Benelux, Safety

Benelux countries discuss migration challenges and shared priorities for 2026

23 Oct. 2025

The Directors-General responsible for migration and asylum from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg met at the Benelux Secretariat-General as part of Luxembourg’s presidency of the Benelux. This meeting provided an opportunity to assess current cooperation on migration and asylum and to exchange views on recent developments at the European level. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux, Michel-Étienne Tilemans.

The meeting took place as the European Union prepares to implement the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will be applied by Member States in the coming years. This pact aims to strengthen European cooperation in the reception of asylum seekers and the return of individuals without residence rights. The three Benelux countries intend to leverage their experience in cross-border coordination to support a coherent and effective implementation of these new provisions at the European level.

Several pilot projects were also discussed during the meeting, including a Dutch initiative involving the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) in the monitoring and oversight of asylum procedures. Luxembourg also presented proposals to strengthen voluntary return mechanisms through improved support and reintegration in the country of origin.

The meeting also marked an important step toward the Benelux Annual Plan for 2026, in which the Netherlands will take over the presidency from Luxembourg. On this occasion, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to close and proactive regional cooperation.