Benelux, police cooperation, Safety

Dutch and Belgian police gain access to each other’s databases

16 Jul. 2025

As of now, Dutch and Belgian police officers are permitted, under strict conditions, to consult each other’s police databases. This new step in Benelux cooperation stems from the 2023 Benelux Police Treaty. The arrangement applies to joint patrols in border regions where officers operate together in a single service vehicle, during joint checks, and for officers stationed at the joint police post in Baarle-Nassau/Baarle-Hertog.

Strict conditions
Data sharing occurs under strict conditions. Only designated and authorized officers may access the databases, and oversight is ensured by logging all consultations. Additionally, any data retrieved may only be used in criminal investigations with the explicit permission of the country where the data originated.

Privacy protection
Access to the databases falls under the European directive on the protection of personal data in law enforcement, officially Directive (EU) 2016/680. This means that personal data must be processed with great care. The country requesting the data is responsible for its proper handling and must be able to justify why certain information was accessed.

Targeted approach to cross-border crime
With this measure, the Benelux countries aim to combat cross-border crime such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and car theft more effectively. In border areas, criminals often exploit the lack of barriers between countries. By aligning systems more closely, that margin for maneuver is reduced.

The Benelux Police Treaty is seen within the European Union as a model of advanced police cooperation. Through this agreement, the Benelux countries reaffirm their leading role in security and cross-border collaboration.