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Innovation and Solidarity: The Benelux Unites to Tackle Water and Climate Challenges
Organised by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity in collaboration with the Benelux General Secretariat, the Benelux+ Water Conference was opened on 3 December 2025 in Schengen, Luxembourg, by Minister Serge Wilmes. 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.
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Photo de groupe
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Photo de groupe
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Discours du ministre de l'Environnement, du Climat et de la Biodiversité, Serge Wilmes
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Discours du ministre de l'Environnement, du Climat et de la Biodiversité, Serge Wilmes
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Remise d'un cadeau
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
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Réunion de travail thématique - Tour de table
© SIP / PANCAKE! Photographie
his opening address, Minister Serge 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."
Organised 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 AI in water management was as the heart of the exchanges. Far from being a threat, AI can 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
The conference reaffirmed Benelux's pioneering role as a testing ground for European policies on cross-border 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.
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.
Press release by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity