The name of the country included in the Benelux. New world - travel company

Benelux is the abbreviated name of the customs and economic union of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which is also acquiring the character of a military-political union. The beginning of the formation of the Benelux was laid by a currency agreement (October 21, 1943) and a customs convention (September 5, 1944; entered into force in January 1948) of the three named states. On February 3, 1958, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg concluded an agreement in The Hague establishing an economic union, which entered into force on November 1, 1960, after its ratification by parliaments. three countries. The agreement provides for the creation of a single market for its participants, the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services between the three countries, the coordination of their economic, financial and social policies, the performance of the participating countries as a single whole in the field of foreign economic relations; The contract is concluded for 50 years and can be extended for every subsequent 10 years. The Benelux states hold consultations on major international and military issues.

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

LUXEMBOURG

The Benelux countries are an alliance of three Western European powers. The composition of this Western European "cocktail" is as follows:

The union has very large area- approximately 74,640 square kilometers. About twenty-seven million people live on its territory.

Detailed karat of Benelux showing provinces and adjacent states

Euro has been the official currency since 2002. Also, tourists traveling in these three countries can use credit cards.

The main tourist contingent visiting the "union of three" European powers is young people. In addition to students arriving in the Benelux countries, young couples often visit here.

With the onset of spring, Holland is very popular among tourists, in which a large number of interesting exhibitions and festivals take place at this time of the year. In the second half of August, vacationers tend to visit Belgium. With the onset of autumn, a large number of trainings and various seminars are being held in the Kingdom. In winter, tourists are attracted great views"dwarf" Luxembourg.

The unique composition of the three powers offers tourists to visit many attractive, interesting places. So, in Belgium it is recommended to visit Blankenberge.

Panoramic view of Blankenberge

This magnificent seaside resort famous for its mild climate and excellent recreational opportunities. Here, all those interested in marine flora and fauna will be able to admire unusual animals collected in a giant aquarium. In total, there are more than seventy species of sea inhabitants. The fair sex should visit the wealthy mineral springs Spa town.

Scheveningen, a pretty Dutch resort, deserves special attention. The beach here is beautiful, clean and comfortable.

Located on the very seashore, the hotel is designed in the style of a medieval castle, which cannot but appeal to lovers of romance. Arriving in Luxembourg, one should not neglect the opportunity to visit small pretty villages, luxurious medieval castles and majestic cathedrals.

Panoramic view of a village in Luxembourg

It is also here that tourists have an amazing opportunity to taste delicious European wines.

The composition of the three Benelux states is able to offer extremely democratic conditions for obtaining a visa. But there are still some "pitfalls" in the form of bureaucratic delays when applying for a Belgian visa. The best option is a business visa. Validity of the visa for bus tour- seven days, for an air tour - no more than five days.

In order to seamlessly enter the Western European Union, which includes three countries, you must have:

It looks like a visa to Holland, which allows you to visit all the Benelux countries

Often people crossing the border tourist visa Ask about the purpose of the trip. The respondent's answers are compared with the visa data. When leaving home, it is extremely important to ensure that the visa is “closed” with a seal at the appropriate point. This is necessary so that the next time the union, which includes three countries, "gives the go-ahead" for entry.

If a person planning to visit three countries of the union travels with a child of six years of age, then his passport must have a photograph of him. A fourteen-year-old teenager, according to existing legislation, has his own passport. To avoid negative consequences, it is important that the applicant's passport has his personal signature.

The existing rules regarding transportation to the Western European Union, which includes three states, across the border of the Russian Federation, are mandatory. So, it is important to remember that the transported amount should not exceed one and a half thousand US dollars. If a person is carrying a large amount, it is important to provide a declaration and a certificate on the acquisition of currency units. The last document is requested at the request of customs officers.

The composition of the three Western European states has fairly strict customs regulations. So, it is important to remember that:

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All three countries in the Western European Union have their own entry rules.

