Hauts-de-France

The Benelux countries and the French region of Hauts-de-France are joining forces to create a more sustainable, mobile, and resilient cross-border region. On May 20, 2025, they signed an ambitious action plan to strengthen cooperation in energy transition, mobility, education, and sustainability. Key priorities include innovative infrastructure, such as a cross-border hydrogen network by 2030, along with joint efforts to ensure cleaner air, smart energy grids, and greater climate resilience. The partnership also aims to improve labour mobility, develop cross-border educational programs, and modernize transport connections, including EV charging stations and cycling routes. With annual high-level meetings, Benelux and Hauts-de-France are committed to achieving tangible progress that benefits citizens, students, travelers, and businesses on both sides of the border.

In December 2018, the Benelux countries signed a letter of intent with France, confirming their willingness to cooperate more closely, especially with the neighbouring regions of Hauts-de-France and Grand Est.

Strengthening Benelux relations with France and its border regions was one of the outcomes of the 2017 Benelux summit of prime ministers in The Hague and one of the priorities of the then Belgian presidency.

Besides close bilateral and multilateral relations, the four countries wanted to explore new opportunities for cross-border cooperation, including projects in sustainable development, innovation and digitalisation, and new initiatives in culture and economic development.