Durability, Energy, Mobility
Benelux countries join forces for emission-free aviation
08 Dec. 2025
Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are joining forces to accelerate the transition to CO₂-free aviation in the Benelux region. Under Luxembourg’s presidency, a Benelux recommendation was signed by Luxembourg’s Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, in the presence of the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Robert Tieman, and the Belgian Minister of Mobility, Climate and Ecological Transition, responsible for Sustainable Development, Jean-Luc Crucke. This signing sends a strong signal for sustainable cross-border cooperation in the aviation sector.
Innovation and the Role of Regional Airports
The new cooperation focuses on key innovations such as electric and hybrid aircraft, hydrogen propulsion, and sustainable aviation fuels. Regional airports will be prepared for the introduction of this new generation of aircraft, enabling Benelux to play a leading role within Europe.
Strategic Actions
The recommendation includes a package of measures to accelerate the decarbonization of aviation:
- Joint studies on the potential for CO₂ reduction, improved air quality, noise reduction, and economic opportunities.
- A Benelux roadmap to harmonize policies and investment priorities to guide the deployment of new technologies.
- Organization of cross-border test flights and development of related infrastructure.
- Exchange of knowledge, data, and best practices on investment models, subsidies, and financial incentives.
- Strengthened cooperation with airport authorities, airlines, and European partners, including the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA).
European Dimension
This cooperation aligns with European initiatives such as ReFuelEU Aviation and recognizes the crucial role of regional airports. North Rhine-Westphalia may also join this initiative, further enhancing the cross-border impact of Benelux action. Moreover, this German federal state has already committed to organizing an event on sustainable aviation in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2026.
Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg Minister for Mobility and Public Works:
“Together, we reaffirm our ambitious commitment to support the development and integration of low-carbon aviation technologies, so that we can create strong prospects for environmentally friendly air transport. This commitment now lies at the heart of our pioneering cooperation and marks an important new step in strengthening our partnership. With this initiative, we fully assume our strategic leadership role within the European Union.”
Robert Tieman, Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management:
“The energy transition in aviation is a tremendous challenge that requires technological innovation and forward-thinking policies. This can only be achieved if we work together. We have a long and successful history with the Benelux Union. I am convinced that together we can take steps to realize and accelerate this transition in aviation.”
Jean-Luc Crucke, Belgian Minister of Mobility, Climate and Ecological Transition, responsible for Sustainable Development:
“With this ambitious approach, confirmed by the signing of this recommendation, Belgium is actively committed to reducing the carbon footprint in the aviation sector. We also reaffirm, within Benelux, our position as a European leader in the transition to carbon-free aviation. Together, we are creating the conditions for our companies to innovate, for our regional airports to strengthen, and for the aviation-related economy to gain in competitiveness and sustainability. Today, Benelux emphasizes that climate ambition can be a driver of development and prosperity, and that all initiatives contributing to the transition must be supported and encouraged.”
Jean-Claude Meyer, Deputy Secretary-General of Benelux:
“Aviation must become sustainable, innovative, and more climate-friendly in the future. We hope that this recommendation will create new opportunities for smaller regional airports, strengthening their role in connectivity, innovation, and local economic development.”
