Benelux, Safety

Benelux countries strengthen cooperation in crisis management and resilience

07 May. 2026

The Benelux countries are taking a new step in their cooperation on crisis management and resilience. During a strategic meeting held on 7 May under the Dutch presidency, the Directors-General responsible for crisis management decided to work on a joint Benelux recommendation.

This recommendation will serve as a basis for defining common ambitions in the areas of resilience, civil preparedness, and crisis management in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. In doing so, the three countries aim to better address cross-border crises while strengthening the Benelux’s role as a laboratory for European cooperation.

Enhanced cooperation in a changing context

This decision comes against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions and growing attention within the European Union to resilience and crisis management. The Benelux countries therefore intend to deepen their cooperation and improve coordination of their actions.

Participants stressed that crises increasingly transcend national borders. Closer cooperation should enable partner countries to respond more quickly and effectively, better prepare for cross-border incidents, and strengthen their joint response capacity.

Benelux as a platform for practical cooperation

The Secretary-General of the Benelux, Ariadne Petridis, also highlighted the importance of a common approach. She underlined the need to involve not only public authorities, but also the private sector and citizens in strengthening resilience.

The meeting reaffirmed the role of the Benelux as a platform for practical cooperation, where countries share experiences and develop joint solutions.

Concrete progress

In addition to the planned recommendation, several concrete steps were taken. The update of the Benelux technical agreement on crisis management contact points has been finalised.

Partners also agreed to strengthen cooperation on national crisis management exercises. They will further explore how to participate more regularly in each other’s exercises in order to improve coordination and interoperability.

Stronger together

The Directors-General emphasised that close regional cooperation remains essential to face future crises. By sharing knowledge, aligning procedures and training together, the Benelux countries aim to sustainably strengthen their collective resilience.