The main package of documents that must be collected before tourist trip, includes:

• foreign passport (it is recommended to present all available passports with visas, including old ones);
• completed application form of the applicant;

A sample of filling out the application form for obtaining a Schengen visa

If three countries that are members of the union plan to visit persons who do not have official source income, as well as pensioners and students, they undertake to provide the employees of the diplomatic mission with a letter from the sponsor or a document guaranteeing payment of their expenses by a third party. If the sponsor is a parent, spouse or adult child, the applicant must attach a document confirming family ties.

Canals in Amsterdam

If a foreign person residing in the territory of the Russian Federation plans to visit three countries included in the Benelux, then he must present a photocopy Russian visa(entry and exit) or a document confirming the presence of registration in Russia.

If a tourist has never visited these three countries, or has not had three visas in the last three years, then he is obliged to personally submit a package of documents to a diplomatic institution.

A person wishing to enter the Benelux, an alliance that includes three European powers, must remember that:

1. An identity document must always be carried with you.
2. It is advisable to deposit money and jewelry in a hotel or hotel.
3. You need to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure (this is necessary against the backdrop of very long queues).

This is what the airport in Brussels looks like

If you are going to visit an alliance that includes three countries, you need to remember that in many hotels and hotels noise after eleven in the evening is strictly prohibited. The use of heating appliances is also taboo. It is also forbidden to smoke while in bed.

It is strongly not recommended to exchange currency on the black market. Also, you should not choose unfavorable places for walking, famous for their criminal "exploits". You should also not gamble, since it is very difficult to establish the fact of fraud in this case.

In some places it is forbidden to smoke a cigarette. In this regard, it is important to look around and pay attention to the appropriate signs. If a tourist is stopped by a police patrol, then, in order to avoid trouble, it is important to provide law enforcement officers with your passport.

The Benelux countries are an alliance of three Western European powers. The composition of this Western European "cocktail" is as follows:

The Union has a very large area - approximately 74,640 square kilometers. About twenty-seven million people live on its territory.

Detailed karat of Benelux showing provinces and adjacent states

Euro has been the official currency since 2002. Also, tourists traveling in these three countries can use credit cards.

The main tourist contingent visiting the "union of three" European powers is young people. In addition to students arriving in the Benelux countries, young couples often visit here.

With the onset of spring, Holland is very popular among tourists, in which a large number of interesting exhibitions and festivals take place at this time of the year. In the second half of August, vacationers tend to visit Belgium. With the onset of autumn, a large number of trainings and various seminars are being held in the Kingdom. In winter, tourists are attracted by magnificent views of the "dwarf" Luxembourg.

The unique composition of the three powers offers tourists to visit many attractive and interesting places. So, in Belgium it is recommended to visit Blankenberge.

Panoramic view of Blankenberge

This magnificent seaside resort is famous for its mild climate and excellent recreational opportunities. Here, all those interested in marine flora and fauna will be able to admire unusual animals collected in a giant aquarium. In total, there are more than seventy species of sea inhabitants. The fair sex should visit the town of Spa rich in mineral springs.

Scheveningen, a pretty Dutch resort, deserves special attention. The beach here is beautiful, clean and comfortable.

Located on the very seashore, the hotel is designed in the style of a medieval castle, which cannot but appeal to lovers of romance. Arriving in Luxembourg, one should not neglect the opportunity to visit small pretty villages, magnificent medieval castles and majestic cathedrals.

Panoramic view of a village in Luxembourg

It is also here that tourists have an amazing opportunity to taste delicious European wines.

The composition of the three Benelux states is able to offer extremely democratic conditions for obtaining a visa. But there are still some "pitfalls" in the form of bureaucratic delays when applying for a Belgian visa. The best option is to apply for a business visa. The validity of a visa for a bus tour is seven days, for an air tour - no more than five days.

In order to seamlessly enter the Western European Union, which includes three countries, you must have:

It looks like a visa to Holland, which allows you to visit all the Benelux countries

It is not uncommon for people crossing the border on a tourist visa to be asked about the purpose of their travel. The respondent's answers are compared with the visa data. When leaving home, it is extremely important to ensure that the visa is “closed” with a seal at the appropriate point. This is necessary so that the next time the union, which includes three countries, "gives the go-ahead" for entry.

