As the clock ticks down to the NATO summit in The Hague, preparations are ramping up for what is being described as the largest police operation in Dutch history. Scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2025, the summit is expected to host approximately 45 heads of state, 90 ministers, 6,000 delegation members, and 2,000 journalists, all requiring comprehensive security measures. With just three months to go, the Dutch police are already deep into training plans designed to tackle potential riots and protests that could disrupt the event.
Police units are currently engaged in exercises at a training site in Biddinghuizen, where they are rehearsing intervention techniques to manage disruptive crowds. This location, which will soon serve as the setting for the upcoming Lowlands festival, has been transformed into a simulated environment where police can practice against actors who are playing the role of unruly protestors. Willem Woelders, the national police commander, emphasized the need for readiness, "It is not proportional to use violence against demonstrators, but we must ensure that the routes to and from the NATO summit are kept clear."
In addition to physical readiness, the police are also preparing for the potential fallout from cyberattacks, which are another concern during high-profile events. Beyond their regular police training, the operation involves serious logistical puzzles due to the number of personnel involved. Nearly half of the total police force—about 27,000 officers—will be deployed to maintain order during the summit.
The training protocol includes a detailed focus on communication systems, with officers being trained to handle the failure of the C2000 communication system, as was witnessed during the previous New Year's Eve festivities. Officers are equipped with alternative communication methods through special apps, enhancing their preparations for any situations that might arise.
In a clear illustration of the police's zero-tolerance approach, Commander Woelders remarked that when it comes to protests, greater scrutiny and judgment will be applied. Discussions are ongoing about the “tolerance threshold” for various forms of protest, pointing to the complexities of managing activist movements while keeping safety and order at the forefront. Mayors from The Hague and surrounding municipalities, such as Haarlemmermeer, are currently deliberating on how to respond if activists take action, such as blocking highways.
The preparations for the summit began as early as a year and a half ago, marking a significant commitment from law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. This includes not only maintaining order during public demonstrations but also securing locations where world leaders will stay and ensuring that all police and military personnel are positioned effectively around the summit venue, the World Forum in The Hague.
In parallel with police efforts, the military is set to deploy around 10,000 soldiers, alongside 5,000 Marechaussee officers, as part of 'Operation Orange Shield.' These military forces will assist with traffic control, bomb detection, combat misinformation, and airspace surveillance. Moreover, military training exercises are also integrating scenarios involving potential terrorist attacks, further emphasizing the extensive measures being taken to secure the event.
As demonstrations are likely, the police and military forces are, unusually, working synchronously to bolster public security. The police are keenly aware of the scrutiny they will face from the international community during this high-profile convention and stress that thorough productivity in training remains paramount.
As the NATO summit approaches, the Dutch police are diligently working to ensure that all contingencies are planned for. From handling protests to addressing potential cyber threats, their overarching goal is to provide a secure environment conducive to international diplomacy. No stone is being left unturned, as both the police and military forces intensify their efforts to make the event a safe and successful gathering of global leaders.
In conclusion, the integrated approach of training, strategic planning, and collaboration with multiple agencies indicates the Dutch authorities’ determination to uphold safety during what is expected to be a pivotal summit. As the event draws nearer, the expectations on police and military readiness will only grow, placing the onus squarely on these forces to execute their plans with precision and professionalism.
