Benelux

College members attend Benelux Summit in Luxembourg

11 Sep. 2025

The members of the College of Secretaries-General of the Benelux Union – Frans Weekers, Michel-Etienne Tilemans, and Jean-Claude Meyer – took part in the Benelux Summit held in Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy holds the presidency of the Union’s Committee of Ministers this year and acted as host.

The summit brought together the three heads of government: Luc Frieden (Luxembourg), Bart De Wever (Belgium), and Dick Schoof (Netherlands). Their meeting focused on current European affairs and strengthening cooperation between the three countries.

Following the discussions, Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, and François Decoster, Vice-President of the Hauts-de-France region, joined the meeting. Representatives of the Benelux Parliament were also present, highlighting the broad cooperative dimension of the summit.

During the Summit, the members of the College emphasized that cooperation leads to tangible results: the Benelux police treaty strengthens both freedom and security, new agreements with third countries improve migration management, and the automatic recognition of diplomas with the Baltic States serves as an inspiration for other EU countries. A Benelux treaty against social fraud is also in preparation. At the same time, Benelux is investing in the future: a strong internal market, support for SMEs, innovation, and the energy transition—with the North Sea playing a central role. Relations with neighboring regions are also being strengthened. With North Rhine–Westphalia, academic ties have been consolidated, notably through a new master’s program in Benelux studies in Paderborn. With Hauts-de-France, an action plan was launched last May focusing on energy, mobility, sustainable growth, and education. It was also emphasized that the Benelux, with Article 350 of the TFEU and its own legal instruments, holds a unique asset to strengthen cross-border cooperation.

The gathering concluded with the signing of a joint Benelux declaration. In it, the heads of government emphasized that “the Benelux model, based on trust and pragmatism, continues to offer added value for citizens and for the European Union”.

pictures (c) SIP / Frédéric Sierakowski