Benelux, Safety

Benelux countries align joint security priorities for 2026

22 Oct. 2025

At the Benelux House in Brussels, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg convened for the annual “Senningen Consultation.” They discussed how they plan to collaborate on security matters in 2026. Topics on the agenda included police cooperation, migration, crisis management, and crime prevention.

The three Benelux College Members – Frans Weekers, Michel-Etienne Tilemans, and Jean-Claude Meyer – were also present. They emphasized the importance of a joint and robust approach.

Looking back and ahead
The Benelux Secretariat-General provided an overview of ongoing projects from the 2025 annual plan. The workshop on defending democracy and the rule of law was highlighted. The coordination center for the Étoile operation against cross-border drug trafficking – established for the first time at the Benelux House – was also discussed, along with its results.

Participants looked ahead to the upcoming Benelux conference on administrative approaches, scheduled for 10 and 11 December in Luxembourg. During this event, governments will use administrative tools – such as permits, inspections, and local cooperation – to disrupt criminal networks and prevent their expansion.

Progress on the Benelux Police Treaty, which strengthens cross-border cooperation between police forces, was also reviewed.

Preparing for 2026
A key part of the consultation focused on the 2026 annual plan. The three countries aim to launch projects that are ambitious, feasible, and innovative. The Benelux serves as a testing ground for Europe, where new forms of cooperation are piloted.

Finally, the Netherlands presented its priorities for the upcoming Benelux presidency in 2026, which it will soon assume.