As the 80th anniversary of the Benelux Union approaches, it's a perfect time to reflect on its fundamental role in shaping what we now know as the European Union.

The Benelux Union between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg was officially launched on 5 September, 1944. It began as a customs convention and is considered a precursor to the European Union.

The Benelux Union has been instrumental in European integration and is notably recognised for having spearheaded, along with France and Germany, the Schengen Agreement of 1985.

The former Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, frequently consulted with the Netherlands and Belgium at the Benelux level and regularly met with the then-Prime Ministers Mark Rutte and Charles Michel to establish common positions ahead of EU summits. The three politicians also shared a good personal relationship.

Next year, the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies will take over the presidency of the Benelux Parliamentary Assembly.