NATO Secretary General outlines expectations ahead of historic Summit

Source: NATO

On Monday 23 June [2025] NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, outlined his expectations for the NATO Summit in The Hague. This year’s Summit takes place on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June and will bring together heads of state and government from across the Alliance; it will be hosted by the Netherlands for the first time.

“We meet at a truly historic moment, with significant and growing challenges to our security” Mr Rutte stated. “As the world becomes more dangerous, Allied leaders will take bold decisions to strengthen our collective defence, making NATO a stronger, a fairer and a more lethal Alliance.”

This week, Allies will approve a major new defence investment plan, raising the benchmark for defence investment to 5% of GDP. This will be agreed together with a concerted effort to ramp up defence industry across NATO, increasing security and creating jobs. There will also be a continued focus on support for Ukraine alongside the pursuit of a just and lasting end to Russia’s war of aggression.

Mr Rutte made clear that the new defence investment plan will be “decisive” to ensuring effective deterrence. While the details of national capability targets are classified, the Secretary General called for a five-fold increase in air defence capabilities, thousands more tanks and armoured vehicles and millions of rounds of artillery ammunition to help keep NATO’s one billion citizens safe.

Speaking ahead of the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum on Tuesday 24, Mr Rutte urged Allies to work with industry to expand their defence industrial base warning that “there is not nearly enough supply to meet our increased demand on either side of the Atlantic”. “By investing more and producing more, we build a stronger NATO” he stressed.

Strengthening partnerships will remain a key focus for the Alliance, with the Summit providing the opportunity to engage with Ukraine, NATO partners in the Indo-Pacific, and the leadership of the European Union.

Finally, on Ukraine Mr Rutte was unambiguous, “we must continue to make sure Ukraine has what it needs to defend today and deter in the future. Our support for Ukraine is unwavering and will persist” he affirmed.

Information for accredited media

Source: NATO

PROGRAMME

Please check the event programme for the schedule of events. The detailed media programme (pdf) also includes pools departures and other technical details.

VENUE

 On 24 – 25 June, the NATO Summit will take place at the World Forum Convention Centre. The International Media Centre (IMC) is located in the World Forum Convention Centre. 

The Accreditation Office is located at Stadhouderslaan 15, 2517 HV The Hague.

PICKING UP YOUR ACCREDITATION BADGE

 You will be granted a media pass only if you received a confirmation from NATO that your application for accreditation has been successful.

 You can collect your NATO Summit media pass at the Accreditation Office, located at Stadhouderslaan 15, 2517 HV The Hague.

 You will need to show a valid national identification document (Passport or ID-card) and press card (or accreditation letter from a recognised media organisation). You will need to bring the same ID document that you used in your accreditation application.

ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CENTRE

 All media representatives must use Stadhouderslaan 15, 2517 HV The Hague to access the International Media Centre. 

The location is accessible by city public transport (tram/bus), taxi, car or bike. A passenger drop-off point and bicycle racks are available. There are no parking facilities nearby.

Tram station World Forum (served by the lines 1 and 17) and bus stop World Forum (served by the lines 24 and 28) are located in the proximity of the Accreditation Office. 

Please note media will need to go through airport-style security screening which may take longer at peak periods. 

Given the security procedures and distances between venues, please plan at least 45 minutes for reaching the IMC.

OPENING HOURS

  Media Centre Accreditation Office
 Saturday, 21 June  Closed  12:00 – 18:00
 Sunday, 22 June  12:00 – 18:00  12:00 – 18:00
 Monday, 23 June  09:00 – 20:00  09:00 – 20:00
 Tuesday, 24 June  Open continuously from 07:00  07:00 – 18:00
 Wednesday, 25 June  Open continuously until 02:00 on 26 June  06:30 – 14:00

MEDIA CENTRE / FACILITIES

The IMC includes the following facilities:

  • General filing area which is the main working space for all media accredited to the Summit, with access to internet (free), video and audio feed, and power outlets – available on a first come first serve basis.
  • Editing area – fully booked
  • Indoor/outdoor stand-up positions – fully booked
  • TV presentation positions
  • Press briefing rooms: One large press briefing room (Main Press Theatre) and 13 other press briefing rooms of different sizes. There will also be several informal media huddle/stakeout positions.
  • One Summit TV studio and one online engagements studio
  • Catering facilities for media

Lockers for media are available in the IMC; belongings can be stored overnight in the lockers. Bulky equipment exceeding the size of the lockers cannot be left / stored in the media centre overnight.

The World Forum is a non-smoking building.

For any questions during the Summit, accredited journalists can go to the Information Desk at the Media centre.

OPEN ACCESS FOR MEDIA

Media will have unescorted access to the following:

  • Filing, broadcast and catering area.
  • Outdoor stand-up positions
  • Press conference area – when press conferences are taking place.
  • Media huddle/stakeout area – when engagements are taking place.

NATO Secretary General’s press conferences are open to all accredited media representatives. Press conference announced on the CCTV are open for accredited media present in the IMC.

