Benelux, Safety
Benelux draws European attention with a new approach against the criminal misuse of private aircrafts
05 Feb. 2026
The Benelux countries aim to step up their response in 2026 to cross-border crime involving private jets and small aircraft. This was stated by Tom Köller, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux, at the opening of the international GENAVI (General Aviation) meeting in Brussels.
The meeting, held at the Benelux House, brought together representatives from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the European Commission, Europol, Frontex, MAOC‑N, the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe and several international security services.
The GENAVI working group focuses on securing business aviation and private aviation by tackling the criminal misuse of General Aviation via private jets or small sport aircraft for various forms of organised crime, including international drug trafficking. In 2024, under the Belgian presidency, the Benelux established a joint working group that developed a barrier model, which was tested in 2025 during the large-scale operation “Silent Skies”. Besides the Benelux countries, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Europol, Frontex, MAOC‑N and the European Commission took part. “Crime through General Aviation is, by definition, international. Cooperation is not optional but essential,” Tom Köller said.
Since 1 January, the Netherlands has taken over the presidency of the Benelux Union. Security is one of its key priorities. This year, the countries aim to intensify the fight against organised crime, reduce cross-border barriers and strengthen cooperation with the EU. According to Tom Köller, the Benelux continues to function as a “test zone for Europe”.
The Benelux General Aviation project is now being scaled up to the European level. During the meeting on 05/02/2026, conclusions and recommendations based on the Benelux experience were discussed, aligning them with EU action plans to combat organised crime through General Aviation. The approach proposed by the Benelux focuses on five priority themes: strategic cooperation, awareness‑raising, international collaboration, technological developments and operational actions starting in 2026.
Tom Köller said that joint projects like GENAVI show the value of close cooperation: “By pooling our strengths, we are taking steps toward a safer and more resilient future. The Benelux shows that cooperation works and that this model inspires Europe.”
