Since 1957, the union of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg has served as an experiment
on European cooperation.
And by many accounts, it’s been a successful one - it even served as a model for the original
European Union.
Though many would question the strength of the EU alliance, few would say the same of
the Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg partnership, or BeNeLux for short.
So, how powerful is BeNeLux?
Well, the three Midwestern European countries are fairly powerful in their own right.
Even tiny Luxembourg, who loves to shell out much of its cash in generous donations ranks
in the top 3 for its GDP.
Combined, BeNeLux’s population is made up of 28.5 million residents.
That’s a little more than the population of Texas, crammed into about a tenth of the
space.
This gives the collective a population density comparable to Haiti or India.
But unlike Haiti, BeNeLux is vastly wealthy.
In fact, their combined GDP of 1.4 trillion dollars is about the same as the entire continent
of Africa.
When ranked financially against the rest of the world, they’d come in about 12th or
13th.
Part of this is due directly to the success of their economic partnership.
The Netherlands is a major trading partner for Belgium, as well as the group’s largest
exporter, after Germany.
Their largest exports and imports are petroleum products, which contribute significantly to
their high yield status.
Although their union was originally economic, they’ve since come together militarily as
well.
This is not uncommon in Europe - it’s also illustrated by the Defense Co-operations of
the Nordic and Baltic states.
Despite The Netherlands only ranking 37th, Belgium ranking 55th, and Luxembourg’s military
being comprised of only a few hundred soldiers, the BeNeLux defense cooperation is widely
respected.
With a single Admiral commander in charge of Belgium and the Netherlands navies, their
ability to integrate has been promoted as a model for other cooperative countries.
Furthermore, the so-called capital of Europe in Brussels, Belgium, hosts the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization, with some of the world’s most powerful leaders.
Additionally, as members of the EU and NATO, BeNeLux enjoys strong military protections.
So how powerful is BeNeLux?
Well, as a rich and protected group that regularly ranks among the most developed and happiest
countries in the world, BeNeLux is certainly no slouch.
But considering that they are also a model of cooperation for the rest of the world,
their actions have the ability to affect the development of the international community.
Some would say that makes them one of the most influential and powerful role models
in Europe.
Perhaps then… the EU could take some pointers from BeNeLux.
Want to learn more about Europe?
Make sure you check out this video all about the Nordic countries, and just how much influence
they really have.
There’s also a
link in the description if you’re on your phone… and thanks as always for watching!
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