If a person planning to visit three countries of the union travels with a child of six years of age, then his passport must have a photograph of him. A fourteen-year-old teenager, according to existing legislation, has his own passport. In order to avoid negative consequences, it is important that the applicant's passport contains his personal signature.

The existing rules regarding transportation to the Western European Union, which includes three states, across the border of the Russian Federation, are mandatory. So, it is important to remember that the transported amount should not exceed one and a half thousand US dollars. If a person is carrying a large amount, it is important to provide a declaration and a certificate on the acquisition of currency units. The last document is requested at the request of customs officers.

The composition of the three Western European states has fairly strict customs rules. So, it is important to remember that:

Back to index

All three countries in the Western European Union have their own entry rules.

The main package of documents that must be collected before a tourist trip includes:

• foreign passport (it is recommended to present all available passports with visas, including old ones);
• completed application form of the applicant;

A sample of filling out the application form for obtaining a Schengen visa

If the three countries that are members of the union are planning to visit persons who do not have an official source of income, as well as pensioners and students, they undertake to provide employees of a diplomatic institution with a sponsor's letter or a document guaranteeing payment of their expenses by a third party. If the sponsor is a parent, spouse or adult child, the applicant must attach a document confirming family ties.

Canals in Amsterdam

If a foreign person residing in the territory of the Russian Federation plans to visit the three countries included in the Benelux, then he must present a photocopy of the Russian visa (entry and exit) or a document confirming the presence of registration in Russia.

If a tourist has never visited these three countries, or has not had three visas in the last three years, then he is obliged to personally submit a package of documents to a diplomatic institution.

A person wishing to enter the Benelux, an alliance that includes three European powers, must remember that:

1. An identity document must always be carried with you.
2. It is advisable to deposit money and jewelry in a hotel or hotel.
3. You need to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure (this is necessary against the backdrop of very long queues).

This is what the airport in Brussels looks like

If you are going to visit an alliance that includes three countries, you need to remember that in many hotels and hotels noise after eleven in the evening is strictly prohibited. The use of heating appliances is also taboo. It is also forbidden to smoke while in bed.

It is strongly not recommended to exchange currency on the black market. Also, you should not choose unfavorable places for walking, famous for their criminal "exploits". You should also not gamble, since it is very difficult to establish the fact of fraud in this case.

In some places it is forbidden to smoke a cigarette. In this regard, it is important to look around and pay attention to the appropriate signs. If a tourist is stopped by a police patrol, then, in order to avoid trouble, it is important to provide law enforcement officers with your passport.

Belgium is the birthplace of baby Julien and fabulously tasty beer

Geographic reference

The Kingdom of Belgium is part of the Benelux, a union of three monarchies: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The area occupied by the union is 74.6 thousand km², and the population is about 27.5 million people.

If we talk directly about Belgium, then its area is 30.5 thousand km², the population is about 10.4 million people, consisting of Celtic, Frankish, Frisian and Saxon descendants. The country occupies a territory in Western Europe, the length of the coast is 66 km, washed by North Sea. It has common border with the Netherlands - in the north, with Luxembourg and Germany - in the east, with France - in the south. The capital of Belgium is the city of Brussels.

Brussels - the economic and political heart of the country - stands on the river. Senna. The first information about the city appeared in the sources of the XI century, it was here that the residence of the Dukes of Brabant was recorded. In 1830, after the victory in the Belgian Revolution, Brussels became the capital of Belgium. Numerous cultural, scientific and educational establishments: Geographic Institute, Academy of Sciences and Arts, Graduate School of Political and Social Sciences, University, Museum old art, Royal Congo Museum, etc.

The country uses three official languages. In the southern part of the country and in Luxembourg, it is customary to speak French, in West and East Flanders, Limburg and Antwerp - in the Flemish variety of the Dutch language. A central part, which includes the southern French and northern Flemish provinces, and is completely bilingual.

