BeNeLux region

Benelux is an economic union comprising three neighbouring monarchies. The name is formed from the beginning of each country’s name. It is a precursor of the European Union.

The Benelux countries are:

The abbreviation  Benelux  stands for  Belgium ,  theNetherlands and  Luxembourg . In 2008, this cooperation of governments received a new treaty and the official name became: The  Benelux Union . Together, the countries focus on 3 themes:

  • internal market and economic union
  • sustainability
  • justice and home affairs

What does the Benelux yield?

The Benelux works on everyone’s safety, prosperity, sustainability and transport. How? A few examples:

  • The Benelux also makes it a bit safer in the three counties. For example, because the police of the three countries can simply follow a criminal across the border. And in case of emergency, ambulances and the fire brigade can also be deployed across the border.
  • The Benelux makes working across the border easier. Higher education diplomas from the Benelux are accepted in each of the countries. Even in the European Union this is not the case (for the time being).
  • Together, the Benelux countries are committed to water issues, for example to predict and prevent flooding.
  • In the Benelux, the three countries join their political and economic forces. This allows them to save costs (including on sustainability) and exert more influence together. For example, in the European Union (EU), in the United Nations (UN) or during joint visits to other countries.

When was the Benelux founded?

The Benelux was created in 1944. It started as a  customs union  in which Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg made agreements about trade. For example, by abolishing import duties (the costs of importing each other’s products). The Benelux is and remains a source of inspiration for the EU. For example, the EU also introduced free movement of people and goods, following the example of the Benelux. That is why the Benelux is also called the  EU’s testing ground.

More information about the Benelux

Want to know more?  Read about the various institutions of the Benelux , such as the Committee of Ministers, the Benelux Court of Justice, the Benelux Interparliamentary Consultative Council (‘Benelux Parliament’) and the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) based in The Hague .