Benelux Day and 65 years of free movement of persons within the Benelux (5/09/2025)

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On the occasion of Benelux Day on September 5, 2025, citizens, policymakers, and representatives of Benelux institutions gathered at Place d’Armes in Luxembourg City to celebrate 65 years of free movement of persons between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. In addition to speeches and meetings between citizens and political leaders, the public was able to taste Belgian, Luxembourgish, and Dutch culinary food, while listening to music performed by Douane’s Musek, in collaboration with the Belgian Royal Finance Harmony Orchestra.

album photo

  1. Photo de groupe

    (de g. à dr.) Charles Delogne, ambassadeur du royaume de Belgique à Luxembourg ; Maurice Bauer, premier échevin de la Ville de Luxembourg ; Xavier Bettel, Vice-Premier ministre, ministre des Affaires étrangères et du Commerce extérieur ; Frans Weekers, secrétaire général de l’Union Benelux ;Catharina Elisabeth Francina Lobbezoo, ambassadrice du royaume des Pays-Bas à Luxembourg

    © SIP / Emmanuel Claude

  2. Célébration officielle de la Journée Benelux: 65 ans de la libre circulation des personnes,

    © SIP / Emmanuel Claude

  3. Célébration officielle de la Journée Benelux: 65 ans de la libre circulation des personnes,

    © SIP / Emmanuel Claude

  4. (de g. à dr.) Xavier Bettel, Vice-Premier ministre, ministre des Affaires étrangères et du Commerce extérieur ; Frans Weekers, secrétaire général de l’Union Benelux

    © SIP / Emmanuel Claude

  5. Célébration officielle de la Journée Benelux: 65 ans de la libre circulation des personnes

    © SIP / Emmanuel Claude


As President of the Committee of Ministers of the Benelux Union, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, emphasized in his speech the importance of Benelux for the three countries, their citizens, and their institutions, stating that “From an idea to reality, and then to a promise, the Benelux has, since its inception, shaped the lives of our citizens, our institutions, and our three countries. Today, it remains a laboratory of innovation and development for our three countries and for the European Union.”

A pioneer of a borderless Europe

Free movement is one of Benelux’s most tangible achievements, and it has inspired all of Europe. Well before the Schengen Agreement, Benelux had paved the way, as early as 1960, toward a Europe without internal borders. The free movement of persons has become a fundamental pillar of the success of the Benelux Union and of European cooperation. Today, students, entrepreneurs, cross-border workers, and police services still benefits from this pioneering legacy.

 

Released by: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade

 

For more information:

Confirmation journée Benelux 2025 (Pdf, 282 Ko)