On each episode of Expaterience, Nicoletta Pisanu brings you Expaterience News with the latest and most important headlines for expats/internationals living in The Hague region and the Netherlands at large.
News Bulletin Episode #02
NATO leaders meet at The Hague summit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels on October 18, 2024. Photo: NATO Press Office
Saturday, June 21, 2025
by: Nicoletta Pisanu
NATO has unveiled the agenda for its 2025 summit in The Hague, where alliance leaders will gather at the World Forum, this upcoming Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25, to address international security challenges and global developments.
Secretary General Mark Rutte will hold a press conference on June 23. On Tuesday, the NATO Defence Industry Forum will take place.
Tuesday evening includes working dinners for both the NATO-Ukraine Council and the North Atlantic Council. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will host an informal dinner for heads of state and government, joined by leaders from key NATO partners and EU institutions.
The main summit session, the North Atlantic Council at the leaders’ level, will take place on Wednesday.
The Dutch Defense will deploy over 10.000 military personnel, reservists, and staff across the country. This large-scale operation, named Operation Orange Shield, includes both military support and police tasks carried out by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Given global tensions and the presence of high-profile dignitaries, it is one of the largest security efforts in Dutch history. Despite the military’s involvement, the operation remains under civilian authority as it takes place within national borders. The estimated cost for the NATO summit is over 183 million euros.
NATO summit disrupts public life and traffic
photo: Rijkswaterstaat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
by: Nicoletta Pisanu
The NATO summit will impact the traffic in The Hague area. From tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, June 22, to Thursday, June 26, motorists should prepare for significant traffic disruptions in and around The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.
Due to temporary, partial or even full closures of highways, on- and off-ramps, viaducts, and tunnels—particularly along the A4, N44, A44, and A5—drivers may experience major delays.
Main traffic corridor Johan de Wittlaan was already fully closed and will remain closed until August.
For the most up-to-date information and details on local road closures, residents are advised to check their municipal websites.
Train services will operate on a regular schedule during the NATO summit, though trains may be more crowded than usual. In The Hague, tram and bus passengers are encouraged to consult HTM for the latest updates on public transport routes in the city.
Government implodes over asylum seekers
View across the Hofvijver (‘Court Pond’) of the Binnenhof (‘Inner Court’) complex, the historical political center of the Netherlands, in the heart of The Hague. Photo: Pixabay
Saturday, June 21, 2025
by: Nicoletta Pisanu
The far-right PVV party, led by Geert Wilders, triggered the collapse of the Dutch coalition government on June 3 by pulling out over failed asylum policy demands — specifically a 10‑point plan including deportations and border closures. Prime Minister Dick Schoof resigned, the ministries are continuing in a caretaker role until new elections, to be held on Wednesday, October 29.
Housing shortages, families living in precarious conditions, and the uncertainty over social support measures highlight the real‑world impact of this political crisis. Meanwhile, political leaders are planning their strategies for the election campaign, searching for alliances that actually are far from guaranteed. For example, the VVD leader labeled Wilders as “irresponsible and unnecessary” and the possibility that the two parties will tie the knot seems far.
Netherlands seeks 8.000 asylum transfers
photo: Pixabay
Saturday, June 21, 2025
by: Nicoletta Pisanu
According to data published by CBS Statistics Netherlands on Wednesday, in twenty-twentyfour, the Netherlands made 8.000 transfer requests to other countries under the Dublin Regulation, aiming to send asylum seekers to the country responsible for handling their applications. In the same year, the Netherlands received over 5.000 similar requests from other countries.
According to Statistics Netherlands, more than 2.200 asylum seekers were transferred from the Netherlands to other countries, while nearly 1.200 were transferred to the Netherlands. Most, 380, came from Germany.
The Dublin Regulation determines which country is responsible for processing an asylum application. A country may ask another to take over an asylum seeker if, for example, the person first applied for asylum there, entered the EU through that country, or has family members there who have applied for or been granted asylum.
Travel warning: Middle East risks rise
photo: Pixabay
Saturday, June 21, 2025
by: Nicoletta Pisanu
Taking advantage of the summer holidays, some expats may want to travel to their home countries as well as touring abroad. In any case, following the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Iran, it is important for travelers to check the latest information on security in the Middle East on the website of the Dutch government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Instead, if at the moment you are in Iran or Israel, please consult the travel advice for each country for detailed information and guidance on what to do.
Also, register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Information Service. Indeed, military clashes between Iran and Israel have created an unpredictable security situation across the Middle East.
For example, the travel advisory color code for the Jordanian border regions with Syria and Iraq is orange, meaning travel is only advised if necessary. These areas are not safe for tourism. For the rest of Jordan, the travel advisory is yellow, so travelers should remain cautious due to specific security risks.
The security situation in Israel remains highly unpredictable and dangerous. As of last Friday, June 13, the travel advisory for the entire country has been raised to red. There is a high risk of attacks across Israel. Under all circumstances, travel to Israel is strongly discouraged due to the serious dangers.
The travel advisory for Iraq is marked red as well, because of the same level of danger and risks.