POOLED ACCESS FOR MEDIA

Media access to the main Summit events is pooled. Specific pool cards for each event will be used by NATO to identify the media authorised to attend. Please consult the media programme to identify the pools for each event.

Media representatives wishing to be considered for a media pool need to contact Summitmediaoperations@hq.nato.int. You will receive a confirmation if your request can be accommodated, and you will be invited to collect your pool card.

By accepting a NATO pool position, you commit to share immediately all information and material collected while in the pool with any accredited media that request it, at no charge and with no restriction on the use of the material for news purposes. Media representatives and news organisations must identify that it is pooled material every time it is used. Pooled material can only be used for legitimate news purposes and it cannot be sold.

MEDIA ACCESS TO NATIONAL EVENTS

 Participating Heads of State and Government may hold press conferences in the Media Centre. If those are open to all media, time and location will be announced on the CCTV. 

Details about national media plans (press briefings, bilateral meetings) are available from the national delegations. Providing information about, and organizing media coverage of bilateral events is the responsibility of the respective national delegations. 

Please contact the national delegations directly. A contact list of national press officers is available at the Information Desk in the Media Centre.

BROADCAST AND CONTENT

NEP Groep/Wirtz Film operates as Host TV for the NATO Summit and covers live all events open to the media. The coverage will be available via satellite (on world feed), in the International Media Centre and on the NATO website. 

Host TV will also provide continuous broadcast quality video feed of the Public Forum in the IMC. The Public Forum will also be shown live on NATO’s YouTube channel and on www.natopublicforum.org.

Technical details relevant for broadcasters are available here

Broadcast-quality B-roll will be available for free download from the NATO Multimedia Portal. Journalists need to register to the portal to be able to download videos: natomultimedia.tv/portal/Register.html. For more information, contact content@natomultimedia.tv.

Transcripts of the Secretary General’s public remarks, as well as pictures taken by NATO photographers will be available on the NATO website.

REGISTRATION OF WIRELESS EQUIPMENT

To ensure your wireless equipment functions properly, safely, and legally during the NATO summit, it’s important to understand whether a license is required and how to comply with national regulations. Please visit to find out:   https://www.rdi.nl/onderwerpen/public-events

NATO PUBLIC FORUM

The NATO Public Forum will take place on 24-25 June at the Summit site. Details about the event are available at www.natopublicforum.org.

Direct coverage by credentialed media will be pooled and access will be escorted from the International Media Centre. Media can ask for access at the Information Desk.

NOTE: Media cannot participate in the discussions or ask questions.

INTERPRETATION

There will be simultaneous interpretation into French, Russian and Ukrainian of the NATO Secretary General’s press conferences and public remarks at the start of the Summit’s working sessions. Interpretation in multiple languages will also available during the live-streaming on the NATO website. 

Interpretation might be provided for some of the national press conferences. Headsets will be available in the respective press conference rooms.

SECURITY

It is strongly recommended to arrive early to clear security checks. Please comply with the instructions of security staff. Passes must be visible at all times.

If you lose your accreditation badge, please write to NATOAccreditations@hq.nato.int and report at the Information Desk.

CATERING

Catering will be available at the Summit venue throughout the Summit at no cost. Snacks, coffee, water will be provided throughout the IMC during opening hours. Hot meals will be provided in the media catering area at times outlined below.

Day Lunch Dinner Dinner
 22 June  13:00 – 15:00  –  
 23 June  12:30 – 14:30  17.30 -19.30  
 24 June  11:30 – 14:30  19:00 – 21:00  Light catering overnight
 25 June  11:30 – 14:30  18:30-21:00  Light catering overnight

LOST AND FOUND

 Please check at the Information Desk.

MAPS

Access to the premises

CONTACT POINTS

General logistics, pool access:  Summitmediaoperations@hq.nato.int

Media accreditation:  NATOAccreditations@hq.nato.int 

Edit booths, standups, etc: broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl 

TV Studio:  broadcastoperations@hq.nato.int 

B-roll and video distribution:  content@natomultimedia.tv

NATO Summit Media Coordination:
Ms. Alina COCA – Summitmediaoperations@hq.nato.int

The Netherlands Media Coordination: antoinet-de.haan@minbuza.nl

Media queries and / or requests for interviews of NATO officials:
NATO Press and Media Service – press@hq.nato.int
The Netherlands: NATO2025-press@minbuza.nl

Pacific Partnership 2025 Commences Mission Stop in the Kingdom of Tonga, June 18, 2025

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Pacific Partnership has returned to the Kingdom of Tonga to conduct the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response readiness mission present in the Indo-Pacific region, June 18, 2025.

Pacific Partnership brings together U.S. and Tongan personnel to collaborate on engineering projects and medical engagements, strengthening the host-nation’s capacities and forging new, enduring partnerships in the region.

“The various medical and engineering endeavors the United States and the Kingdom of Tonga are scheduled to accomplish together are a reflection of our various shared values, with an emphasis on strong cooperation and adaptability,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander of Pacific Partnership. “The U.S., our Navy and our partners stand proud in our prevailing commitment to the Kingdom of Tonga and its more than 100,000 residents.”

