Benelux MPs explore economic and scientific potential of Einstein Telescope in South Limburg
A high-profile delegation from the Benelux Parliament visited South Limburg to assess the impact of the Einstein Telescope, a groundbreaking scientific project. If built, it could bring jobs, cross-border collaboration, and economic growth to the region, while advancing global physics research.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Einstein Telescope (ET) |
| Location | Euregio Meuse-Rhine (South Limburg, Belgium, Germany) |
| Research Lab | ETpathfinder (Maastricht University) |
| Decision Timeline | Expected in Q3 2027 |
| Tubes Required | Over 100 kilometers |
| Key Challenge | Limitations of the electricity grid |
| Economic Impact | Opportunities for SMEs and regional businesses |
| Delegation Members | MPs and senators from D66, PVV, CDA, GroenLinks-PvdA, VVD, and SP |
The Benelux Parliament plays a strategic role in fostering cross-border cooperation on major projects like the Einstein Telescope. It monitors decision-making processes and advocates for policies that enhance innovation, economic development, and scientific collaboration in the region.
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Working visit Benelux Parliament to Einstein Telescope
A delegation from the Benelux Parliament visited South Limburg on Friday, March 27, 2026, to explore the potential arrival of the Einstein Telescope (ET) in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (South Limburg, Belgium, and Germany). The delegation was received by Alain Krijnen, mayor of Eijsden-Margraten.
ETpathfinder
The morning began with a visit to the ETpathfinder, the research and development laboratory focused on developing and testing the future Einstein Telescope. Professor Stefan Hild, Professor of Experimental Physics at Maastricht University and project leader of the ETpathfinder, gave a presentation on the science behind the project. Martijn Rumpen, strategist at the Einstein Telescope project office, then explained the further organization of the project. He discussed the advantages of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine and the process surrounding the site selection. The decision on which European location will ultimately be chosen is expected in the third quarter of 2027 and will be made by the Board of Governmental Representatives (BGR).
Preparations
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Kasteel Mheer, where additional presentations were held. Metal company SBE from Eijsden spoke about the preparatory work for producing the more than one hundred kilometers of tubes for the Einstein Telescope. The technological developments and testing requirements associated with such an installation were also addressed. Delegation members asked questions about the project's impact on SMEs, scalability, and challenges in scaling up. Among other things, the limitations of the electricity grid were highlighted as a barrier to expansion. To conclude, Jorik Kreuwels, representing the regional development agencies, outlined the opportunities and economic developments the Einstein Telescope offers for businesses in the region.
Employment
The Einstein Telescope offers employment opportunities in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine and represents a significant opportunity for collaboration between three countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany), with universities from all involved countries participating. The MPs raised questions about the decision-making process and the investments already made. Since 2022, the Benelux Parliament has been following the decision-making process surrounding the Einstein Telescope in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, emphasizing the strategic importance of this cross-border project for innovation, science, and economic development in the Benelux.
Dutch delegation
The Dutch parliamentary delegation for this working visit consisted of Members of the House of Representatives Jan Schoonis (D66), Rachel van Meetelen (PVV), Judith Bühler (CDA) and Members of the Senate Roel van Gurp (GroenLinks-PvdA), Pim van Ballekom (VVD), Theo Bovens (CDA) and Rik Janssen (SP).