Benelux
65 years of free movement of people: Benelux remains a model of European cooperation
05 Sep. 2025
Benelux day celebrated in Luxembourg
Luxembourg City, 5 September 2025 – Today, the Benelux celebrates a historic milestone: 65 years of free movement of people between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. During the annual Benelux Day, held at Place d’Armes in the heart of Luxembourg City, citizens, policymakers, and representatives of Benelux institutions gather to commemorate this progressive achievement.
A pioneer of a borderless Europe
Long before the Schengen Agreement, the Benelux paved the way for a Europe without internal borders in 1960. The free movement of people, then a bold step, has become a cornerstone of European cooperation. Today, students, entrepreneurs, cross-border workers, and police forces benefit from this pioneering work.
A celebration for citizens
Benelux Day is more than a ceremony: it’s a vibrant event featuring music, speeches, and interactions between citizens and policymakers. It brings Benelux closer to the people and demonstrates how cooperation yields tangible benefits.
Strong institutions, shared vision
The Benelux institutions – the Benelux Parliament, the Benelux Committee of Ministers, the Benelux Court of Justice, the Benelux General Secretariat – along with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP), emphasize the enduring importance of free movement as a legal principle and a driver of innovation.
Xavier Bettel, President of the Benelux Committee of Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Foreign Trade:
“From idea to reality, and then to promise, the Benelux has, since its inception, shaped the lives of our citizens, our institutions, and our three countries. Today, it remains a laboratory for innovation and development for our three countries and for the European Union. The free movement of people is one of its most tangible achievements, which has inspired all of Europe.”
Francine Closener, President of the Benelux Parliament:
“This Benelux Day is special: we celebrate 70 years of the Benelux Parliament, 65 years of free movement, and 40 years of Schengen. It is often forgotten that Benelux is the cradle of Schengen. More than ever, we must reject a Europe that turns inward and defend a continent where free movement remains a fundamental right.”
Francis Delaporte, President of the Benelux Court of Justice:
“On 5 September 1944, in a world ruled by the law of the strongest, three governments in exile laid the foundation for the Benelux Union. They chose cooperation and shared legislation as an alternative to power politics, with free movement and solidarity as cornerstones. Today, the Benelux Court of Justice has safeguarded that shared legal order for over 50 years, in a spirit of balance and respect for diversity.”
Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of Benelux:
“We made free travel within our three countries possible. No more barriers at our internal borders – something we now take for granted in Europe thanks to Schengen. Today, that free movement is under pressure. Closing our internal borders again is not the solution. What does help is targeted, swift, and above all joint action through the new Benelux Police Treaty. That’s how we best protect our fundamental freedoms.”
Hugues Derème, Director-General of BOIP:
“Free movement of people is a cornerstone of a well-functioning internal market – a market that drives innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. By protecting intellectual property within a unified Benelux area, BOIP strengthens the region’s innovative capacity and competitiveness.”
A message to Europe
At a time when borders are re-emerging, Benelux shows that cross-border cooperation and mutual trust remain powerful pillars of the European project.
Benelux Day is a joint initiative of the Benelux institutions and the rotating presidency. The 2025 edition is organized by Luxembourg, in collaboration with the City of Luxembourg and the Benelux General Secretariat. The first edition took place in 2024, marking the 80th anniversary of Benelux.
pictures (c) SIP/ Emmanuel Claude
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beneluxunion/albums/72177720328931838/with/54775857161