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Belgium provides its citizens with freedom of religion. Religions officially recognized: Orthodoxy, Islam, Protestantism, Judaism, Anglicanism. However most of believers are Catholics.

Climate

The climate is mostly mild, temperate maritime. average temperature July, the warmest month of the year, is + 14 - 18 ° C, January - from + 3 ° C on the coast to - 1 ° C in the Ardennes. Snowfall falls on winter period and it's only been there for a few weeks.

Visa regime

The Belgian visa is Schengen, it allows a tourist to stay in any of the Schengen member countries, and not only in the territory of this country.

Transport connection

Transport networks are represented by the railway and highways. For example, there are two routes from the UK to Belgium: by ferry to Ostend or via the Channel Tunnel to Calais.

High-speed Belgian trains will take you to Paris and Amsterdam. Tourists can plan their time with confidence, as trains run strictly on schedule, which is not inferior to the punctual Germany and Holland. Tickets are expensive, but the country has a discount system, detailed information You will be able to get at the train station.

Along with railway networks international and internal transport Belgium is represented by buses. Trams and metros are also an efficient and reliable way to get around, but only within the country. It is noteworthy that you can use one type of ticket in the metro, tram and bus.

For study tour with the sights of Brussels you can take a taxi. It is not recommended to use the services of "private" taxi drivers.

In order to rent a car, you need to have international driver license and accident insurance. Don't forget to use seat belts.

Belgian roads have no equal in Europe. At night, the trails are brightly lit, but during the period of fog and rain, visibility drops sharply.

Accommodation

Belgian hotels are mostly standard and are represented by a star rating from 2 to 5. However, most of them are private. To plunge into the atmosphere of the country, it is worth staying in a private hotel, so that a vacation in Belgium will allow you to feel the flavor of the country.

Money

The official currency of Belgium is the euro. Cash can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices, the latter, as a rule, are open on weekends. Banks work on weekdays from 09:30 to 16:00, on holidays and weekends they are closed.

It is allowed to import duty-free into Belgium cigarettes (200 pcs.), Cigars (50 pcs.), Tobacco (250 gr.), Wine (2 l), spirits (1 l), perfumes (50 g), toilet water(250 ml), coffee (500 g), tea (100 g), Luxembourg wines (8 l), transported through the border of the same name, as well as other goods, the amount of which does not exceed 50 euros.

It is forbidden to import into the country weapons and ammunition, drugs, uncanned meat.

There are no restrictions on the import of national and foreign currency.

Shopping and cuisine

From Belgium they bring delicious chocolate and fruit beer, excellent quality Brussels lace and tapestries from Bruges. Shops are open from 10:00 to 18:00, on Sundays - a day off. Small private shops are usually open until 22:00. IN major cities There are 24-hour grocery stores everywhere.

Similarities between Belgian and french cuisine obvious. Each region of Belgium has its own unique dish. Cream, butter, beer and wine are used abundantly in cooking. Some time ago, chefs began to pamper customers with exotic Asian cuisine. Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants are open everywhere.

In restaurants and cafes, the considerable amount of portions offered is striking, but local beer - the object of national pride of the Belgians - on the contrary, is poured into standard glasses of 0.33 liters, which cannot but upset Russian tourists who have come to rest in Belgium.

Rest and excursions

If you are in Belgium, then immediately visit its main attractions, and if possible, go on an excursion to Luxembourg, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Ghent, famous for its cleanest reservoir, Bruges, Paris.

The sights of Belgium are the ancient fortresses and cathedrals, the famous "Manneken Pis" in Brussels, the Cathedral of St. Bavo and the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Royal Museum of Art, the Museum fine arts, Palace of the Prince-Bishops in Liege, Royal Galleries of St. Hubert, St. Michael passing over the Fox Canal.

