the so-called capacity targets by spending 2.1 percent of its gross domestic product on defense. He thanked the allies for "respecting Spain's sovereignty." He also said he hopes that tomorrow's EU Council will be less about percentages and more about the countries' joint production and purchasing.

Meeting went smoothly

Sources who were present at the meeting told NOS that the meeting went smoothly. US President Trump was in a good mood. He spoke about the American success in Iran. Then other major countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Turkey spoke. They all supported the new final declaration.
There was actually no discussion, sources say. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, who does not want to pay the five percent, also spoke. He talked about what Spain does for NATO, but did not discuss the percentages. Rutte finally asked if everyone agreed.
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 25, 2025 @ 11:30 CEST)

World leaders prepare for most important meeting of the summit

The world leaders move to the conference room, where the most important meeting of the summit is about to begin. Originally, this meeting was supposed to start at 10:30, but the program is running late because the government leaders first had their picture taken one by one with Secretary General Rutte and caretaker Prime Minister Schoof. This was followed by a group photo with all the leaders.

'Putin is very friendly', says Trump about his conversations with the Russian president. 'I have spoken to him often and he was helpful on Iran. There are developments', says the American president about a possible peace in Ukraine.

According to American Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the NATO summit in The Hague has become 'the Trump summit'. In an interview with Politico, Rubio said that the alliance is going to spend more money on defense under pressure from Trump and is 'renewing itself'. Due to Trump's pressure during his first term and the subsequent Russian attack on Ukraine, almost all NATO countries have promised to aim for spending worth 5 percent of gross domestic product. Rubio regrets that there is one exception: Spain. He fears that the deal concluded with Spain on the proposed defense spending will prove unsustainable.

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planned for the early afternoon. This has now been confirmed by all parties involved. The Americans initially tried to keep the Ukrainian role at the NATO summit small, but Zelensky was still invited to side events, such as the dinner with the king. Trump is expected to meet Zelensky around 2:00 PM (CEST).
(Source: BNR.nl)

(Update June 24, 2025 @ 22:45 CEST)

NATO chief Rutte thanks Trump again in speech at dinner

NATO chief Mark Rutte called the world "a dangerous place" in his dinner speech. "We are facing serious security threats, but I have the utmost confidence that with all the leaders here we will emerge stronger and make the world and our countries safer."
Rutte thanked Willem-Alexander and Máxima for the reception "at this beautiful place", but especially praised American President Donald Trump again extensively. "NATO has already added more than 1000 billion dollars to the expenditure. Mr. President, dear Donald, that is thanks to you, who urged us on."
King Willem-Alexander discussed the history of the Oranjezaal in his speech. He referred to the first peace conference held here by Queen Wilhelmina in 1899.
"The feeling then was that peace would last forever. But then the First World War would begin. Peace, freedom and democracy are the highest ideals. And history has taught us how vulnerable our values ​​are if they are not protected. Where would we be without NATO?"
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 24, 2025 @ 20:45 CEST)

Trump also arrived at Huis ten Bosch Palace

President Trump was received at Huis ten Bosch Palace by King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Amalia.
There was a lot of laughter during the greeting, as could be seen in images of the reception.
Trump will also spend the night at the palace at the invitation of the King.
Tomorrow is the big NATO meeting in the World Forum in The Hague.
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 24, 2025 @ 17:00 CEST)

Zelensky addresses the Dutch House of Representatives

Ukrainian President Zelensky addresses the House of Representatives. The Netherlands is one of the greatest defenders "of life", Zelensky praises the host country of the NATO summit.
He places the Netherlands among the countries that have supported Ukraine the most since the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
"Every day in Ukraine starts the same way: the consequences of Russia's actions", says Zelensky. He then listed the most recent victims of Russian attacks in Dnipro, among other places. "At this moment, the people in Dnipro are receiving help after a Russian attack."
According to Zelensky, 16 people were killed in the attack and more than a hundred others were injured.
House of Representatives Chairman Bosma just said that Zelensky still wanted to adjust his speech, which was why the speech was delayed. It seems that he took some time to process the latest attacks by Russia on Ukraine.
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 24, 2025 @ 16:00 CEST)

Zelensky with King Willem-Alexander

The role of Ukrainian President Zelensky is more limited during this summit than in previous editions. This has to do with the US. Nevertheless, he is popping up everywhere today.

For example, he was received this morning by caretaker Prime Minister Schoof at the Catshuis and gave a short speech at the Defense Industry Forum, where he addressed ministers and the business community. Members of Parliament had invited the Ukrainian president to address them afterwards in the House of Representatives.
Zelensky was supposed to start his speech in the House of Representatives at 16:00. He is supposed to have arrived there by now, but the speech has been delayed.
It is not clear why Zelensky is late, but this afternoon he also made an appearance with King Willem-Alexander.
The two spoke about, among other things, the military support of the Netherlands and the other NATO allies for Ukraine, and about the cooperation between the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology and the Children's Hospital in Lviv.
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 23, 2025 @ 19:45 CEST)

Rutte on eve of NATO summit: Russia remains the greatest danger

Russia remains the greatest and most immediate danger to NATO. Secretary-General Rutte left no doubt about that at the press conference ahead of the summit in The Hague, which starts tomorrow.

