DEN HAAG - As the NATO summit approaches, significant security measures are being implemented in The Hague. Four neighborhoods will be partially sealed off, with the area around the World Forum being the most affected. This closure, which runs from June 19 to June 25, 2025, is part of a state of emergency declared by the municipality to ensure safety during the high-profile event.
The World Forum will be the central venue for the summit, and only accredited participants will be allowed access. Businesses and institutions in this vicinity will also be inaccessible during this period. Residents will still have the right to walk to and from their homes, but all vehicles, including bicycles, will be prohibited. Public transport, including trams, will not operate in the area, further limiting access.
Mayor Jan van Zanen addressed the city council on April 10, 2025, outlining the emergency ordinance and its necessity for maintaining order and safety. He stated, "The importance of consultation between different countries is only increasing these days. It is an honor that the NATO summit is being held in The Hague, but also a great responsibility." The mayor emphasized that local international tensions are palpable, and additional measures are essential to facilitate daily life during the summit.
In addition to the World Forum, other areas will also face restrictions. The neighborhood surrounding Huis ten Bosch, where King Willem-Alexander will host a dinner for world leaders on June 24, will be closed from 5:00 PM on that day until 11:00 AM the following day. This area will only be accessible to residents who can confirm their identity through access controls.
The area around the Zeestraat, which includes the Carlton Ambassador Hotel, the Hilton Hotel, and the Panorama Mesdag museum, will also experience closures from June 22 at noon until June 26 at 11:00 AM. During this time, access will be restricted, and ships will not be allowed to sail through the canal along the Mauritskade.
Despite these closures, the beaches in Scheveningen will remain open to the public. Beachgoers will be permitted to swim, paddleboard, and surf, but motorboats will be banned from the area. This measure aims to balance security needs with the public's enjoyment of the coastal region.
As the summit approaches, the municipality is making concerted efforts to keep residents and businesses informed about the impending changes. Information sessions are scheduled, and an informational brochure will be distributed in May to outline the specific measures in detail. The first of these sessions will begin on April 10, 2025, at the Fotomuseum, where residents can voice their concerns and ask questions.
"We are in direct communication with residents, businesses, schools, and healthcare institutions to ensure that everyone understands the implications of these measures," Mayor van Zanen noted. He stressed that while the city is accustomed to hosting international events, the scale of the NATO summit necessitates a tailored approach to security and access.
Traffic disruptions are already anticipated, with the Johan de Wittlaan, a major thoroughfare in The Hague, set to close on April 14 for four months. This closure will facilitate the setup of temporary facilities required for the summit.
The police have described the NATO summit as the largest security operation ever undertaken in the Netherlands. With dozens of heads of state and thousands of delegates expected to attend, the city is preparing for a significant influx of visitors and heightened security protocols. Mayor van Zanen expressed confidence in the city's ability to manage the event, stating, "With all our efforts, I trust in a dignified, hospitable, and safe course for this summit."
As the date approaches, the municipality will continue to refine and communicate the specifics of the security measures. These include not only the closures and access controls but also provisions for vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, who reside in areas affected by the emergency ordinance.
Overall, the NATO summit represents both an opportunity and a challenge for The Hague, showcasing its role on the international stage while demanding meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. With preparations underway, the city is poised to welcome world leaders while striving to minimize disruption to its residents and businesses.
