Increase safety
through effective
cross-border cooperation
International crime knows no borders. However, effective cooperation between our countries allows us to mitigate its impact.
Whether we’re combating drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking or fraud, the Benelux countries are cooperating intensively in all of these areas to improve the safety of their citizens.
Improving your safety through the Benelux Police Treaty
The new Benelux Treaty on police cooperation, signed on 23 July 2018 in Brussels by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, provides for joint measures such as:
- the exchange of information and the sharing of databases
- cross-border criminal prosecution
- conducting mutual investigations
- cross-border action and cooperation of special units in crisis situations
- support for safety at major events
- joint training and exercises of police forces
A treaty of this type is unique in the European Union.
The joint fight against organised crime
Drugs
In recent years, developing a common approach to combating drug trafficking has become a core element of the safety partnership between the Benelux countries. Our countries are aware that the best way to combat these shared problems is to act together. An overview of ongoing projects is provided below:
- combating illicit drug trafficking with North Rhine-Westphalia via postal and courier services
- cooperation in the field of crime analysis
- Hazeldonk partnership between the three Benelux countries and France
Integrated approach to crime
The Benelux countries are currently facing an increase in cross-border crime. It is therefore important to equip ourselves with effective, shared tools to combat this type of crime, strengthen the resilience of our societies, and provide a safe and stable environment for our population.
The Benelux promotes cooperation between the various investigation and enforcement services (police, public prosecution services, inspection services, tax authorities, customs, fire services, etc.) in order to act in this regard.
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is a flagrant violation of human rights. The Benelux is not immune to these malpractices: women and children are recruited for sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic slavery, organised begging or organ trafficking. To combat this type of crime, the Benelux countries have adopted a multidisciplinary approach involving all relevant stakeholders: the justice system, the police, prosecutors, labour inspectors, reception centres and migration authorities.
Working together to combat tax fraud
Tax fraud is also a cross-border phenomenon, once again underlining the importance of information exchange between countries. A strong network between the three countries is an important asset in our partnership in this area, which revolves around:
- joint participation in numerous digital projects enabling automatic exchange of information between countries
- joint studies to detect new fraud phenomena
- sharing tax experiences and monitoring European developments
Combating cross-border social fraud
Cross-border social fraud often involves constructions spanning several countries, so a multilateral approach is needed. on top of the existing bilateral agreements.
The Benelux countries signed in 2026 a treaty aimed at more effectively combating cross‑border social fraud and social dumping. The treaty facilitates joint inspections, accelerates the exchange of social security data and enables closer cooperation for the recovery of unduly paid benefits and contributions. At the same time, worker protection is strengthened by placing specific attention during inspections on safe working conditions, hygiene and decent working conditions.
Our news about
Safety
Our latest news
We are also active in other innovative areas
Explore the different areas that are central to our efforts to deliver a better future for future generations.
Our experts are at your service
Do you have a question, or suggestion you’d like to share?