We recommend that you get acquainted with the place of the famous battle between the Napoleonic army and the troops of Wellington - the city of Waterloo. The history of the emergence of all the sights of the city is connected with this battle. Napoleon's Headquarters, Panorama, Wellington Museum and Museum wax figures, Lion Hill with the Visitor Center and St. Joseph's Church - these places are worth visiting for tourists.

popular nature reserve Kalmthout surrounded by pine forest. It is located in the vicinity of the city of Lir, the famous astronomical clock And ancient tower Zimmer.

Sights gallery BELGIUM

In North-west Western Europe there are three small countries The constitutional monarchies of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Together these countries are called the Benelux Economic Union.
Their desire to create such a commonwealth is explained by many factors. general history(for example, once all these countries were part of the Duchy of Burgundy), established in the Middle Ages, economic, especially trade, ties and the understanding that together they can claim much greater influence in Europe and the world.
Negotiations on an economic union began after the First World War, and the first document on the way to creating a real union was signed on July 25, 1921. It was an agreement on the creation of the Belgian-Luxembourg economic union. He abolished customs duties and many other obstacles to trade between these countries, established a single tariff for third countries and ensured the free circulation of services.

And in 1932, the Convention was signed, in which Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg provided for the possibility of eliminating customs duties in trade with each other. However, the political events in Europe at that time and the economic crisis did not allow the first attempt to create the Benelux to be realized. But the idea itself has not gone away. While still in exile in London during World War II, the governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg signed a currency agreement in 1943 to regulate mutual payments in the post-war period and strengthen economic ties.
In 1944, the Customs Convention was signed, which entered into force in 1948 and exempted trade between countries from all duties, and also introduced a single and lowest in Western Europe customs tariff for trade with third countries. The bodies of the union of three countries were also created - the Administrative Customs Council Council of the Economic Union, the Council of Trade Agreements, since 1947 the General Secretariat began its work in Brussels. In 1949, the Treaty on the preliminary economic union appeared, which eliminated quantitative and other restrictions on trade and provided for the coordination of monetary policy.
In 1953, the Protocol on the acceleration of the process of coordinating economic and social policies and the Protocol on the implementation of a common trade policy in relation to imports and exports in trade with third countries were signed. In 1954, there was an Agreement on the free movement of capital between the three countries, in 1955, an Agreement on the gradual settlement of agricultural policy. The Benelux Inter-Parliamentary Advisory Council began its work in 1955. In 1956, the Protocol on the free movement of labor and a uniform policy in the field of social insurance allowed the governments of the three countries to coordinate personnel policies. In the same year, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg began to conclude trade agreements with third countries already jointly as the Benelux.
The Treaty on the Benelux Economic Union itself was signed in The Hague on February 3, 1958 and entered into force on November 1, 1960. Although by that time the European Economic Union - EEC (1957), which included all three countries, had already been created, the decision to save the Benelux was obvious, this union significantly strengthened the position of the Benelux countries and within the EEC.
The experience of the Benelux proved to be very important in the creation and development of the EEC. Moreover, the path to full integration was not easy and not fast - only from January 1, 1974, free movement of goods, capital and services was achieved In the Treaty establishing the Benelux Economic Union (1958), the high contracting parties - His Majesty King Baudouin I , Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and Her Majesty Queen Juliana of the Netherlands have formulated the main objectives of the union. They announced a decision to "strengthen economic ties between their countries by ensuring the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services" and the desire to "pursue a coordinated policy in the economic, financial and social spheres" and a common foreign trade policy. All for the "growth of human and social welfare" of their peoples.
These goals were fully realized and continue to be a priority today. A powerful administrative infrastructure has been created to ensure the activities of the Benelux. supreme body Benelux - Committee of Ministers, consisting of three Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which meets several times a year. Decisions of the Committee must be taken unanimously and are binding on all. The Council of the Economic Union, consisting of representatives of the ministries and departments of the three countries, is subordinate to the Committee; it coordinates the activities of sectoral and special commissions. Line ministers meet, as necessary, in working groups.
The administrative and organizational functions of the Benelux are performed by the General Secretariat, headed by the College of Secretaries. According to the Treaty, the Secretary General must be a citizen of the Netherlands, his two deputies - from Belgium and Luxembourg. The Benelux Inter-Parliamentary Consultative Council has members of the parliaments of three countries, Belgium and the Netherlands have 21 seats each, Luxembourg has seven. The Council discusses and develops recommendations addressed to the governments of the three countries. And the Advisory Council on Economic and Social Affairs includes 27 representatives of economic and social organizations participating countries.
The tasks of the Trial Chamber include the development of a unified interpretation of jointly adopted legal norms, among its powers are judicial, advisory and judicial powers in cases of state officials. Also, to resolve disputes arising between members of the Benelux in connection with the implementation of an agreement or conventions, an Arbitration Board was created.
In 2010, the agreement signed in The Hague in 1958 ceased to be valid. But this does not mean that the Benelux will disappear. On the contrary, from now on, the Benelux Economic Union is simply called the Benelux Union, which should emphasize that the cooperation of countries within the union is not limited solely to the economy.
On June 17, 2008, a new agreement was signed in The Hague between the governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which should modernize, strengthen and expand cooperation between the Benelux countries. It is precisely under this agreement that the Benelux will have to live on.
And although serious obstacles arose on the way to the integration of the Benelux countries - war, economic crises, internal problems, the desire to strengthen and expand cooperation has always been a priority. Of course, even today the Benelux countries have many problems - for example, in Belgium the possible division of the state into two countries - Flanders and Wallonia - is becoming more and more realistic. But even if this happens, the Benelux clearly has every chance to resist because its advantages are obvious.

