Start of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Benelux Union
30 Jan. 2025
Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel – in his capacity as Chairman of the Benelux Committee of Ministers – officially launched Luxembourg’s Presidency of the Benelux Union. On this occasion, Minister Bettel spoke of the historic importance of the Benelux as a pioneer of regional integration that laid the foundations of the European project:
‘This year is a symbolic year in our shared history: it coincides not only with the 70th anniversary of the creation of its Interparliamentary Assembly, but also with the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement. These milestones not only commemorate our past achievements and our pioneering role, but also inspire us to chart an ambitious course for the future of our cooperation.’
Luxembourg’s priorities
Luxembourg has defined its priorities for 2025 in terms of the three pillars of the Benelux Union Treaty: the internal market, sustainable development, and justice and home affairs. Minister Bettel presented three major points for the Luxembourg Presidency: progress and prosperity through integration and innovation, strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries, and the protection and security of citizens.
Support from Belgium and the Netherlands
Belgian minister Bernard Quintin and his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp expressed their support for Luxembourg’s projects in video messages. Minister Bernard Quintin stressed that Luxembourg will continue to play a key role in several important dossiers, such as the automatic recognition of diplomas, the Benelux police treaty against organised crime and the treaty against social fraud, which will be signed shortly.
‘We continue to build on our shared successes,’ said Minister Caspar Veldkamp. ‘We welcome the Luxembourg Presidency’s plans to give impetus to the European internal market agenda and we fully support the fact that the protection of our citizens is at the heart of the priorities.’
Annual plan and multiannual work programme
At the ceremony, Frans Weekers, Secretary General of Benelux, presented the 2025 Annual Plan and the new joint work programme for 2025-2028. This programme will define the strategic line for the next four years, focusing on themes such as security, economic opportunities and sustainable mobility.
Mr Weekers stressed the importance of deepening cooperation within the Benelux to make the region more resilient and adaptable in a rapidly changing world. The work programme includes initiatives to strengthen the internal market and security.
Meetings before the launch ceremony
Prior to the launch ceremony, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Luxembourg, the College of Secretaries General of the Benelux, representatives of institutions in Luxembourg and the Greater Region, as well as the Minister-President of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, Oliver Paasch, Minister Bettel also met with members of the Benelux Interparliamentary Assembly.
