Link to Heads of state convene June 24–25 in The Hague to debate ramped-up defence spending, bolster deterrence, and chart ongoing support for Ukraine.Heads of state convene June 24–25 in The Hague to debate ramped-up defence spending, bolster deterrence, and chart ongoing support for Ukraine.
In The Hague, the 2025 NATO summit—taking place June 24–25 at the World Forum—will bring together leaders of the alliance’s 32 member countries, along with partner nations and EU representatives. Under the new leadership of Secretary-General Mark Rutte, the summit marks a pivotal moment for NATO as it seeks to redefine its strategic posture amid growing global tensions.
The agenda focuses on three pressing priorities: enhancing deterrence and defence capabilities; stepping up contributions to Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression; and significantly increasing defence spending. U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for NATO members to raise defence budgets to 5% of GDP—as opposed to the longstanding 2% target—is expected to dominate discussions, with Rutte proposing a phased approach of 3.5% for core military needs plus 1.5% for infrastructure by 2032.
Sweden and the Netherlands have already committed to meeting the 5% threshold, but divisions remain over the timeline and what counts as defence spending. Some members argue an accelerated deadline—perhaps 2030—is necessary, given Russia’s ongoing threat, while others worry the high target is politically and economically daunting.
Ukraine will be directly involved in the summit, with a NATO–Ukraine Council meeting planned at the foreign ministers’ level on June 24, followed by a leaders’ session on June 25. However, the summit’s public messaging appears intentionally cautious: media suggests a quieter approach to Ukraine than in previous years, making defense spending the de facto centerpiece.
The Hague meeting will also feature a high-profile Defence Industry Forum, a public forum, and a state dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima—attended by NATO leaders, heads of partner states including Ukraine, and guests like Australian, Japanese, and South Korean dignitaries.
As Trump’s attendance looms, the summit’s outcome on defence expenditure may determine NATO’s future coherence. With Europe weighing higher contributions amid uncertain U.S. commitment, the stakes are high: the alliance must show it’s ready to defend its members, deter aggression, and support Ukraine—all while navigating internal splits and global pressures.
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