Benelux

The Benelux Union highlights its historical role during a debate on 40 years of Schengen

15 Oct. 2025

Jean-Claude Meyer, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, took part in a roundtable discussion in Brussels marking the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement. The event was co-organised by the Representation of the Saarland to the European Union and Saarland University.

In his intervention, Mr Meyer emphasised the pioneering role of the Benelux in the origins of the Schengen agreements:
“The pioneering role played by the 1960 convention between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg on the transfer of personal checks to the external borders of the Benelux was a major step forward that strongly influenced the content of the 1985 Schengen agreements.”

The debate brought together academics, regional representatives and European policymakers to discuss the evolution of the Schengen agreements and the challenges posed to open borders, particularly due to the temporary reintroduction of certain controls.

Following opening remarks by Mr Christoph Roth, Head of the Saarland Representation, and Ms Manuela Ripa, Member of the European Parliament, Ms Julia Dittel and Prof. Dr. Florian Weber from Saarland University presented the impact of the Schengen agreements in the cross-border region between the Saarland, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the French region of Grand Est.

In addition to Mr Meyer, the subsequent debate also featured Prof. Dr. Florian Weber, Mr Gaëtan Claeys (Grand Est Region) and Ms Isolde Ries (Committee of the Regions).

The Benelux Union reaffirms its commitment to cross-border cooperation and considers its historical contribution as a key foundation of today’s European integration.