The Benelux is an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. During the year 2018, Belgium will fulfill the role of President of the Council of Ministers of the Benelux Union.

The official launch of the Belgian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers took place on 22 January 2018. On this occasion, the priorities of the Belgian Presidency were presented by the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs. The main themes on which the Belgian Presidency will focus are sustainable development and digitalisation.

Other themes were also mentioned as priorities, including – among other – structural consultation on migration and asylum issues.

For further information:

• Full speech of the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the official launch of the Belgian Presidency (22/01/2018)
• Press release from the Belgian Council of Ministers (02/02/2018)