Climate, Durability, Economy, Energy, Pentalateral Energy Forum

20 years of regional Energy cooperation: the Pentalateral Energy Forum celebrates its anniversary in Luxembourg

15 Jun. 2025

On 15 June 2025, high-level representatives of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland — joined by the European Commission and the Benelux Secretariat — gathered in Luxembourg, which currently holds the Forum’s presidency, to celebrate the 20th anniversary this year of the Pentalateral Energy Forum.

A reliable framework for regional energy cooperation

For two decades, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and Germany have worked together within the Pentalateral Energy Forum, convinced that energy policy must transcend national borders. This regional initiative, which has gradually expanded to include Austria and Switzerland, strengthens European energy cooperation and has implemented key measures to enhance energy market integration and ensure greater security of supply across the continent.

Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, emphasized the Forum’s unique role in Europe’s energy future:
“PENTA is not a finished project — it’s a launchpad for a new phase of integration. Europe’s clean, secure, and affordable energy future will be built together — across borders, through trust, pragmatism, and shared ambition.”

Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, praised the Forum’s achievements:
“For 20 years, the countries of the Pentalateral Energy Forum have built strong and trusted cooperation based on innovation and regional integration. The rise of renewable energy demands smarter and more flexible electricity systems, where regional integration plays a key role. Hydrogen represents a major turning point, and the first cross-border pipeline projects are underway to decarbonize heavy industry and transport. The Pentalateral Energy Forum is a key driver and at the forefront of these developments.”

Festivities marking a strengthened commitment

To celebrate this milestone, high-level representatives convened on Sunday, 15 June 2025, in Luxembourg. They embarked on the Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa in Schengen — a symbol of European cooperation. The day continued with discussions on “Energy Market Integration in the Penta Region: 20 Years and Beyond.” Participants discussed current energy policy developments and exchanged views with Sonya Twohig, Secretary-General of ENTSO-E, and Laurence Zenner, CEO of Creos Luxembourg. The discussions highlighted the importance of enhanced cross-border collaboration to ensure a stable, sustainable, and competitive energy supply in the region and beyond. The representatives agreed to deepen their cooperation, particularly in the areas of cross-border energy infrastructure and electricity supply security.

Picture (c) SIP / Claude Piscitelli