The 2025 NATO Summit was held for the first time in the Netherlands on June 24–25, 2025, at the World Forum in The Hague. This historic summit brought together leaders from all 32 NATO member countries, key partner nations, and the European Union, focusing on global defense, security challenges, and continued support for Ukraine.
Key Highlights
Host Country and Venue
- Host: Netherlands (Founding member of NATO, 1949)
- City: The Hague – Known as the City of Peace and Justice
- Venue: World Forum, which also hosted the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit
- Other Dutch cities considered: Rotterdam, Apeldoorn, Maastricht
Historic Decision: 5% GDP Defence Spending Commitment
- NATO members agreed to increase annual defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, divided into:
- 3.5% GDP for: Core defense requirements; and NATO Capability Targets
- Up to 1.5% GDP for: Protecting critical infrastructure; Civil preparedness & resilience; Cybersecurity & networks; Defence industrial base; and Innovation
- 3.5% GDP for: Core defense requirements; and NATO Capability Targets
- Review Timeline: By 2029, based on strategic needs
- Members will submit annual national plans to show progress
- Spending will include aid to Ukraine and support for its defense industry
Key Agenda Points
- Strengthening collective defense and deterrence
- Adapting NATO to emerging global threats
- Backing Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression
- Enhancing coordination and cohesion among NATO and partner states
Special Events during Summit
NATO Defence Industry Forum (June 24)
- Dialogue among defense ministers, officials, and industry leaders from NATO & Indo-Pacific countries
- Focus on scaling innovation and boosting defense industry resilience
NATO Public Forum
- Promotes public engagement, with panels featuring: Experts; Journalists; Youth leaders
- Objective: Increase awareness and understanding of NATO policies
Participating Countries NATO Summit 2025
NATO Member Countries (32 Total)
| Region | Countries |
| Europe | Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey |
| North America | Canada, United States |
| United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
Partner Nations & Invited Guests
- Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Australia: Prime Minister
- Japan: Minister Shu Ish
- South Korea: President
- New Zealand: PM Christopher Luxon (only non-Atlantic invited partner)
European Union Representation
- European Council President
- European Commission President
Key Leaders Attending
- US President: Donald Trump
- UK PM: Keir Starmer
- France: President Emmanuel Macron
- Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Strategic Importance of NATO 2025 Summit
- Marks a turning point in NATO’s evolution to address new-age threats
- Demonstrates increased financial commitment for defense and innovation
- Reinforces alliance’s support for Ukraine and Europe’s security
- Reflects greater inclusion of Indo-Pacific partners in global defense cooperation
- Solidifies NATO’s global strategic posture for coming decades