Benelux Parliament

Cooperation with the Benelux Parliament

Baltic-Benelux parliamentary cooperation started in 1994. By signing the Common Declaration on Parliamentary Cooperation, parliamentarians agreed to cooperate in developing democratic institutions and foster coordination of activities in such field as foreign policy, communications, energy, market economy, environmental protection, culture, education and science. Throughout the years, the cooperation has expanded and taken new forms, priority fields and formats. The Benelux experience has been useful in solving cross-border problems, such as developing joint infrastructure facilities, opening common border-crossing checkpoints and organising common customs services as well as fighting against organised crime and illegal border crossing. The Benelux countries have also provided an indispensable support to the Baltic States in preparing for joining the Schengen information system.

The closest cooperation between the Baltic Assembly and the Benelux Parliament has taken place in the following spheres: local government cooperation, visa issues, cross-border cooperation, cooperation between sea ports, migration issues, preservation of the cultural heritage and fight against social security fraud, etc. The Baltic Assembly benefited from the experience of the Benelux countries in the sphere of cross-border cooperation (for solving problems related to Valka and Valga), development of a common infrastructure as well as creation of joint border control points and unified management of customs services in order to ensure compliance with the criteria set by the Schengen system.

Decision on Priorities for 2019-2021

On 23 March 2019 in Luxembourg, President of the Baltic Assembly and President of the Benelux Parliament Mr Gusty Graas signed Decision on Priorities of Cooperation for 2019 – 2021. Both organisations have decided to focus coordination of activities on the following priorities of cooperation: circular economy; labour mobility, vocational education and training (automatic recognition of qualifications); mutual recognition of higher education diplomas and cooperation between universities in Baltic States and Benelux countries; security and defence cooperation, cooperation with the EU Eastern Partnership countries; European energy market, sustainable mobility – alternative fuels; common transport and infrastructure projects, cross-border rail connections; digital Market; meeting the climate targets; human trafficking; violence against women.

The main goal for cooperation between both organisations is to promote deeper European integration, expansion of welfare, political consensus and economic stabilisation and development.

To read more about the Benelux Parliament, visit www.beneluxparl.eu

Joint documents

Common Declaration on Parliamentary Cooperation, 18 November 1994, Hague (download)
Decision of Priorities for Cooperation for 2006 (download)
Common Declaration of Parliamentary Cooperation, of 23 March 2007 (download)
Decision of Priorities for Cooperation for 2008-2009 (download)
Decision of Priorities for Cooperation for 2009-2010 (download)
Decision on Priorities of Cooperation for 2011-2012 (download)
Decision of Priorities for Cooperation for 2015-2016 (download)
Decision of Priorities for Cooperation for 2017-2018 (download)
Decision of Priorities for Cooperation for 2019-2021 (download)