This year’s NATO Summit in The Hague is characterized by some unique features. The primary topic — raising member states’ defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 — has already been settled, with Spain being the only country to receive special flexibility.
Moreover, it’s uncommon for a summit to only last three hours, yet Secretary General Mark Rutte is organizing several side events starting Monday.
The reason for the significantly shortened duration of the Summit is clear: to keep U.S. President Donald Trump from losing interest, as this marks his first visit to Europe during his second term.
President Trump arrives at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/G4omQLnoFj
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025
Until now, Mr. Trump had limited his presence to sending his Vice President J.D. Vance, who caused quite a stir at the Munich Security Conference last February, notably by engaging with the Alternative for Germany ahead of German federal elections.
This time, Donald Trump is presenting himself as a peacemaker, expressing goodwill towards his “European friends” and satisfied that NATO members are aligning with his longstanding demand for increased contributions to collective defense, with a goal of over 5%.
The U.S. President engages in conversation with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
Donald Trump arrived in the Netherlands last night at around 20:30, heading directly from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Huis ten Bosch Palace.
Traveling alone, he is the only leader hosted at the royal residence by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
Emmanuel Macron greeting Queen Máxima and Princess Amalia.
Meetings and Article 5
There’s no doubt Trump will put on a “show of strength” at the Summit, which commenced with leaders’ statements shortly after 10:00 Greek time and will conclude by 15:00.
Mr. Trump is expected to be in high demand for meetings, having already met with his longtime acquaintance Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with whom he posed for the dinner’s group photo.
Additionally, he is set to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky, who, while not part of the official Summit agenda, will be in The Hague for a one-on-one with the U.S. President.
Some European leaders have already conferred with Mr. Trump; notably, at last night’s dinner, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — with whom he shares close ties — was seated next to him.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looking dapper in a suit.
Upon arriving at the Summit, despite the peaceful atmosphere in the Middle East, Trump drew attention by referencing Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty—the clause concerning collective defense in the event of an attack on a member nation. When asked if the U.S. remains committed to Article 5, Trump’s response was enigmatic:
“It depends on the definition. There are several definitions of Article 5. I’m committed to being their friend and saving lives. I’m committed to life and security,” he told journalists, adding that he would clarify his definition during the Summit, rather than on the plane.
The Greek Position
In this context, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, who arrived in The Hague last night, is positioned comfortably regarding the issue of increased NATO defense spending.
Mr. Mitsotakis has long acknowledged the importance of Trump’s observation from his earlier term, although the situation has changed significantly since the war in Ukraine.
At today’s Summit, Mr. Mitsotakis is expected to emphasize Greece’s reliability as an ally, having adhered to the NATO defense spending commitment (2% of GDP) even during challenging economic times, thereby enhancing the Alliance’s capabilities in a critical region.
He will also address recent developments in the Middle East and highlight that Greece spends 3% of its GDP on defense while facing multiple security challenges.
Consequently, Greece falls within the core NATO group, exceeding the current 2% commitment, ranking 5th among member countries in defense spending as a percentage of GDP. The Prime Minister is expected to mention Greece’s extensive €25 billion armaments program over the next 12 years.
Mitsotakis is anticipated to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines, but no official one-on-one with Turkish President Erdoğan is scheduled.
NATO heads of state posing for a family photo outside Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
The Leaders’ Dinner Menu
The NATO leaders took the opportunity last night to gather for a family photo before dining with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the elegant Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
A red carpet was rolled out upon the NATO leaders’ arrival, and after the group photo, they dined in the palace’s opulent hall.
The Royal Dinner Menu
The menu featured seared tuna with a caramelized crust, served with Amsterdam pickle mousse, chives, cream, and crispy onions.
The main course consisted of beef fillet accompanied by chanterelle mushroom sauce, asparagus, and “pommes paolo” potatoes.
Dessert was a chocolate tart with soft caramel, tonka seeds, and vanilla sauce.
The dinner was complemented by a selection of wines: a 2022 Meursault, a 2005 Saint-Émilion, and a 2012 Champagne.
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