Benelux

Dutch Presidency launches Benelux Day 2026 in The Hague

04 Sep. 2026

On the eve of Benelux Day 2026, representatives from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg gathered in The Hague on 4 September to officially launch the annual celebrations of Benelux cooperation. Held at the South Holland Provincial Government Building, the event highlighted the close cooperation between the three countries, with a particular focus on cross-border entrepreneurship.

On 5 September, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg celebrate Benelux Day. More than eighty years after the partnership was established, the three countries continue to develop practical solutions that make borders less visible for citizens, businesses and public authorities.

The meeting in The Hague brought together representatives of the Benelux Union, national governments and regional partners. The focus was on the economic dimension of the Benelux: how can businesses cooperate and innovate more easily across borders?

A region where businesses can grow across borders

The Benelux forms a highly integrated economic region in which companies operate across national borders on a daily basis. A well-functioning internal market is essential in this regard. When businesses can more easily trade, cooperate and expand their activities in neighbouring countries, the economic strength and innovative capacity of the entire region are enhanced.

The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) plays a concrete role in this process. Yves Hoffmann, Deputy Director General of BOIP, explained how entrepreneurs can protect their intellectual property. Strong protection enables businesses to invest in new ideas, products and services, thereby contributing to innovation and economic growth.

One Benelux, tangible results

Economic cooperation is just one of many areas in which Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg work together to address cross-border challenges.

The three countries are also strengthening their cooperation in the field of security. As part of Benelux Day, several joint operations involving Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg police services are being carried out under the Benelux Police Treaty. Thanks to this agreement, police authorities can exchange information more rapidly and combat cross-border crime more effectively.

Students and workers also benefit from cross-border cooperation. The Benelux countries have made significant progress in the mutual recognition of diplomas. On 8 September, the Benelux will present this experience to ambassadors of other European Union Member States, demonstrating how practical cooperation between three countries can serve as an inspiration for Europe.

A message from three countries

Participants at the launch event watched video messages from Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Representing the Dutch Presidency, Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also addressed the audience.

All speakers underlined the importance of the Benelux as a pioneer of European cooperation and as a platform for developing practical solutions together.

Ariadne Petridis, Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, also stressed the continuing relevance of the partnership:

“The Benelux is not only a success story from the past. It is also a project for the future. A region where borders are becoming less and less of an obstacle, and where cooperation leads to greater security, more opportunities and stronger resilience.”

The Benelux flag across the region

The celebrations were not limited to The Hague. On 4 September, the Benelux flag was raised at numerous locations across Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Ministries, parliaments, provincial administrations, ports, police services and other public institutions made visible a cooperation that remains a daily reality for the three neighbouring countries.

Stronger together for tomorrow’s challenges

Benelux Day 2026 is not only an opportunity to look back on more than eighty years of cooperation. Above all, it is a moment to look ahead. For more than eight decades, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have joined forces to tackle challenges that transcend national borders.

Building on this experience, the three countries remain committed to removing barriers wherever possible, creating more opportunities for citizens and businesses, and strengthening their collective capacity to meet the challenges of tomorrow.