Benelux study day: a common approach against invasive plants

17 Nov. 2025

Under the Luxembourg Presidency of the Benelux Union, experts, policymakers, and practitioners gathered today in Brussels for a study day dedicated to invasive alien plants. The goal: to strengthen cooperation on prevention, management, and waste treatment related to these species.

Under the Luxembourg Presidency of the Benelux Union, experts, policymakers, and practitioners gathered today in Brussels for a study day dedicated to invasive alien plants.

Invasive plants increasingly threaten biodiversity and nature management in Europe. Since they do not respect borders, regional cooperation remains essential. This event provided an opportunity to compare national strategies and discuss practical solutions that can be applied across borders.

Following the opening by the Luxembourg Presidency, the European Commission emphasized the importance of early detection, rapid response, and regional coordination. Interactive exchanges helped identify challenges and opportunities for closer collaboration, including with neighboring regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Hauts-de-France.

The day concluded with a preview of the priorities for the Dutch Presidency of the Benelux in 2026. The insights gained will feed into the work of the Benelux working group and future initiatives on invasive plant species and cross-border management.