Side effects of the NATO summit (2)

There is much to tell about the NATO summit. I notice it myself when I am in The Hague. Police everywhere and many roadblocks. Especially at the more expensive hotels like the Hilton. Some shops are closed because customers (civil servants) are not allowed to go to the office but are only permitted to work from home by their bosses. Suppliers cannot deliver their goods due to the roadblocks. But most of those involved, the residents of the Statenkwartier, consider global security more important than the closures. So be it, not taking the children to school for a week, not receiving mail, and not getting visitors either.

Restrictions on public transport and traffic diversion routes in and around The Hague

Trains are running according to the normal schedule during the NATO summit. However, it may be extra crowded on the trains. Trams and buses in The Hague are also running according to the usual schedule, with the exception of public transport lines running through the closed-off area around the World Forum. HTM provides more information regarding the tram and bus schedules in The Hague. The consequences for other local public transport companies are now known. It is expected that public transport will also be busier and that lines may be cancelled.

Netherlands (2007): Beautiful Netherlands – The Hague (with HTM tram on field margin).

Lees: HTM: https://www.htm.nl/nieuwsberichten/openbaar-vervoer-navo-top/ EBS: https://www.ebs-ov.nl/haaglanden/actueel/nieuws/artikel/navo-top-den-haag/ Qbuzz: https://zhn.qbuzz.nl/nieuws/aanpassingen-ov-zuid-holland-noord-tijdens-navo-top-2025 9292OV: https://9292.nl/actueel/navo-top-2025-en-openbaar-vervoer/ Accessible city The Hague: https://bereikbarestad.denhaag.nl/nieuws/ General: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/navo-top-2025/bereikbaarheid-rond-navo-top-2025

Counter-summit in The Hague on June 22

Counter-summit and Protest for Peace and Justice At the end of June, NATO is coming to The Hague to discuss military escalation and arms races. While billions are going to war, healthcare, education, and the climate are being eroded. NATO serves not peace or human rights, but the interests of wealthy Western countries. Further war, destruction, and confrontation with nuclear powers loom. We do not want a summit of war, but peace, justice, and real security. Stand up for peace too: join the protest or sign up for the counter-summit. That is why the Counter-summit Coalition for Peace and Justice is organizing two things, namely the Protest for Peace and Justice – June 22, 14:00 – Koekamp, The Hague and the Counter-summit for peace and justiceCome to the protest or sign up for the counter-summit. Or take action in other ways.

The Counter-Top Coalition for Peace and Justice is a broad coalition of peace-minded organizations: The New Peace Movement, Transnational Institute, Church and Peace, ROOD, Revolutionary Socialist Party, DiEM25, BIJ1, XR Justice Now!, VD AMOK, VIA Foundation.

Read: Counter-summit demonstration, June 22: https://thehaguepeace.org/tegentopcoalitie/

Noordwijk

According to Noordwijk Marketing: Noordwijk holds the designation of a therapeutic seaside resort. Staying in Noordwijk, for both visitors and residents, has a positive effect on your vitality. In Noordwijk, you have the space to unwind physically and mentally. Be inspired by the rich cultural life and local entrepreneurs. Surrounded by the Hollandse Duinen National Park, nature truly comes close. The sound of the sea, the fresh air, and the sun contribute to better immunity.

Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is situated on the North Sea beach of the Dutch town of Noordwijk, midway between the northern or Queen Wilhelmina Boulevard and the southern or Queen Astrid Boulevard. It opened in 1885 as the first hotel for tourists, thereby laying the foundation for the development of Noordwijk as a renowned seaside resort. The hotel is located directly on the beach and features its own helipad. Restaurant Latour, which has held a Michelin star continuously since 2005, is located on the first floor of the hotel. Since 2010, the hotel has featured a beach pavilion that is open all year round. The American delegation has reserved all rooms at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. All staff have been vetted. It is therefore inevitable that President Donald Trump will stay at this 5-star hotel. Other heads of state will also be staying at this hotel.

Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. Photo: Noordwijkaanzee / Wikipedia.

The Noordwijk aan Zee lighthouse is located at Koningin Wilhelminaboulevard 34 near Vuurtorenplein in the Dutch town of Noordwijk aan Zee. The lighthouse has six floors and a staircase with 108 steps. The tower has a light height of over 33 meters and is constructed of brick and reinforced concrete.

Netherlands (2014): Vuurboet lighthouse in Noordwijk aan Zee.

Not only is the Lighthouse a beautiful viewpoint, but each floor is also decorated with a specific theme. The history of the Lighthouse is explained, and the Lifeboat Society, which formerly had an important link with the Lighthouse, is featured. In spring, summer, and autumn, the lighthouse is open every Sunday between 11 am and 16 pm.

Veterans Day on June 28

On June 28, 2025, The Hague will once again be the stage for Dutch Veterans Day. It is the day on which the Netherlands thanks its veterans for their service in the cause of peace.

Despite the 27.000 police officers and 10.000 soldiers present this coming week, Veterans Day on Saturday, June 28, from 11:00 AM to 19:30 PM, will be celebrated exclusively at the Malieveld. The veterans' parade has been cancelled. A special Veterans Day without a parade due to the NATO summit a few days earlier. But still a day full of music, many stands, food trucks, and above all, each other. It promises to be a fantastic day, a fun event for young and old. So come one, come all, whether you have already registered or not: everyone is welcome.