Cross-Border Water Cooperation Highlighted at Benelux+ Conference in Schengen

On Wednesday 3 December 2025, the Benelux+ Water Conference was opened in Schengen by Luxembourg Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes.

According to Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, the event brought together 25 representatives from the Benelux countries and partner regions to strengthen cross-border cooperation in addressing challenges related to water, flooding and climate change.

In his opening address, Minister Wilmes emphasised the importance of a cross-border approach: “Water-related challenges know no borders. BENELUX+ cooperation is vital to strengthen our resilience against drought and the impacts of climate change. By joining forces, we can build a more sustainable and resilient environment for future generations.”

The ministry reported that in collaboration with the Benelux General Secretariat the conference provided an opportunity to address four key themes:

• Session I: “Water Smart” Economy - Participants explored how to integrate circular economy principles to optimise water use, reduce losses and promote reuse. This approach aims to improve water and energy efficiency while creating new sustainable business models. Discussions highlighted innovative initiatives to reduce environmental impact and ensure optimal resource allocation, particularly in response to rising temperatures linked to climate change.

• Session II: Preparedness, Early Warning and Recovery - The discussions focused on strengthening alert systems and cooperation mechanisms to anticipate floods and minimise damage. Concrete examples were presented, such as measures implemented in Rhineland-Palatinate and lessons learned in Wallonia following the Vesdre Valley floods. Participants stressed the importance of rapid coordination to support affected communities and restore infrastructure.

• Lunchtime Debate: Artificial Intelligence for Water - The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in water management was as the heart of the exchanges. It can be used to optimise processes, improve forecasting and support decision-making through data analysis. Luxembourg showcased a digital twin project applied to water management, illustrating the potential of advanced technologies to enhance resilience.

• Session III: BENELUX+ and EU Cooperation - Participants shared best practices, particularly in flood monitoring and forecasting in transboundary river basins, with contributions from Flanders and Slovenia. These initiatives provide replicable models at the European scale and reaffirmed Benelux’s pioneering role as a testing ground for European policies on cross-border cooperation.

The ministry said that by sharing best practices from Luxembourg, Wallonia, Flanders, the Netherlands, Hauts-de-France, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and Slovenia, the conference underscored a shared commitment to continuing joint efforts for sustainable and resilient water management, built on innovation, research and regional solidarity.