The Hague demands free transit for residents during NATO summit

The municipal council of The Hague has unanimously called on the Dutch cabinet to make public transportation free during the NATO summit at the end of June. The council urged the national government to approve the temporary measure “as a gesture to the residents of The Hague,” citing major expected disruptions throughout the city during the event.

The Hague will host the NATO summit on June 24 and 25, one of the largest international gatherings ever held in the Netherlands. Thousands of visitors, including 45 heads of state and government leaders, are expected to attend. Due to the scale of the event, parts of the city will be sealed off and roads across the Randstad will face full or partial closures. Authorities are advising the public to avoid the Randstad region altogether and to work from home if possible.

The motion to request free public transport was introduced by the VVD and GroenLinks parties and received support from all other council members. According to the motion, free public transportation was also provided during past NATO summits in other European countries, and The Hague should follow that example.

The proposed measure would apply to buses, trams, and other local transit services used by residents and commuters during the summit. The council emphasized the importance of minimizing the inconvenience for local travelers and ensuring mobility for essential travel during the event’s heightened security operations. The city’s appeal now awaits a formal response from the national government.