general information

Currency unit: Euro.

Languages: Dutch, French, German, Luxembourgish.

Main seaports: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, IJmuiden, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges.
The most important airports: international Airport Rotterdam, Elde International Airport (Groningen, Netherlands), Schiphol International Airport (Amsterdam), Eindhoven Airport (Netherlands), Antwerp International Airport, Brussels International Airport, Luxembourg Findel International Airport.
Major rivers:, Lek, Vaal.

Neighboring countries: France, Germany.

Numbers

Area: 74,640 km2.

Population: 27,911,071 (2010).
Population density: 373.9 people/km2.

Economically active population: 4,647,000 people (Belgium, 2006), 8,308,000 people (Netherlands, 2005), 205,000 people (Luxembourg 2006).

Employment by sector: Belgium: services - 73%, industry - 25%, agriculture - 2%; Netherlands: services - 73%, industry - 23%, agriculture - 4%; Luxembourg; services - 83.2%, industry - 14.3%, agriculture - 2.5%. Urbanization: Belgium - 97%, the Netherlands - 82%. Luxembourg - 82%.

Economy

GDP (nominal): Belgium - $470.4 billion (2009), the Netherlands - $794.8 billion (2009), Luxembourg - $57.61 billion (2008), according to the CIA Directory.

GDP per capita (PPP): Belgium - $38,300 (2008), Netherlands - $41,300 (2008), Luxembourg - $85,100 (2008), according to the CIA.
GDP by sectors of the economy: Belgium: services - 73.0%, industry - 25.7%, agriculture - 1.3%; Netherlands: services - 70.4%, industry - 26.3%, agriculture - 3.3%; Luxembourg: services - 83.1%, industry - 16.3%, agriculture - 0.5%.

Industry, most competitive areas: gas and coal mining, ferrous metallurgy, non-ferrous metallurgy, nuclear energy, mechanical engineering, electronics, petrochemistry, chemical industry, aircraft building, shipbuilding, automotive, textile industry, carpet production, furniture industry, faience industry, pulp and paper industry, food industry, leather industry industry, clothing manufacturing, diamond processing.

Agriculture: meat and dairy production, breeding livestock, poultry farming, growing vegetables and fruits, production of seedlings and seeds, greenhouse flowers, wine production (Luxembourg).
Service sector: tourism, trade, transport services, banking, financial services.

Economy features: high price labor force, the need to export many types of raw materials for industry.

Curious facts