Benelux presents non-paper calling on the EU to support Electric Aviation
The Benelux countries are calling on the European Union to support the development of electric aviation. The region sees electric flying as a crucial innovation for making the aviation sector more sustainable and positions itself as a testing ground to advance cross-border test flights and technological progress. In a joint non-paper, presented by Benelux Secretary-General Frans Weekers to the Director of Aviation at the European Commission (DG MOVE) Filip Cornelis, the Benelux countries are calling for an ambitious European approach to ensure that electric aviation becomes a viable and sustainable transport alternative
Frans Weekers, Secretary-General of the Benelux Union:“The transition to sustainable aviation is an opportunity that we in the Benelux fully embrace. Our regional cooperation has the knowledge, infrastructure, and collaborative spirit needed to make electric aviation a reality. By facilitating cross-border test flights and bringing together innovative partners, we aim to play a leading role and frontrunner in Europe and contribute to cleaner, more sustainable mobility.”
Aviation sector at a turning point
The aviation sector has seen rapid growth in recent decades. Between 2005 and 2019, the number of flights in Europe increased by 15% to 9.3 million, while passenger kilometers nearly doubled. This growth has driven economic development and job creation, directly employing up to 2 million people and indirectly supporting approximately 5.5 million jobs. However, it has also led to a significant rise in CO₂ emissions. To meet climate targets, innovation in the sector is essential. Electric aviation presents a sustainable alternative, and the Benelux region is committed to playing a leading role in its development, together with North Rhine-Westphalia.
The region as a test area for electric aviation
Electric aviation is no longer a distant dream. In the Netherlands, the E-Flight Academy is already training pilots using electric aircraft, while innovative applications are being tested at Antwerp Airport and between the airports of Maastricht, Liège, and Aachen-Merzbrück. Other European regions, such as Scandinavia, are also investing in the development of electric aviation. This initiative aims to rapidly scale up this technology and strengthen European cooperation.
With its non-paper, the Benelux highlights its strong knowledge base, infrastructure, and short distances, making it an ideal test environment for electric aviation. This vision aligns with the European Parliament’s call for a clear policy framework supporting electric aircraft and sustainable aviation innovations.
Concrete action points for acceleration
To advance electric aviation in Europe, the Benelux countries are committed to a series of concrete measures:
• Research on the impact of cross-border regional usage of electric aviation on CO₂ reduction and economic growth.
• Facilitating cross-border test flights in the Benelux region.
• Bringing together national and regional supervisory organisations on a regular basis.
• Facilitating the joint implementation of new EU rules for sustainable aviation.
• Utilizing the Benelux Union as a platform for dialogue between policymakers and the aviation sector.
• Exploring opportunities for cooperation with operators in electric aviation.
• Continuing discussions at the ministerial level and in working groups to coordinate further steps.
Clean Industrial Deal
Through these initiatives, the Benelux not only contributes to the EU’s climate goals but also strengthens the competitiveness of the aviation sector and promotes sustainable, cross-border mobility. This aligns with the recently launched Clean Industrial Deal, which stimulates industrial growth and innovation while setting ambitious climate goals.
