Benelux presents its 2026 annual plan: building a resilient, forward‑looking region
09 Feb. 2026
Benelux today launched its 2026 Annual Plan, entitled “Cooperating across borders.” Under the Dutch presidency, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are pursuing a shared ambition: to strengthen the resilience of the Benelux region so it is better equipped to face crises and shocks and to advance toward sustainable growth.
According to the Annual Plan, the three countries must be able to respond more rapidly to emerging risks such as cyberattacks, disruptions in energy supply, or natural disasters. To achieve this, cooperation will be intensified—both among national authorities and with neighboring countries and international partners. In doing so, Benelux remains true to its role as a laboratory for Europe and a driving force for cross‑border cooperation.
Security and crisis management: the foundation of resilience
A major component of the Annual Plan focuses on strengthening security. The Benelux countries will continue to deepen their police and judicial cooperation, notably through new agreements within the framework of the Benelux Police Treaty. This will enable officers and investigative services to exchange information more rapidly and act more effectively against cross‑border crime.
The countries will also invest in joint crisis exercises and in better interconnection of their national crisis centers, to prepare the region more effectively for incidents such as flooding, large‑scale power outages, or digital disruptions.
Ariadne Petridis, Secretary‑General of Benelux:
“Resilience is built on trust: knowing that your partners are ready when you need them. With this Annual Plan, we are making our region safer, stronger, and better prepared for crises that know no borders.”
Economy and digitalization: capability, innovation, and competitiveness
The Annual Plan also sets out major ambitions to make the economy more robust and to support economic transitions. The three countries aim to reduce administrative barriers for businesses, boost innovation, and enhance cooperation in areas such as digitalization, mobility, and the internal market. Projects related to digital identity, artificial intelligence, and data exchange will help create a sustainable internal market offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs—particularly SMEs.
Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary‑General of Benelux:
“A resilient society is not built on security alone, but also on a strong economy. By accelerating digitalization and innovation within Benelux, we are giving businesses the tools they need to move forward.”
Sustainable development and the green transition
In 2026, the Benelux countries will give special attention to sustainable energy and the circular economy. They are working together on the establishment of hydrogen networks, the development of offshore wind energy in the North Sea, cross‑border water‑management projects, and the reuse economy. This cooperation aims to make the region more sustainable, more innovative, and healthier for its citizens.
Tom Köller, Deputy secretary‑General of Benelux:
“Resilience means adapting to a rapidly changing world. By investing in sustainable energy, smart infrastructure, and climate‑resilient solutions, we are building a Benelux at the heart of the green transition.”
Together facing new challenges
The 2026 Annual Plan emphasizes that resilience and forward‑looking policy are not only about responding, but above all about anticipating: identifying risks in time, sharing information quickly, and acting effectively together.
With this new Annual Plan, the three countries aim to take their cooperation to the next level—delivering concrete results for citizens, businesses, and public authorities across the Benelux region.
