Quiet run-up to the NATO Summit
The Hague and its surrounding areas are turning blue: police officers are visually present at locations in and around the city. On Monday, several delegations were escorted to their hotels. Willem Woelders, Commander of the National Crisis Team of the Netherlands Police, says: ‘Everything went according to plan today. Our preparations paid off, and we’re happy with how it all went.’
‘Months of thorough preparations have really paid off today’, Willem Woelders says. ‘It’s been quiet in The Hague. There were several protests, which took place without incident. There is a positive vibe among police personnel and they are full of energy. Some final issues are being resolved. A few barriers need to be reinforced, for example, after they were brought down by heavy winds. Fortunately, no-one was seriously injured. We look forward to tomorrow with confidence.’
Police deployment
Numerous security measures are in place in and around The Hague. The closer you get to the summit venue, the stricter the security measures are. In the coming days, about 27,000 police employees will be deployed to ensure that the NATO Summit proceeds safely and without disruption. Several hotels have been rented out to accommodate police personnel from other regions. Multiple support facilities have been set up to provide them with food, drinks and other supplies.
Delegations
The first foreign delegations arrived on Monday. They were escorted to their accommodations and meeting venues by motorcycle officers from the police and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. The first motorcades reached their destinations without incident. For security reasons, several roads in and around The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are closed off during the NATO Summit.
Activists
In the early afternoon, several dozens of protesters gathered in a field next to the A44 motorway. This road section has been closed off due to the NATO Summit, as it is one of the designated routes taken by the delegations. For that reason, the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer had communicated in advance that protests on or near the A44 are prohibited during the summit.
At the request of the competent authorities, in this case the mayor of the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the police summoned the protesters to leave. Those who did not were arrested. This concerned 27 persons. They were arrested on the basis of the Public Assemblies Act and the emergency order applicable in the municipality.
Drones
In addition to road closures, restrictions apply to the airspace. In and around The Hague, the police and their security partners have confiscated dozens of drones. In various areas in the Netherlands, including in and around The Hague and Rotterdam as well as around Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a prohibition on drone flying is in effect until Thursday.
Commissioner
Police Commissioner Janny Knol visited several locations in The Hague. She spoke to motorcycle officers who escort the delegations, and visited a support facility where police employees are welcome 24/7 for something to eat or drink or to use the toilet.