Benelux, Economy
Benelux wishes to maintain its role as a source of inspiration in the New EU Single Market Strategy
04 Jun. 2025
At the meeting “Tackling Global Challenges through a Stronger Single Market”, the Benelux countries, in collaboration with the private sector, clearly expressed their desire to maintain and strengthen their pioneering role within the framework of the new European Single Market.
The meeting, organized by the Benelux General Secretariat and the Luxembourg Presidency of the Benelux, brought together nearly 100 participants from national administrations, the business world, the European Commission, and the permanent representations of EU Member States. The focus was on the newly presented strategy for the European Single Market, which is gaining increased importance in light of current geopolitical and economic challenges.
“Moving forward faster together”
Deputy Secretary General Jean-Claude Meyer emphasized the key role of the Benelux countries in the European market:
“Our three countries are strong supporters of the Single Market. As small, open economies with limited domestic markets, we have everything to gain from a well-functioning European market. Through our cooperation within the Benelux, we can move forward more quickly and provide inspiration within the EU.”
He highlighted successful collaborations in areas such as transport, electricity markets, labor mobility, and the mutual recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications.
The Single Market: a driver of competitiveness
The European Commission presented its strategy at the Benelux House. The strategy aims to create a simpler, more accessible, and more efficient Single Market. At its core are goals such as reducing bureaucracy, accelerating procedures, and removing persistent trade barriers.
A key action point is addressing the “10 most pressing barriers,” including territorial delivery restrictions, which the Benelux countries have criticized for many years. According to Henning Ehrenstein (European Commission), the strategy will also focus on services, digitalization, and strengthening SMEs.
Business Sector: “A good start, but action Is needed”
Representatives of the business sector welcomed the strategy with cautious optimism, while emphasizing that good intentions are not enough. René Winkin (FEDIL, Luxembourg) called for an “ambitious but pragmatic” approach. Representatives of VBO-FEB (Belgium), VNO-NCW (Netherlands), BusinessEurope, and Eurocommerce also urged rapid implementation and strong political will.
Call to action
On behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Nadja Duykers concluded the conference. The Netherlands will hold the Benelux Presidency next year. She called for efforts to ensure that the Single Market “works better for citizens and businesses,” by leveraging existing opportunities for improvement, such as better legislation, consistent implementation, rigorous enforcement, and prevention of fragmentation.
“Benelux cooperation can play a constructive and inspiring role in this regard. Let’s seize this opportunity,” Duykers concluded.
