What are the Benelux tasks ?

	Completing the own internal market. As the European Internal Market took effect in January 1993, the decision to give priority to this matter in the Benelux may seem at first sight paradoxical. The Single European Market is however still not nearly completely realised nor perfect, so that there are real chances of needing further Benelux consultation.
	Reinforcing the practical cross-border cooperation between the three countries. The coordination concerns fields close to the citizen, being physically localized, person-related or taking place on a local level. Examples are : environmental planning, nature conservation and landscape protection, traffic and infrastructure, direct cooperation between local governments, cooperation with regard to public health, cross-border workers and youth welfare work. The decision to reinforce the cooperation in these very “visible” fields reflects the desire to deal with each other as good neighbours.
	Continuing the joint approach to the visa policy and consultation in the fields of justice, police and immigration. The Benelux has a long tradition of cooperation in these areas, while at the same time there are still big differences in the participation of the Member States in consultation in the European Union.
	Developing the Benelux political cooperation. This involves the joint preparation of the European Councils. Wherever possible, a common position is taken in European meetings in order to be of greater weight in the decision-making process.
	Exploring the concrete opportunities to cooperate in the fields of culture, research, education and training.