Koen Metsu: “Turning the Benelux into a driving force for European defence cooperation”

Today, the Chamber’s Defence Committee approved a resolution aimed at significantly strengthening defence cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. With this initiative, our country is sending a clear signal in favour of closer Benelux cooperation, positioning it as a frontrunner within both the EU and NATO.

Tabled by Defence Committee Chair Peter Buysrogge, the resolution builds on existing success stories, such as the integrated Belgian-Dutch navy (BeNeSam) and cooperation within the air forces. “For us, the Benelux is a textbook example of how defence cooperation pays off. It’s a key piece of the puzzle that fits seamlessly into both NATO and EU strategies,” said MP Koen Metsu.

Responding to new threats

According to N-VA, deeper cooperation—what we call open strategic autonomy—is essential in a rapidly evolving security landscape marked by military threats, cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. As a leading group, the Benelux can demonstrate that cooperation works and grow into a catalyst for European defence integration. In that respect, it is the most logical, historically proven and politically viable scale.

As mid-sized to smaller defence players, the Benelux countries stand to benefit from greater efficiency. “We simply can’t afford to organise everything three times over. By working together, we cut costs, boost our operational strength and speed up modernisation,” Metsu added.

The N-VA also wants the Benelux countries to speak more with one voice in European and NATO forums. “Three countries acting together carry far more weight than three acting alone. That’s how we strengthen our influence and avoid dependence on larger players,” Metsu said.

A proven track record

This is not a leap into the unknown, but an acceleration of what already works. “The Benelux has long shown that cooperation delivers results. With this resolution, we’re giving concrete shape to its revival—and we hope it will inspire similar efforts in other policy areas. Now is the time to take this cooperation to the next level,” Metsu concluded.