NATO update

 

NATO multinational battlegroup Estonia demonstrate combat readiness during Exercise Bold Eagle Testing their readiness to defend the Alliance’s eastern flank’, NATO’s multinational battlegroup Estonia deployed alongside NATO Allies recently, for Exercise Bold Eagle. The seven-day exercise in Estonia challenged Estonian, French, Polish, UK and US forces’ readiness to navigate the complex, boggy landscape of the northern Baltics.  The UK-led NATO battlegroup is one of eight based along NATO’s eastern flank, demonstrating Allies’ resolve and readiness to defend Alliance territory and populations. Click here to download the B-roll. Footage includes shots of British Army Challenger 2 tanks, Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and Estonian and UK infantry training in trench warfare. The soundbite is from Lt Sam Dulson, Platoon Commander, 7th Platoon, C Company, 1 Mercian, British Army.

Press Release 24 April 2025 Ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of Germany joining NATO On Monday, 28 April 2025, a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO will take place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.   Media advisory 14:00 (CEST)  Wreath-laying ceremony by the NATO Secretary General and Germany’s Federal President   14.15 (CEST) Handshake between the NATO Secretary General and Germany’s Federal President 14:45 (CEST)  Germany’s Accession 70th Anniversary Celebration   Media coverage Access is limited to journalists with annual accreditation and those who have registered and been notified that they are accredited to cover the meeting in person.   View the detailed Media programme   The ceremony will be streamed live on the NATO website, and it will be available via EBU exchange. A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be published on the NATO website.   Video can be downloaded from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event.   For more information:  Contact the NATO Press Office

24 April 2025

NATO Summit media advisory - The Hague, the Netherlands, 24-25 June 2025   The Netherlands will host a NATO Summit in The Hague on 24-25 June 2025. The meeting will be chaired by the NATO Secretary General and will take place at the World Forum, Churchillplein 10, 2517 JW The Hague, Netherlands.   Media accreditation for the event is now open. See details below.   An international Media Centre, designated for the accredited media, will operate at the Summit venue from the 23 to 26 June 2025. Media representatives will access the premises through the Accreditation Office.   MEDIA ACCREDITATION IS OPEN Media representatives wishing to cover the Summit in person (including those with an annual accreditation with NATO) will need to register here.   The deadline to register and apply for media accreditation is 6 June 2025, 23h59 CEST.   Media representatives need to apply as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing their requests. Due to high demand, late applications will not be considered.   NATO will confirm the accreditation by email, via the email address used to register, together with details about how media representatives can pick up their badges.   Due to high demand and space limitations, NATO recommends media organisations to limit their physical presence on site.   Media representatives will pick up their badge in-person in the Accreditation Office. It is mandatory to bring: the same ID document that you used to apply for accreditation online the same proof of media status (press card and/or Letter from your Editor) used for the registration and confirmation email (with QR code) in order to receive your pass.   In accordance with NATO media accreditation procedures, NATO reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation of media representatives from media organisations who abuse their privileges, put the accreditation to improper use, or act in a way not consistent with the principles of the Organization.   ACCESS The Accreditation Office will be the only point of entry and exit for the NATO Summit Media Centre.   The Accreditation Office will be located at Stadhouderslaan 15, The Hague. It will be accessible by city public transport (tram/bus), taxi, car or bike. There are no parking facilities nearby the venue. A passenger drop-off point and bicycle racks will be available.   OPENING HOURS Times and dates are subject to change   Accreditation Office International Media Centre  Saturday 21 June  Open  Closed  Sunday 22 June  Open (PM)  Open (PM) for broadcasters only  Monday 23 June  Open  Open  Tuesday 24 June  Open  Open  Wednesday 25 June  Open  Open 24h  Thursday 26 June   Closed  Open until 2h00 a.m. MEDIA PROGRAMME The media programme will be available online at a later stage. To help with media travel plans, the Summit’s formal opening is on 24 June 2025, and its end in the afternoon on 25 June 2025.   Details about the programme and media logistics will be available in mid-June. Please check the NATO website and X accounts (@NATOPress and @NATO) for updates.   All summit media events will be transmitted live by the Summit Host TV to the media centre, online and via satellite. Bilateral events between delegations are not a part of the official Summit programme. Details of these bilateral events should be sought from the delegations concerned.   POOLS Visual media will be able to cover the main summit events based on a pool system. More details about pool opportunities will be provided together with the media programme.   Journalists accepting a NATO pool position must 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 organisations that want pooled images should first contact the wire service / photo agency of which they are a client. 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 CENTRE - FACILITIES The Media Centre will offer: A press working area, including CCTV, Wi-Fi as well as wired internet connection. A limited number of TV and radio editing booths. A press conference area with informal media huddle positions and briefing rooms of different sizes. An information desk and access to the NATO and Dutch media teams. Catering area. A limited number of outdoor and indoor stand-up positions. Limited area for satellite and TV van parking. Live video feed distribution (HDSDI 1080/50i BNC terminal) A fully equipped TV studio wired for live transmission (only for the leaders’ engagements). Limited space available for broadcasters wishing to set up their own area for live TV.   Working space in the Media Centre’s general working area does not need to be pre-booked and can be used on a first come-first-served basis.   The TV and radio editing booths, the indoor and outdoor stand-up positions as well as space for dedicated TV studios need to be booked in advance. Look for more details in the Broadcasting chapter bellow.   BROADCAST NEP Groep/Wirtz Film will act as Host TV for the NATO Summit. All Summit events open to the media will be covered by the Host TV and will be available via satellite (on world feed), in the International Media Centre and on the NATO website.   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.   The Media Centre will include a limited number of bookable editing booths for television and radio. Requests for booking should be addressed to broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl before 6 June 2025.     The following complimentary amenities will be available in the editing booths: Desks and working space for 2 people; Light, electricity (230v on 2-pin distribution boards), lockable door; Wi-Fi and cabled internet; Access to the (main) video feed based on HDSDI1080i50 with 8ch embedded audio   Outdoor stand-up positions will be situated near the International Media Centre, with a view on the Summit venue. The indoor stand-up positions will have a view on the press filing area. All positions will be equipped with electrical power, internet connection, and have Summit branding elements. Outdoor positions will have a canopy in case of inclement weather.   Broadcasters who plan for continuous live coverage can book a dedicated stand-up position at broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl before 6 June 2025.     A fully equipped TV studio wired for live transmission will also be available only for the engagements with leaders and will be open for booking by national delegations.   Limited space is available for broadcasters who wish to set up their area for continuous live coverage. Basic amenities will be available (backdrop, basic furniture, access to electricity and internet). For bookings and further details please contact broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl before 6 June 2025.   There is very limited parking place available for broadcasters to park their satellite or TV vans near the Media Centre in the secure area. For reservations, send an e-mail to broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl. Broadcasters will be contacted separately with access information. Due to security restrictions, satellite trucks will be required to remain parked for the duration of the Summit. Access is possible on 22 or 23 of June 2025.   Distances from the SNG / TV vans compound to: Outdoor Stand-up positions: 600 m Indoor Stand-up positions: 450 m Workspaces/Editbooths: 550 m Indoor live TV areas (mentioned in para 29): 550 m For OB-trucks add another 170 m   Satellite and TV vans will have access to electrical power (380V/50Hz/5 pins CEE) and wired internet (50 Mb up/down). Broadcasters should bring their own cables to connect to the electric network. Pool feeds will be available at the SNG Compound (HD-SDI 1080i50)   Limited fibre connection from the editing booths area and interior stand-up positions will be available to the satellite and tv vans parking (for video HDSDI1080i50 or analogue line level audio). Specific requirements and technical questions can be sent to broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl.   Media representatives can bring their bulky equipment and satellite and tv vans to the Media Centre on 22 June 2025, upon appointment. Please send a request to broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl before 13 June 2025. Media representatives will receive more detailed information of the procedure after sending an e-mail.    All wireless device usage at the NATO Summit must be pre-approved and registered with RDI. Due to the high demand for radio spectrum, special licensing, testing and tagging protocols will be enforced. To apply for a license, submit a request form to RDI with details of your equipment and intended use. Licenses are issued based on availability and priority.   For more information: Public events | Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI)   CATERING  Tea, coffee, water and snacks will be available free of charge during the opening hours of Media Centre. Hot meals will be available at set times, also free of charge.   PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND DEFENCE INDUSTRY EVENTS    There will be a flagship public diplomacy event, the NATO Public Forum, taking place on the Summit site on 24 and 25 June. The Forum is organised by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, together with the host nation and three Dutch-based international think tanks - the Atlantic Commission, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and the Netherlands Institute for International Relations Clingendael. The event will be livestreamed on NATO YouTube. A number of Heads of State and Government, Ministers and high-level international security policy experts are expected to speak.  The agenda will be available closer to the Summit on natopublicforum.org.   NATO, the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Defence, and VNO-NCW, the largest employers’ organisation in the Netherlands, will organise the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum at the Summit venue, to facilitate high-level engagements of NATO, Allied Ministers and governments officials with executives from defence and non-defence industry, including from small and medium-size enterprises and start-ups. Details will be provided in due course.   Media representatives accredited to the Summit will have opportunities for direct coverage; details will be specified in the media program.   ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION Media representatives are invited to book accommodation in or close (Delft/Leiden) to The Hague by contacting the hotels directly. If useful, The Hague & Partners  is well placed to provide guidance for accommodation.   TRAVELLING TO THE HAGUE FOR THE NATO SUMMIT – VISAS Journalists who need a visa to enter The Netherlands will be responsible for making their own arrangements. More information on visa requirements is available on the webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands here: Check if you need a visa for the Netherlands | Travelling to the Netherlands | Government.nl   CONTACTS Please send your enquiry to the appropriate email address: Accreditation for international media: NATOaccreditations@hq.nato.int General logistics, pool requests: Summitmediaoperations@hq.nato.int Bookings TV/Radio edit booths, stand ups, access with satellite vans and bulky equipment: broadcastoperations@mfasummits.nl B-roll and video distribution: content@natomultimedia.tv NATO Summit Media Coordination Ms Alina COCA – Summitmediaoperations@hq.nato.int The Netherlands Media Coordination - mediaoperations@minbuza.nl Media queries on substance (Summit content) and interview requests for NATO officials: Contact the NATO Press Office

