Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of The Hague on Sunday, waving peace signs and colorful banners to voice opposition to NATO and rising military budgets. The demonstration comes just days before the alliance’s high-stakes summit, where leaders aim to lock in a controversial defense spending target of 5% of GDP.
Chants of "Fund people, not weapons!" echoed through the Dutch city as activists, students, and families called for a shift toward diplomacy and social welfare. With NATO’s June 24-25 meeting set to unfold under heavy security, tensions are rising over the proposed budget hike—a move critics say could deepen global divisions. 💸🌍
"We’re here to show that young people want solutions beyond military might," said 24-year-old climate activist Lena Müller, holding a sign reading "Peace > Profits." The protest highlights growing youth-led movements challenging traditional security frameworks in favor of climate action and inequality reduction.
As world leaders prepare to debate the 5% spending goal—nearly double some members’ current commitments—the streets of The Hague are proving to be a battleground of ideas. Will NATO listen? 🤔