During their stop in the Kingdom of Tonga, the Pacific Partnership medical team is scheduled to lead community health engagements in the fields of ophthalmology, nursing, nutrition, environmental health and healthcare.

“This is another example of our enduring commitment to engage with the Tongan people,” said Marcus Jackson, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of United States Embassy Nukuʻalofa. “His Majesty’s Armed Forces and U.S. forces have historically trained together, deployed together and, through Pacific Partnership, build together.”

These engagements are tailored to the individual needs of the local Tongan citizens, repeating and expanding on the trust and rapport developed between the two groups through past iterations of the annual exercise.

The Pacific Partnership 2025 engineering team plans to accomplish numerous engineering repairs on a Technical School Building in Ha’ateiho. The U.S. and Tongan-formed team is also on track to finish multiple repairs on a Mobile Utilities Support Equipment generator, and conduct several subject matter expert exchanges throughout the mission.

“It is an honor to be here in the Kingdom of Tonga and have a role in continuing this partnership,” said Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Carrington, Pacific Partnership Tonga mission lead. “By working alongside our host Tongans, either through repairing important infrastructure or sharing medical expertise, we are building lasting capacity and enhancing interoperability. So, when disaster strikes, our nations stand readier than ever to work together.”

Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

Date Taken: 06.18.2025
Date Posted: 06.22.2025 04:39
Story ID: 501189
Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO

Web Views: 9
Downloads: 0

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Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 19, 2025 [Image 1 of 3]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on


NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 19, 2025) U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), and Mr. Marcus R. Jackson, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Nuku’Alofa, receive ceremonial Tongan garlands during a groundbreaking ceremony at the Tonga College ‘Atele campus as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 19, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 06.19.2025
Date Posted: 06.22.2025 04:30
Photo ID: 9125906
VIRIN: 250619-N-ED646-2506
Resolution: 8640×5760
Size: 8.39 MB
Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO

Web Views: 0
Downloads: 0

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Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 18, 2025 [Image 1 of 4]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on


NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 18, 2025) Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), and Chief Sonar Technician Timothy Darcy, assistant officer in charge of PP-25, survey the Tonga College ‘Atele campus ahead of construction repairs as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 18, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 06.18.2025
Date Posted: 06.22.2025 04:23
Photo ID: 9125902
VIRIN: 250618-N-ED646-4662
Resolution: 8396×5599
Size: 8.2 MB
Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO

Web Views: 1
Downloads: 0

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NATO and Armenia strengthen cooperation in support to defence reform

Source: NATO

Representatives from NATO’s Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate met with Armenia’s Deputy Chief of Defence, Major General Arthur Yeroyan, and the leadership of the Armenian Armed Forces’ education institutions in Yerevan, on 9 and 10 June 2025. Following a request from Armenia’s Ministry of Defence, a team of experts of NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) conducted an assessment of the Armenian military education system, earlier this year. During the visit in June the DEEP team presented the assessment’s results and recommendations to the Armenian Deputy Chief of Defence.

Armenia is currently developing a new military education concept and doctrinal basis for its armed forces, in line with Western standards. NATO and Armenia will prioritise their cooperation on doctrine development, the approach to combined arms, strategic leadership, and on the drafting of a human resources concept for all different officer ranks and career paths.

NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme is supporting the continued professionalisation of the Armenian security and defence structures, through institution building and faculty development activities, including by modernising the Language Centre and establishing an eLearning Centre in the national Military Academy. Additional efforts are being carried out to consolidate the National Defence Research University as strategic level military education institution and to boost the development of a NCO corps, with the aim to enhance the ability of Armenian personnel to work alongside NATO. 

Armenian Deputy Chief of Defence, Major General Arthur Yeroyan, underscored that the support provided by NATO through its Defence Education Enhancement Programme is key for the ongoing modernisation efforts of the Armenian forces and defence institutions.

Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Mission Stop in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025 [Image 7 of 9]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on


SUVA, Fiji (June 16, 2025) Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), presents a commemorative gift to Mr. Samuela Togenavanua, local tribe leader of Suva, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waiqanake District School as part of PP-25 in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 06.16.2025
Date Posted: 06.19.2025 21:08
Photo ID: 9123901
VIRIN: 250616-N-ED646-7511
Resolution: 8640×5760
Size: 7.98 MB
Location: SUVA, FJ

Web Views: 1
Downloads: 0

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Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Mission Stop in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025 [Image 1 of 9]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on


SUVA, Fiji (June 16, 2025) Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025, greets Mr. Samuela Togenavanua, local tribe leader of Suva, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waiqanake District School in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 06.16.2025
Date Posted: 06.19.2025 21:08
Photo ID: 9123894
VIRIN: 250616-N-ED646-6545
Resolution: 8640×5760
Size: 7.19 MB
Location: SUVA, FJ

Web Views: 1
Downloads: 0

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