Managers of special intervention units from the Benelux countries discuss strengthening cooperation
08 Oct. 2026
At the Dutch Embassy in Brussels, the heads of the special intervention units of the DSU (Belgium), the DSI (the Netherlands) and the USP (Luxembourg) met for a strategic consultation focused on strengthening cross-border cooperation. Members of the College of Secretaries-General of the Benelux Union also took part in this meeting.
At the heart of the discussions was the implementation of the new Benelux Police Treaty, which significantly strengthens cooperation between the police forces of the three countries. In particular, this treaty offers new possibilities for cross-border operations, the exchange of information and the deployment of special units during acute crisis situations such as terrorist threats, hostage-taking and other high-risk incidents.
The participants exchanged views on the practical application of the Treaty and examined ways of further deepening existing cooperation. Particular attention was paid to interoperability, joint training, operational preparedness and the ability to provide mutual assistance rapidly and effectively. The Benelux Police Treaty includes a chapter specifically devoted to special intervention units and enables them to provide cross-border assistance to one another.
Representatives of the special units emphasised that, thanks to the Treaty, they regularly cooperate successfully across borders and that Benelux cooperation has become second nature to them. The Benelux countries are among the most integrated partnerships in Europe in the fields of policing and security. The Benelux Police Treaty, which came into force in 2023, is regarded internationally as an innovative framework that further modernises and simplifies operational cooperation between police and security services.
Through this meeting, the special intervention units and the Benelux Union reaffirmed their shared ambition to further strengthen citizens’ security through effective, modern and forward-looking cross-border cooperation.
