Benelux

Benelux Summit: A more integrated and innovative Benelux at the forefront of Europe

10 Nov. 2026

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden met in Maastricht on 10 November for the annual Benelux Summit. Together with the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, they discussed ways to further strengthen cross-border cooperation. The Benelux aims to continue playing a leading role in European cooperation, delivering tangible results for citizens and businesses.

The Summit reaffirmed the ambition to further develop the Benelux as a testing ground for European cooperation and integration. In a joint diplomatic declaration, the three Prime Ministers reviewed the results of cooperation in 2026 and set out their priorities for 2027.

Innovation market showcases Benelux cooperation in practice
The Benelux Innovation Market demonstrated how this cooperation translates into practice. There, the heads of government explored projects and applications showing how the Benelux countries are jointly addressing cross-border challenges.

Ariadne Petridis, Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, and Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary-General, presented the Innovation Market and explained the various initiatives. These illustrate how the Benelux countries are working together on practical solutions. They include cooperation between special intervention units, a new web portal providing cross-border workers with targeted information on working across borders, cross-border ambulance transport, automatic recognition of diplomas, the digital Business Wallet for businesses, autonomous driving and space cooperation.

Young people share their views on the Benelux
Benelux cooperation was also discussed during a Town Hall meeting with students from Maastricht University. During the panel discussion, Ariadne Petridis and other participants engaged with students on the significance and future of the Benelux. The three Prime Ministers then also took the floor, followed by an opportunity for discussion with those attending. The exchange gave young people the opportunity to share their questions and ideas directly with representatives of Benelux cooperation.

A stronger internal market
The joint Benelux declaration sets out a number of commitments. The heads of government aim to simplify the recognition of professional qualifications across borders, support the development of the European Business Wallet and strengthen cooperation on the circular economy.

They are also taking a further step towards cross-border testing of autonomous vehicles through the Benelux Prototype Passport. In the field of security, they reaffirmed the importance of closer police cooperation. In addition, the three Prime Ministers signed a Benelux Decision on cross-border ambulance transport.

Through these commitments, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg reaffirm their ambition to deepen Benelux cooperation. The Summit in Maastricht highlighted the added value of the Benelux: working together across borders to develop solutions that make a difference for citizens and businesses, while also offering inspiration for Europe.

In 2027, Belgium will assume the Benelux Presidency.

Photo: © Government Information Service (Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst)