Benelux

Benelux seeks to enhance cross-border skills mobility

13 Oct. 2026

More than 120 participants from the Benelux countries and neighbouring border regions of France and Germany exchanged views on how to strengthen cooperation in vocational education and training. The aim is to facilitate cross-border mobility and help address labour shortages.

In many regions, companies are looking for qualified workers, particularly in technical professions. At the same time, people with the required skills may live just across the border. Differences between education and training systems can, however, make access to employment more difficult.

“Labour markets do not stop at national borders,” said Liesje Schreinemacher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union. “A shortage of skilled workers in one region can coexist with training opportunities or available skills just a few kilometres away. Our border regions therefore hold tremendous potential.”

According to figures discussed during the forum, nearly 60% of jobs in the European Union require technical or vocational qualifications. At a European lever, increasing attention is being paid to the recognition and portability of skills between countries.

Solutions

Held in Brussels on 13 October, the Benelux+ Forum on Vocational Education and Skills highlighted several practical initiatives. One example is the cooperation between the German-speaking Community of Belgium and German partners, enabling students in the automotive sector to obtain a double qualification.

Participants also stressed the importance of reliable information on qualifications and training programmes, as well as stronger cooperation between public authorities, businesses and educational institutions.

Benelux as a laboratory for Europe

Building on their experience in the recognition of qualifications, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg aim to further strengthen cooperation with neighbouring border regions. The objective is to raise awareness of existing solutions, test new approaches and make it easier to access employment across borders.

Ultimately, everyone should be able to make better use of their skills and talents, regardless of the country in which they wish to study or work.