The Hague, 25 June 2025 — NATO concluded a landmark two-day summit in The Hague this Wednesday, culminating in a transformative agreement by member states to invest at least 5% of their GDP in defense. The decision, hailed as a pivotal moment in the Alliance’s history, signals a renewed commitment to collective security, defense innovation, and sustained support for Ukraine amid ongoing global tensions.
Convened under the leadership of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the Summit brought together Heads of State and Government from across the Alliance on 24–25 June. The agenda was ambitious, reflecting both the gravity of the current security environment and NATO’s determination to evolve in the face of new challenges.
A United Front for Defense and Security
At the heart of the Summit was the adoption of The Hague Defence Investment Plan, a bold initiative that redefines the Alliance’s financial commitments. The plan mandates that Allies dedicate 5% of national GDP to defense — including 3.5% on core military capabilities and an additional 1.5% on security-related investments such as critical infrastructure and defense industries. This marks a significant shift from NATO’s previous benchmark of 2%, reflecting both the scale of modern threats and the need for a resilient, future-ready Alliance.
“Together, Allies have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO,” said Secretary General Rutte during the closing press conference. “These decisions will have a profound impact on our ability to do what NATO was founded to do — deter and defend.”
He further emphasized the broadening threat landscape, stating: “Whether from Russia or terrorism, cyberattacks, sabotage or strategic competition – this Alliance is and will remain ready, willing, and able to defend every inch of Allied territory.”
Broader Engagement and Dialogue
The Summit also featured a robust series of supporting events and strategic dialogues. On Tuesday, the NATO Public Forum provided both in-person and virtual audiences with insights into key Summit decisions and broader NATO priorities. Concurrently, the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum facilitated critical discussions between political leaders, military officials, and industry representatives aimed at boosting defense production capacity across the Alliance.
Tuesday evening was marked by diplomatic engagements and cultural hospitality. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima hosted a formal dinner at the historic Huis ten Bosch Palace for the assembled leaders. In parallel, NATO Defence Ministers and Foreign Ministers held working dinners, the latter joined by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for a session of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
High-level bilateral and multilateral meetings were also held, including:
A meeting between the NATO Secretary General, Ukrainian President, and top EU officials,
A focused dialogue involving the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the UK, and Ukraine,
A strategic engagement with NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners.
Continued Support for Ukraine
Support for Ukraine remained a central pillar throughout the Summit. Allied leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience, and long-term security. The strengthened NATO-Ukraine Council underscores the Alliance’s enduring partnership with Kyiv, particularly in the face of persistent aggression from Russia.
Looking Ahead
With the adoption of a new defense investment framework, the 2025 Summit in The Hague marks a significant turning point for NATO — one that reinforces collective resolve and lays the groundwork for a more capable, agile, and united Alliance.
The next NATO Summit is scheduled to take place in Türkiye in 2026, where Allies are expected to build on the momentum established in The Hague and continue shaping NATO’s strategic trajectory for the decades to come.
Rauf Pen Nord