The 2025 NATO Summit took place in the Netherlands. On 24 and 25 June 2025, participants met in The Hague to discuss the security of NATO countries. The Netherlands armed forces contributed to the security effort surrounding the summit.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, is a political and military alliance between 32 countries in Europe and North America. NATO was established in 1949 to ensure peace and security in these countries. Its members states, Allies, work together and protect each other. Together they provide security and defensive capabilities, deter adversaries and can prevent and manage crises.
Military security surrounding the NATO Summit
The Netherlands Defence organisation was also involved in the security effort surrounding the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague. Military personnel, both regular and reserve forces, and other Defence employees throughout the Netherlands provided security services, conducted ceremonial tasks and made sure logistics ran smoothly. This effort comprised a military operation known as Orange Shield and the police tasks were carried out by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
Royal Netherlands Marechaussee policing
The main focus of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (RNLM) is maintaining public order and security. Before, during and immediately after the summit, the RNLM intensified its daily tasks such as border control and security. The RNLM also provided a large close protection detachment. Furthermore, it was responsible for the appropriate ceremonial reception of word leaders upon their arrival in the Netherlands, and for accompanying them during their stay.