NATO Gears Up for The Hague Summit: European Defense, Ukraine, and Deterrence Top the Agenda

As Europe faces growing security threats from Russia and beyond, NATO is preparing for a high-stakes defense summit in The Hague on June 24–25. With the war in Ukraine entering its third year and global tensions rising, this summit is expected to shape the future of European security and NATO’s role in deterrence and defense.

The Hague Summit: A Crucial Turning Point for NATO and European Security

In a year marked by rising geopolitical tensions, military build-ups, and persistent threats to NATO’s eastern flank, The Hague is set to host one of the most consequential defense summits of the decade. Scheduled for June 24–25, the summit brings together heads of state, defense ministers, and military leaders from the 31 NATO member states, along with select partners from the European Union and Indo-Pacific allies.

This summit will serve as a prelude to the Washington NATO Summit in July, where long-term strategic doctrines will be finalized. According to NATO’s official announcement, The Hague Summit will focus on immediate defense readiness, increased investment in joint capabilities, and bolstering support for Ukraine.

Key Agenda Items: Defense Spending, Ukraine, and Russia

At the heart of the summit's discussions will be the alliance’s collective defense posture under Article 5, along with the goal of ensuring that all member states meet or exceed the 2% GDP target for defense spending.

With the war in Ukraine showing no signs of resolution, member nations are expected to discuss further security assistance packages and how to build a permanent, sustainable framework for Ukrainian integration into NATO systems, though formal membership remains a contentious topic.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized in a press briefing that:

“This summit is not just about managing today’s crises—it’s about building the alliance we need for tomorrow. Europe’s defense starts with a credible NATO deterrent and unity in action.”

For background on NATO’s Ukraine policies, visit NATO & Ukraine Partnership.

Reinforcing the Eastern Flank and Deterrence Architecture

Recent intelligence from the Estonian Defence Forces and Poland’s Ministry of National Defence points to a steady increase in Russian troop deployments near NATO borders. The Hague Summit will review and potentially expand NATO's Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, with new troop rotations and upgraded logistics infrastructure.

A major topic of concern is hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), headquartered in Tallinn, will present updated threat assessments and propose enhanced collaboration with EU cybersecurity agencies.

NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) program details can be found here.

Renewed Push for Defense Industry Cooperation

European leaders are expected to present a roadmap for scaling up domestic defense production, in line with the EU-NATO Joint Declaration signed in early 2024. This includes joint procurement initiatives for air defense systems, ammunition, and AI-driven battlefield technologies.

France and Germany are reportedly planning to unveil a joint missile defense program, while Sweden and Finland—NATO’s newest members—are expected to contribute key Arctic defense technologies.

According to The European Defence Agency, this industrial synergy is critical to ensure Europe remains less dependent on U.S. defense contracts, while still reinforcing transatlantic defense ties.

Strategic Partnerships and Indo-Pacific Dialogue

The summit will also welcome representatives from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, reflecting NATO’s evolving interest in Indo-Pacific security cooperation. These nations are increasingly involved in countering disinformation, maritime threats, and cybersecurity risks emanating from China and North Korea.

Analysts at the Atlantic Council believe this “global NATO-lite” model is gaining traction, especially amid challenges to democratic norms in both Europe and Asia.

Expectations from the U.S. and Transatlantic Unity

With the U.S. presidential elections looming, European nations are looking for reassurances of American commitment to NATO under any future administration. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled to meet bilaterally with several European defense chiefs to discuss troop deployments and nuclear deterrence policies.

The Hague Summit will also revisit the NATO Nuclear Sharing Agreement, including modernization of storage sites and dual-capable aircraft systems, in response to Russia’s deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

More on NATO nuclear policy can be explored via the NATO Nuclear Planning Group.

Civil Readiness and Resilience Planning

The summit will dedicate a special session to civil-military coordination and societal resilience in case of hybrid or conventional attacks. This includes discussions on energy security, emergency communication systems, and the protection of critical infrastructure like undersea cables.

The recent sabotage of the Balticconnector pipeline and cyber intrusions targeting transport networks in Romania and Germany have underlined the importance of civilian defense strategies.

For further reading, see the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.

Conclusion

As war continues on NATO’s doorstep and threats evolve rapidly, the The Hague Summit on June 24–25 is shaping up to be a defining moment for European defense. NATO’s ability to adapt, invest, and remain unified will determine whether the alliance can deter aggression and secure peace for the next generation.

The world will be watching The Hague not just for statements, but for decisions with real consequence.