"If Russia were to attack us today, our response would be devastating," Rutte said after welcoming the attendees "in my hometown of The Hague." He emphasized that NATO member states will have to make huge investments in the coming years to be able to withstand the threats from Russia and China.
"The world has changed since 2014. Not only did Russia invade Ukraine, we have also seen an increase in the military apparatus in Russia and also in China, to a level that we have never seen before. When it comes to defending NATO member states under Article 5, we must ensure that we can do so when that moment comes. That we are united, not only in spirit but also in practice."
In his speech, Rutte said that NATO will continue to support Ukraine in the war against Russia. His speech lasted about ten minutes. After his speech, Rutte answered questions from journalists. He assured the press that there is "an irreversible path" for Ukraine to NATO.
"That is the truth today, and on Thursday, after this summit, it will still be true. Rutte does not see Zelensky's absence from the session with all 32 NATO leaders as a sign that there is less attention for Ukraine. "The fact that we are going to increase defence spending shows how clearly we are committed to this."
A journalist from Ukraine pointed to the six deaths that occurred last night in a Russian drone attack on Kyiv. Rutte said that this shows that it is of great importance that NATO countries continue to support Ukraine.
Questions were also raised about Spain, which only yesterday agreed to the increase in defence spending by all member states. Spain came on board after the promise that the country itself can determine how much it will spend to achieve the Spanish contribution to jointly established NATO goals.
Rutte emphasised that he is "absolutely convinced" that Spain, like other countries, will have to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on this. In addition, the member states must spend another 1.5 percent on matters that benefit defence, such as cyber security and improving roads and bridges. Together, that is 5 percent.
When asked whether other countries can now also negotiate exceptions, Rutte replied that Spain has promised to sign the agreements on the increase in expenditure and that no country will be given an exceptional position.
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 23, 2025 @ 10:50 CEST)

Dozens of hobby drones confiscated due to ban around NATO summit area in The Hague

Security guards in and around The Hague have confiscated dozens of drones so far due to a ban around the NATO summit there. No drone is allowed to fly until Wednesday, but not everyone is adhering to this.
A complete ban on flying drones has been in effect since last Wednesday within a radius of more than 16 kilometres around The Hague. In a smaller area, the ban applies until Friday. Although you are normally not allowed to fly a drone just anywhere, enforcement is now much stricter.
Professional drones, such as those used by airlines to inspect their aircraft, must also remain on the ground. Only drones from the police or Defence are allowed to fly with explicit permission.
"It's all for safety's sake," says Katja van Bijsterveldt, aviation officer at the Public Prosecution Service. "We cannot see from the outside what the intention of a drone is."
To track down the devices, the police and Defence work with all kinds of detection equipment, such as radars. The law enforcement agencies know which drones do have permission and can therefore see which ones do not belong in the air.
(Source: NOS.nl)

(Update June 21, 2025 @ 16:30 CEST)

NATO summit: Trump helicopters fly over region - 'Trump only to World Forum and King at Huis ten Bosch'

Two helicopters of American President Donald Trump were spotted above The Hague early this afternoon. From Amsterdam, both helicopters flew a round along Nieuwkoop, Waddinxveen, Gouda, Delft, Rijswijk, Wassenaar, Katwijk and Noordwijk.
The helicopters of the American Air Force arrived at Schiphol on Wednesday evening (June 18). It concerns the Marine One, the helicopter that transports Trump. The aircraft was brought to the Netherlands by a military transport aircraft.
Last Friday, two transport aircraft of the American Air Force landed at Schiphol with supplies for the NATO summit.
Military bases have been set up in various places in Noordwijk to ensure security around the NATO summit.
(Source: Omroep West)

(Update June 21, 2025 @ 10:00 CEST)

Trump believes new NATO standard of 5 percent does not apply to the US

US President Trump believes that the United States does not have to adhere to the increased NATO standard. The rest must, he said.
The intention is that the member states of the military alliance will agree at the summit in The Hague next week to spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense from now on. Secretary-General Rutte has proposed that countries spend 3.5 percent on pure defense expenditure and 1.5 percent on matters that also benefit the armed forces, such as infrastructure.

The United States spent 3.4 percent on defense last year, which means that the country almost meets the first part of the new standard. But Trump does not believe that his country has to participate in the 5 percent standard. "We have supported NATO for so long," he said.
The question is what Rutte will do with this position. He also has to convince Spanish Prime Minister Sanchéz to participate. Sánchez said yesterday that he could not agree to the new standard. Trump responded to that as well. He called Spain "a very poor payer" and said that "they have to pay what everyone else pays." The Spanish are at the bottom of the list of defense spending among NATO member states. They spend only 1.3 percent of their GDP on defense.
(Source: NOS.nl)