Benelux

Benelux celebrates 40 years of Schengen with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque

08 Dec. 2025

Under Luxembourg’s presidency, the Benelux Union today celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreements during an official ceremony at the headquarters of its General Secretariat in Brussels. On this occasion, a commemorative plaque was unveiled as a tribute to this historic agreement that laid the foundation for free movement in Europe.

Benelux, the origin of Schengen

The Schengen Agreements were initiated by the Benelux countries, France, and Germany, and negotiated in the building of the Benelux Union in Brussels. This confirms the pioneering role of the three countries in European integration. This forward-looking vision paved the way for the abolition of internal borders and the creation of a single area of freedom in Europe.

A ceremony with Ministers and a witness of Schengen

The ceremony brought together the three Benelux ministers responsible for security and home affairs: Léon Gloden (Luxembourg), Bernard Quintin (Belgium), and Foort van Oosten (Netherlands), as well as the French Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne. Also present: Robert Goebbels, former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg and signatory of the Agreements in 1985.

Léon Gloden, Luxembourg Minister of the Interior :
“Schengen is not only an area of free movement within borders and regions that bring our citizens closer together. Schengen also stands for security, including at the external borders. It is the living symbol of our mutual trust, our solidarity, and our shared security. As Minister of the Interior, I am committed to preserving the spirit of Schengen and protecting its achievements. Schengen must be alive!”

Frans Weekers, secretary-general of the Benelux Union:

“Already in the 1960s and 1970s, we were pioneers in the field of free movement of people. Schengen is a logical continuation of that. The free movement of people is not a luxury; it is a cornerstone of our prosperity and security. But I am also aware of the concerns that exist today. Migration, security, organized crime – these are real challenges. However, the answer is not to return to permanent border controls. The answer lies in smart solutions and cooperation, as offered by the new Benelux Police Treaty.”

And tomorrow?

Forty years later, the Benelux remains a laboratory of ideas for Europe, with projects focused on security, economy, and sustainability.