Benelux, police cooperation, Safety
From Knokke-Heist to Francorchamps: Benelux police cooperation ready for a busy summer
04 Jul. 2026
With the start of the summer holiday season, the peak period for cross-border police deployments within the Benelux is also underway. From Knokke-Heist to Spa-Francorchamps and the Ghent Festivities, police officers from the Benelux countries are once again joining forces to support one another during major events and tourism peaks that attract thousands of visitors every year.
The first joint summer patrols are starting in Knokke-Heist. Dutch and Belgian police officers will once again work side by side to enhance public safety during a period when large numbers of Dutch young people visit the Belgian coast. From 4 to 19 July, mixed patrols will be deployed, including Dutch community police officers, bicycle patrols and mounted police units working together with local and federal Belgian police services.
The use of mixed patrols offers numerous advantages. Dutch officers are easily recognizable to Dutch visitors, speak the same language and can establish contact with young people more quickly. This contributes to smooth communication, the prevention of nuisance and disorder, and the efficient handling of incidents.
A busy summer ahead
The cooperation in Knokke-Heist is part of a broader programme of international police deployments within the Benelux. Police officers from neighbouring countries will also be deployed during the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit from 16 to 19 July, an event that traditionally attracts a large number of international visitors.
In addition, mixed patrols will be organised during the Ghent Festivities (24–26 July), while Dutch police officers will support their Belgian counterparts during the Doel Festival (25–26 July), which attracts many festivalgoers from the Netherlands.
Earlier this year, several cross-border deployments also took place, including during the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst, carnival celebrations in border regions and the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in Dessel.
Benelux Police Treaty
This operational cooperation is made possible by the Benelux Police Treaty, which allows police services to assist one another across national borders. As a result, the Benelux is regarded as a European frontrunner in the field of cross-border police cooperation.
These joint operations demonstrate how the Benelux countries work together in practice to enhance citizens’ safety. By sharing expertise, operational capacity and local knowledge, police services are able to respond more quickly and effectively to challenges that do not stop at national borders.
pictures (c) politiezone Damme/Knokke-Heist
