N-VA wants to turn the Benelux into a driving force for European defence cooperation

Today, the federal parliament approved a resolution aimed at significantly strengthening defence cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. “For us, the Benelux is a textbook example of how defence cooperation pays off. It is a key building block that fits both NATO and EU strategy,” says MP Koen Metsu.

With this initiative, Belgium is sending a strong signal in favour of deeper Benelux cooperation, positioning the three countries as a leading group within both the EU and NATO. The resolution, introduced by Defence Committee Chair Peter Buysrogge, builds on existing success stories such as the integrated Belgian-Dutch navy (BeNeSam) and cooperation within the air force.

Stronger cooperation to address new threats

According to N-VA, closer cooperation is essential in a rapidly evolving security environment marked by military threats, cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. As a frontrunner, the Benelux can demonstrate that cooperation works and become a catalyst for broader European defence integration. In this context, the Benelux represents the most logical, historically proven and politically feasible level of cooperation.

The Benelux countries are medium-sized to smaller defence players. That is why the resolution focuses on making cooperation more efficient. “We simply cannot afford to organise everything three times over. By working together, we reduce costs, strengthen our operational capabilities and accelerate modernisation,” says Koen Metsu.

In addition, N-VA 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 countries acting separately. This strengthens our influence and reduces dependence on larger powers,” Koen Metsu adds.

“This is not a leap into the unknown, but an acceleration of what is already working. The Benelux has historically proven that cooperation delivers results. With this resolution, we are giving concrete substance to the relaunch of the Benelux, and we hope this approach will inspire progress in other policy areas as well. Now is the time to take that cooperation to the next level,” Koen Metsu concludes.