Every year, Benelux Day on 5 September reminds us of a defining milestone in the history of the region: the creation of the Benelux Customs Union in 1944. Born out of necessity to rebuild after war, it stands as a lasting symbol of how cooperation and integration can drive peace, prosperity and and resilience.
On this occasion, the Benelux Business Roundtable (BBR) has released a joint declaration, signed by CEOs from leading companies, calling on political leaders to support deeper strategic economic integration within the Benelux. The declaration positions the region as a driving force for Europe’s industrial resilience and competitiveness.
“Europe is at a crossroads,” the statement notes. “Fragmented regulations, slow permitting, and inconsistent policies threaten our industries. Without alignment, we risk deindustrialisation, not decarbonisation.”
By signing this declaration on Benelux Day, CEOs reaffirm the region’s pioneering spirit and its vital role in shaping Europe’s future.
Read the declaration here.