Dutch police intervened on Monday to disperse climate activists who were protesting on the A44 highway near Lisse, approximately 30 kilometers from The Hague, just ahead of the annual NATO summit. The protest was organized to push for the prioritization of environmental issues and the acceleration of peacebuilding initiatives by NATO leaders. Activists expressed concern that the ongoing climate crisis, particularly as it relates to geopolitical tensions such as the threat posed by Russia, is not being adequately addressed in the discussions around global security. One demonstrator articulated a critical point, stating, “There is a meeting going on in the next few days from NATO where they talk about the security of the world, but the climate crisis is not on the agenda.”
Over the weekend leading up to the summit, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of The Hague, voicing their discontent not only about NATO’s defense spending but also about concerns regarding the potential for war with Iran. Their demonstrations highlighted a growing frustration among citizens who feel that the focus on military preparations overshadows urgent issues like climate change. The protests serve as a stark reminder that many believe that national and international security cannot be comprehensively addressed without considering environmental sustainability.
The upcoming NATO summit has drawn attention not only for the pressing discussions among Western leaders but also for the extensive security measures implemented in anticipation of the event. Dubbed “Orange Shield,” this security operation is the largest-ever mobilization by Dutch authorities for such an event. US President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders are expected to focus on military preparedness and spending during their discussions, with particular emphasis on addressing the ongoing challenges posed by countries like Russia and Iran.
Recent geopolitical events have led to increased defense spending among NATO allies, largely motivated by the ramifications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine over three years ago. Despite these heightened expenditures, it’s noteworthy that almost a third of NATO members still fall short of meeting the alliance’s defense spending target of at least 2% of their gross domestic product. This discrepancy has prompted calls from leaders, including Trump, for further increases in military budgets, with proposals now suggesting a new target of 5% GDP spending.
Mark Rutte, the NATO chief, emphasized the severity of this new financial commitment, which will demand a significant escalation in defense capabilities. The proposed budget would facilitate a five-fold increase in air defense systems, the procurement of thousands more tanks and armored vehicles, and the acquisition of millions of rounds of artillery ammunition. This ambitious plan reflects the alliance’s urgency in reinforcing its military readiness amid growing global threats.
As protests continue to unfold in The Hague during the summit, the tension between climate activism and military discussions illustrates a broader conflict in prioritizing global security issues. Activists are increasingly advocating for a holistic approach that recognizes that climate change is an existential threat warranting significant dialogue and action at high-level summits like NATO’s. The outcome of this summit could significantly influence not just defense policy, but also the nascent dialogue on integrating climate considerations into national security frameworks.