25 April 2025 Update

NATO Deputy Secretary General addresses young leaders at NATO Youth Summit On 25 April 2025 NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska welcomed young people from across the Alliance to the NATO Youth Summit in Budva, Montenegro. Organised in cooperation with the Atlantic Council of Montenegro, the fifth Youth Summit brought together hundreds of young people for discussions with the Deputy Secretary General and other NATO leaders on critical security issues. Read more

NATO publishes the Secretary General’s Annual Report for 2024 On 24 April 2025, the Secretary General’s Annual Report for 2024 was released, offering a concise overview of the Alliance’s main achievements over the past year. Read more Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft during enhanced Air Policing mission in Poland Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons, operating as part of NATO's Enhanced Air Policing mission from Malbork Air Base in Poland, were scrambled on several occasions last week to intercept aircraft operating near NATO airspace. (Story courtesy of Allied Air Command) Read more NATO conducts historical ordnance disposal in the Baltic Sea After some days of coordinated operations, Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) successfully wrapped up a focused Historical Ordnance Disposal Operation (HODOPS) effort in the Bay of Riga. While continuing its Baltic Sentry mission, the multinational group concentrated on training procedures like detecting, classifying, identifying and disposing of historic sea mines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) dating back to the First and Second World War. (Story courtesy of Allied Maritime Command) Read more THIS WEEK IN PICTURES

NATO HQ, Blvd Leopold III 1110 Brussels, Belgium

23 April 2025

NATO Deputy Secretary General to visit Montenegro On 24 and 25 April 2025, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, will visit Montenegro. On Thursday, the Deputy Secretary General will be in Podgorica, where she will meet the President of Montenegro, Mr Jakov Milatović. She will also visit the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre and the Government Cybersecurity Operations Centre. On Friday, Ms Shekerinska will participate in the NATO Youth Summit, taking place in Budva. Pictures will be available on the NATO website. For more information: For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office For more information about the 2025 NATO Youth Summit, please check the event’s dedicated media advisory and access the event’s website.

Press Release 23 April 2025

2025 NATO Youth Summit: “Shaping Leaders for a Safer Future” On 25 April 2025, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, will participate in the opening of the NATO Youth Summit. Organised in cooperation with the Atlantic Council of Montenegro, the fifth edition of the NATO Youth Summit will take place in Budva, Montenegro on the 25-26 April 2025. The event brings together young leaders from across NATO member and partner countries. Applications for in-person participation in the event have been closed. Registration to participate online is possible on the event’s website. The session with the NATO Deputy Secretary General will be streamed live on the NATO website and the full event will be available on NATO YouTube. Media advisory 10:30 (CEST)  Setting the scene: conversation with the NATO Deputy Secretary General Media coverage A transcript of the Deputy Secretary General’s remarks, as well as pictures, will be available on the NATO website after the event. For more information: For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office

23 April 2025

NATO Secretary General to visit the United States of America On 24 and 25 April 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Mark Rutte, will travel to Washington DC. The Secretary General will meet the Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio, the Secretary of Defense, Mr Pete Hegseth, and the National Security Advisor, Mr. Mike Waltz. Photographs will be available on the NATO website after the event.   For more information: For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office