AI, Benelux, digital, Economy, telecom
The Benelux unites its forces for a shared and resilient digital future
25 Jun. 2025
Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are working together toward a better and more accessible digital future. During a meeting in Luxembourg, the Directors General of the public digital and telecom services of the three countries came together to agree on ways to cooperate in the digital field. Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux, and Jean-Claude Meyer, Deputy Secretary-General, were also present. The ambition is clear: the Benelux aims to collaborate to achieve economies of scale and, where possible, reduce its dependence on major foreign tech companies in order to better control its own digital infrastructure and data. Luxembourg has already established its own guidelines to this end, which Belgium and the Netherlands are following as an example.
Digital autonomy and Artificial Intelligence
One of the current areas of cooperation is the enhancement of digital sovereignty. The working group on AI will explore how artificial intelligence can be used to better serve citizens. In the second half of 2025, existing practices will be shared, and a joint position will be developed.
A digital identity card for businesses
Special attention is given to the European initiative for a digital identity card for businesses. This will make it easier for companies to interact with public authorities and businesses across the three countries. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular need a standardized concept that works across borders. This should lead to less administrative paperwork and faster service.
No one left behind
Digitization brings opportunities but can also lead to exclusion. That’s why the Benelux countries will organize a roundtable on digital inclusion in November 2025. Measures will be prepared to improve access to digital services for elderly people, low-income individuals, and those with low literacy levels.
Joint investment in fast and secure internet
To support digital growth, the three countries are keeping each other informed about the rollout of European ambitions in fiber optics and interoperability.
Consistent implementation of European rules
While the European Union sets digital regulations, implementation often varies by country. The Benelux countries aim to change this. By applying the rules uniformly, more clarity will be provided to citizens and businesses.
More efficient and environmentally friendly digitization
Another key point is digital invoicing. Between administrations, digital invoices will now be processed in a uniform way throughout the Benelux. This will make work more efficient and less expensive. At the same time, the countries are critically examining the ecological footprint of digitization.
The Benelux as a living lab for digitalization
This meeting marked a step toward closer cooperation in the digital domain within the Benelux region. As central players in Europe’s digital infrastructure, the stakes are high. The exchange on the existing AI factory in Luxembourg and ambitions in this area in the Netherlands and Belgium was productive. The discussion on how governments handle algorithms — including the creation of a comprehensive registry in the Netherlands — is another example of the lessons Benelux countries can learn from one another.
