Intensified Cooperation Between Belgium and the Netherlands in the Railway Sector

New challenges in a rapidly changing world require swift action, according to the signatories. The joint declaration states that geopolitical and economic relations are changing quickly. This calls for increased cooperation in areas such as accessibility, security, and military mobility.

Belgium and the Netherlands already collaborate to strengthen cross-border connections. The task now is to further develop the potential in cooperation between the two countries and remove all remaining obstacles. Therefore, both parties want to intensify cooperation and give it a new impulse. This way, challenges can be tackled more effectively.

State Secretary Thierry Aartsen: “The world is changing rapidly. Good cross-border cooperation is then of strategic importance - economically and militarily. And as a traveler, you should be able to easily go to another country. We are now giving new impetus and acceleration to cooperation between Belgium and the Netherlands in the railway sector. This declaration is a fantastic first step. It contributes to the new cabinet’s commitment to further improve the accessibility and safety of our country in an international context.”

Minister Jean-Luc Crucke: “Our cooperation with the Netherlands has always been constructive, but sometimes lacked ambition. Today we want to breathe new life into it, so that we can strengthen our ties and accelerate the development of safe and efficient cross-border railway connections.”

Belgium and the Netherlands will intensify and accelerate existing cooperation by focusing on several important railway dossiers. Sharp attention is paid to how the economic ties between border regions can be better utilized.

Belgium and the Netherlands will work more closely to improve not only connectivity but also the capacity of cross-border lines. Additionally, new connections such as 3RX and the rail freight link between the port of Ghent and Terneuzen are being considered. Also, new connections between the Dutch provinces of Brabant and Limburg and Belgium are being examined. It has been decided to study a connection between Brainport Eindhoven and Belgium (Brussels). Both countries also want to coordinate more on increasing capacity for cross-border military mobility and improving the resilience of the railway.

To successfully complete these projects, both countries have agreed that responsible ministers will meet at least once a year. These meetings aim to ensure project progress. This is supplemented by biannual meetings of the Belgian-Dutch working group, alongside meetings between experts on each railway dossier. Belgium and the Netherlands intend to sign a framework agreement this summer covering several railway dossiers.

The agreements build on existing cooperation and railway agreements between Belgium and the Netherlands from 2022. The intensification requires extra effort and, where necessary, substantive deepening. Therefore, it has been agreed to involve regional parties and railway infrastructure managers where relevant and necessary in the approach.