Benelux Prime Ministers Summit Joint Declaration Brussels, 26 November 2024

Diplomatic statement | 26-11-2024

2024 marked the 80th anniversary of the customs cooperation between the Benelux countries. Throughout these 80 years, our three countries have deepened their cooperation in many areas. This cooperation has also developed in the context of European integration, for which it has been a source of inspiration. Today, Europe faces many challenges (geopolitical tensions, climate change and technological transitions) that can only be solved by a common response and joint action at European level. The Benelux countries remain committed to effective solutions and stress that cooperation at international, European, and regional level is essential. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the European project and the values it embodies.

Ukraine

The Benelux countries reiterate their resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirm their continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The three countries reaffirm their unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as much as needed. Russia must not succeed in its malign intention to destroy and subdue Ukraine.

Moldova

The Benelux countries congratulate President Sandu on her re-election and underline their steadfast support for the Republic of Moldova and its accession path to the European Union. The Benelux commends the consistent commitment of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to the reform process and invites them to pursue reforms and to strengthen the country’s resilience and stability.

South Caucasus

We are following with great concern the situation in the region. As regards Georgia, we support the current de facto halt of the accession process. We call upon the Georgian authorities, to reverse the current trend and adopt democratic, inclusive, and sustainable reforms, in line with the fundamental principles of European integration. As regards the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, we call for a speedy and full normalization of relations between Baku and Erevan and in particular the signing of a comprehensive Peace agreement.

Middle East

Recalling the Conclusions of the European Council, the Benelux is deeply alarmed by the dramatic military escalation in the Middle East and the risk this represents for the entire region. Following the tragic anniversary of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, the Benelux condemns once again in the strongest possible terms such unjustified acts of deliberate violence and stands with the families of the victims and the hostages taken by Hamas. It calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, put an end to all hostilities immediately and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. The Benelux is fully committed to helping de-escalate the situation and reduce tensions. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties and the dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliations must end. With regard to Lebanon, the Benelux is hopeful that soon an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line can be agreed with the full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Attacks against UNIFIL are unacceptable and must stop. The Benelux reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to hostilities, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The Benelux deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially women and children, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. It also recalls the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders. The Benelux stresses the essential role of the UN and its agencies, notably UNRWA which provides crucial support to the civilian population, both in Gaza and the wider region. The Benelux strongly condemns the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and Israel’s military operation. To conclude, the Benelux reiterates its unwavering commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

New European competitiveness deal

The Letta and Draghi Reports give the necessary boost to the sense of urgency to cope with the major challenges facing our economic growth and productivity, exacerbated by the climate and energy crisis and the geopolitical challenges. We must be ambitious, fast, and effective if we want to protect European prosperity, drive clean growth, and deliver our promises to our citizens. Strengthening our competitiveness must go hand in hand with bolstering the internal market. A fully integrated and harmonized EU legal framework is also essential to protect our internal security and resilience and upholding our rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights.

We look forward to the proposal of the Commission for a new Clean Industrial Deal in the first 100 days of the new Commission. We expect this to be accompanied by other Commission initiatives with a renewed emphasis on addressing continuing fragmentations of the Internal Market, which guarantees a level playing field both externally and internally and removes structural barriers such as territorial supply constraints, concrete steps towards an Energy Union with an affordable, secure and sustainable energy supply and adequate measures to achieve a climate neutral Europe by 2050 at the latest, while fostering high-quality jobs aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights. The new proposals must be designed to reduce the administrative burden, especially for SMEs, and put the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality at the center. In order to mobilize the required investments, the Capital Markets and Banking Union will have to be completed.

European Migration policy

We acknowledge that EU member states, the Benelux countries included, find themselves confronted with difficulties in managing the current influx of asylum seekers. Providing shelter to people who flee war or persecution is a shared key value. To uphold this principle, containing irregular secondary movements and ensuring the effective return of people without a right to stay is of paramount importance. We underline the importance of the adoption of the Asylum and Migration Pact and its full implementation with a view to countering secondary movements. We emphasize our commitment to the existing cooperation mechanisms on readmission and return agreements between EU member states. We also underline the need to establish and strengthen comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnerships between the EU and third countries, in line with EU and international law. We are looking forward to the European Commission’s proposal on returns.

On the eve of its 40th anniversary, we reiterate that the smooth functioning of the Schengen area is essential for the Benelux, given our open economies and the large number of cross-border workers. While the Schengen borders code establishes the principle of absence of controls on internal borders, the latter can only be reintroduced in exceptional circumstances and on a temporary basis. We commit to continued cooperation to minimize impact of such controls on the economy and border regions.

Benelux Union

We reaffirm our determination to ensure that our Benelux Union plays its role as a laboratory and vanguard, complementing European policies in strengthening police and judicial cooperation, crisis management, managing asylum and migration, reducing unjustified barriers to cross-border flows and investment, producing competitive and affordable energy, supporting the mobility of workers and students, innovating in infrastructure and modes of transport, and developing a sustainable, digital and resilient economy and society.

Through cooperation in security, migration, crisis management and justice matters, the Benelux Union strengthens the resilience of its society and creates conditions for economic growth and sustainable development. Further implementation of the Benelux Police Treaty and the elaboration of the second series of implementing agreements on cross-border research, direct consultation (hit/no hit) of the police databases of another party to the Treaty, and direct consultation of the population registers and the other official registers of the other party, which are accessible to the police, will be key. A joint approach to fiscal and social fraud is being pursued; we are looking forward to the signature of a Benelux treaty addressing this matter.

A strong single market and fair labour mobility offer opportunities for businesses and citizens and encourage innovation and sustainability. Since 1 May 2024, higher education diplomas between Benelux and Baltic countries are automatically recognised, making it easier for students and job seekers to study and work across borders. The Benelux Union remains committed to harmonising regulations, reducing administrative burdens, and removing trade barriers. Special attention is paid here to small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of the Benelux economy. Likewise, the transition to sustainable energy remains an important area of Benelux cooperation. The North Sea plays a crucial role in this as a source of renewable energy, including joint projects for wind energy and green hydrogen production. Cross border energy infrastructures, including securing this vital infrastructure are also important parts of this cooperation.

We commit to strengthen our cooperation at Benelux level that can contribute to the work of the European Union, whether by probing/testing new initiatives that can inspire action by the 27 Member States or by developing common approaches to implementing European legislation within our three countries, as appropriate.

We welcome the impetus given by the Benelux Parliamentary Assembly to strengthen the single market, promote a sustainable future and ensure a safer society through actions that bring visible and tangible added value to the citizens, businesses, and public authorities of our three countries.

We welcome the participation in our Summit of North Rhine-Westphalia, partner in a joint bid with Belgium and the Netherlands to build the Einstein Telescope in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion and in many other areas of Benelux cooperation. We are looking forward to the forthcoming signing of an action plan with the Hauts-de-France region, in line with the 2018 letter of intention with France. We intend to further strengthen our close links with our neighbouring countries and regions.