Benelux +

No country can face the many challenges of today and tomorrow in isolation. A joint approach is needed, which is why the Benelux Union is working intensively with other countries and regions.

Cross-border networks are indispensable in the social sphere. These networks have been part of daily life in the Benelux Union for decades. Aside from our institutionalised cooperation with North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the Secretariat-General of the Benelux Union maintains regular contact with the European Union, the Greater Region, the International Meuse and International Scheldt Commission and the neighbouring French regions (Hauts-de-France, Grand Est).

As a centre of excellence for cross-border cooperation, the Secretariat-General pools the expertise needed to overcome cross-border obstacles and create synergies. It can rely on a team of multilingual and multidisciplinary experts who are happy to share the knowledge they have gained within the Benelux and with other partners.

Key cross-border cooperation projects

Pentalateral Energy Forum (PENTA)

The Pentalateral Energy Forum (PENTA), whose secretariat is provided by the Benelux countries, is a structure for political cooperation between authorities, regulators, network operators and market players, with the aim of developing initiatives to harmonise the European internal energy market.

North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC)

The North Sea, with its numerous wind farms off its coasts, is an essential source of green energy. The NSEC, whose secretariat is also based at the Benelux House, aims to use this source in a sustainable way and thus contribute to the transition to renewable energies.

North Rhine-Westphalia

In 2008, the governments of the Benelux countries and the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) decided to cooperate more closely. This special partnership involves closer cooperation in a number of areas, including the labour market, transport, traffic, police and justice.

The Greater Region

The Benelux Union and the Greater Region-Union share the same concern: open cohabitation in all areas. It’s against this backdrop that we’ve decided to deepen our collaboration – from exchanging best practice, to bringing together experts and local players, to organising joint events.