Benelux Powers Unite on Defense and Space Innovation

In a bold move to boost Europe’s strategic autonomy, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the
Netherlands have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen
collaboration in the defense and space sectors. The announcement came during the
International Aeronautics and Space Show in Paris, where Luxembourg marked its 10th
year with a national pavilion at Le Bourget.

The collaboration will forge a united front in space and security between the countries.
This new Benelux partnership aims to pool resources and talent to jointly participate in
projects run by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Defense Agency
(EDA). By aligning their strengths, the three countries hope to strengthen their bids for
major EU-backed projects while ensuring balanced benefits across all regions.
“We share more than borders, we share values, economic visions, and innovation
goals,” said Kris Vanderhauwaert, cluster manager at Flanders Space.

Yves Elsen of Luxembourg’s Fedil business federation stressed that this is not about
corporate mergers or centralisation. “It’s about exchanging knowledge, sharing
expertise, and growing together,” he said. He highlighted drone technology as one
example where combining strengths could lead to job creation, competitive advantage,
and global impact.

The MoU comes at a pivotal moment. Europe is increasing defense budgets, ESA is
revising its roadmap, and NATO allies are being urged to boost spending. This makes
cross-border cooperation not just ideal but essential.
Beyond the economic and strategic value, the agreement is being viewed as a symbol

of European efficiency, how small nations can lead in big ways. Rooted in the founding
spirit of Benelux cooperation from 1944, this modern alliance could once again serve as
a model for the EU: efficient, united, and forward-looking.

Photo – Colonel Guy Hoffmann, Directorate of Defense

“This is Europe at its best,” Elsen noted. “Practical, united, and ready to lead.”