Benelux
Ariadne Petridis: “Benelux must become a guiding region in geopolitically turbulent times”
20 Mar. 2026
During the debate on the future of the Benelux on 20 March in the Benelux Parliament, Benelux Secretary‑General Ariadne Petridis warned of the increasing pressure on Europe. The debate opened with a joint video message from the Prime Ministers of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, in which they emphasized the importance of closer Benelux cooperation. Deputy Secretaries‑General Liesje Schreinemacher and Tom Köller were also present.
According to Petridis, Russia poses a long‑term security threat, China is exerting growing influence through technology and raw materials, and the United States has adopted a different stance toward the continent. “This is no time for European complacency,” she said, calling for more strategic thinking, decisiveness and self‑confidence within the EU.
Benelux as a fast‑acting cooperation engine
Petridis stressed that the Benelux can offer real added value in this context. Because Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have been working closely together for decades and trust one another, they can find joint solutions to a wide range of challenges more quickly. Examples include the Benelux Police Treaty, the joint fight against social fraud, cross‑border road transport inspections and the automatic recognition of higher‑education diplomas.
Pilot projects with broader impact
Petridis also highlighted the maximum use of pilot projects that are now gaining attention at the EU level. Examples include the approach to dangerous fireworks, measures against lead and cadmium in ceramics, and the joint registration of operators of charging stations for electric vehicles. Such projects can not only strengthen the Benelux but also inspire other European countries.
Crisis exercises and a shared Benelux space
She called for joint crisis exercises to make the countries more resilient to natural disasters, health crises and hybrid or cyberattacks. Cooperation between the three national crisis centres remains essential in this regard. She also urged that the Benelux territory be approached as much as possible as a single space, particularly in the areas of security, military mobility, economy, energy and sustainability. According to her, Article 350 of the EU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides sufficient legal room for this.
“Benelux must become a guiding region”
Petridis stated that no one should expect Europe to return quickly to “business as usual.” She called for building on eighty years of cross‑border cooperation within the Benelux. “That will make the Benelux an ambitious, coherent, stable and predictable example for many others. A guiding region. Time for the Benelux to revive its power of attraction,” she concluded.
picture (c) Luxembourgish parliament (Chamber of Deputies)
