Didier Reynders on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Benelux: “we remain pioneers”

PRESS RELEASE

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Benelux, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders attends today a ceremony organized at BOZAR which will bring together the monarchs of Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium, the three ministers of Foreign Affairs as well as members of our government, the ministers-president of the Regions and Communities and representatives of the Benelux institutions. At the invitation of the King, a lunch is organized for an exchange of views on the achievements and the future of the Benelux.

Holding the presidency of Benelux this year, the Minister will stress in his speech the importance of the Benelux for Europe today. The theme of the day will be “an ever greener and younger Benelux”, focusing on the youth and environmental challenges.

In the course of the day, the Minister will also meet the business community to discuss their projets for the Benelux. Together with his Luxembourg counterpart, he will also engage with the members of the Benelux Parliament. This year, the Benelux Parliament is working notably on the circular economy, the recognition of diploma’s and the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union(Brexit).

In addition to tangible progress in the transport sector, the recognition of diplomas and police cooperation, Belgium highlights during its presidency the strengthening of ties with the French border regions and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Minister is especially glad of their presence on this anniversary, which underlines the commitment of the Benelux of working with all its neighbours.