Benelux area. New world - travel company

Belgium is the birthplace of baby Julien and fabulously delicious 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, Higher School of Political and Social Sciences, University, Museum of Ancient Art, Royal Museum Congo 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 the 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 came 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 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 of Fine Arts, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops in Liege, the Royal Galleries of St. Hubert, the bridge of 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

- the region of Europe was created in 1944, which includes the European countries of the customs and economic union: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
The name comes from the first syllables of the names of the member countries of the union. In Europe, this union is called Benelux.
The Benelux has a population of about 27,562,217 and covers an area of about 74,640 km? (Mile 28,819?). Thus, the population density of the Benelux is 369 people. / km? (956 people/mile?).
Economic aspects of the creation of the Benelux
The Benelux Economic Union, formerly the Benelux Customs Union, is a trade agreement between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, collectively formalized as the Benelux. The Benelux organization began its activities on November 1, 1960, as was followed by the Customs Union, founded on January 1, 1948. The Union sets tariff standards for goods from non-member countries of the Benelux and assigns obligations for intra-union trade. The fourth largest grouping in the West, the Benelux serves over 25 million people.

The flag of the Benelux At one time, the Benelux was considered a promising experiment, following the example of which neighboring countries should establish other customs unions, which could then unite into a larger economic union. But, after the ratification of the agreement that founded the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, the interests of neighboring countries, and with them the Benelux, began to meet the plans for the establishment of the European Economic Union.
The Benelux Economic Union has become an important model for the idea European Union. One might even say its premise. The Benelux continues to operate in some respects as a smaller economic grouping within a larger one, headquartered in Brussels
Ethnically the Benelux countries form transit zone between ancient Germanic and Latin imitation Western Europe. Even the languages of the countries are French and German. The compactness of population settlement in these countries is one of the highest in Europe and the world. All three countries are highly urbanized and about nine-tenths of the region's population lives in cities and urban areas. Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague are among the major cities in Europe.
The Benelux countries are one of the most highly industrialized regions in the world and have market economies that rely heavily on foreign trade. In connection with the country's desire to ensure the security and protection of its own trade, these countries were the pioneers of economic integration, creating the Economic Union of Belgium-Luxembourg in 1921, and after the Second World War, the Benelux. This union ensures the free movement of people, goods, capital and services between the three countries; coordinates their policy in the economic, financial, social spheres; adheres to a common foreign trade policy.
Thus, having chosen the path to European integration back in 1921, the Benelux countries once and for all resolved the issue of priorities for economic relations between the countries of the region and the world. Pioneers of integration, these countries are demonstrating excellent results of the growth of national economies and the best traditions today. economic cooperation across borders. Other EU countries simply cannot boast of such results.
Prerequisites for economic growth in the region
First of all, let's pay attention to the Netherlands: in general, the cyclical development of the Dutch economy in last years largely consistent with the development of neighboring countries. If you look at the level of GDP growth in the country, it is not difficult to see its correlation with neighboring European countries, although it should be noted that this correlation was somewhat weakened in the early 90s, when development in Niemechinna somewhat separated from the level of co-members.
Let's pay attention to the country's economy in the 70s. The economic downturn was attributed to a price spiral that prevented real prices from adjusting to the country's long-term policy. In addition, the global recession of 1980 had a very hard impact on the development of the country. The first premonitions of a global problem led to an explosion in the real estate market. Real property prices fell relentlessly. This situation in the real estate market has led to a reduction in consumption in the country. In 1982, the country's economy was in crisis with a fall in GDP for the second year in a row. The improvement of the situation in the world led to the fact that since 1982 the country began to restore the economy.
The economic cycle of the late 80s and early 90s felt the influence of the German economy. The level of currency exchange set by Germany led to an investment crisis in 1991. But despite this, the Netherlands suffered from the recessions of 1992-1993 and 1995 much less than other European countries. The stage of economic stabilization and constant growth of the national economy has begun thanks to rational fiscal policy and reforms in the labor market. The country's economic growth gained momentum in 1994 and continues to this day.
In many ways, this situation resembles economic development Belgium. The Belgian economy was in a state of economic boom in 1997, bringing its prospects and confirming its place among the most developed countries. The economic achievements of Luxembourg in the last three decades are also striking. And in 1998-1999, in these two countries, real GDP grew by almost 5%, which is impressive even for these countries. Indeed, such a growth of Luxembourg since the beginning of the 80s was caused by a virtuoso compromise between influential politics, a developed partnership with neighboring countries and, above all, the economy of external orientation, taking into account regional specialization.
All these factors determined the state of economic development of the Benelux countries, which we observe today, the corresponding place in the EU and world trade. The integration of the region and the rational fiscal policy of the governments allowed the Benelux countries to confidently embark on the path of prosperity and improve their performance every year. The next section of the work will be devoted to the analysis of the latest macroeconomic indicators of the national economies of the region and the structure of economies in general.
general characteristics economic development of the Benelux countries
The Benelux countries are leaders in the group of countries Central Europe for most gross macroeconomic indicators. natural resources Central European countries are under-endowed. Of the more or less minerals, oil and gas reserves in the Netherlands and Belgium should be noted. If you look at the structure of the economies of the countries of the entire Central European region, then the Netherlands is undoubtedly the most advanced country in terms of post-industrial development. Here Agriculture accounts for 3.6% of the country's GDP, industry 28.5%, and services 67.9%. The relevant sectors of the Belgian economy correspond to the ratio: 1.8%: 31.7%: 66.5%. In agriculture of the countries of the region highest value have crops, fruits. The Netherlands has historically specialized in the cultivation of flowers, most of which are then exported and are popular in the world. The experience of agricultural development in the Netherlands deserves additional attention because the country must literally reclaim territories from the sea, building numerous dams and creating alluvial land sectors. As a result, the area of agricultural land in the Netherlands is the largest among the countries of this group, more than a quarter of the country's territory, and the intensity of agriculture in the country is such that more than 20% of Dutch exports are food.

Benelux countries on the map of Europe. Among the industries, the following should be noted:
Science intensity of production, use the latest technologies, the production of qualitatively new products has significantly increased in the Netherlands.
The Benelux countries in the world economy also specialize in the creation of subsidiaries of licensed companies within the internal corporate structure of TNCs. And this, together with the significant tax savings of the transnational group, makes it easier for countries to obtain leading foreign technologies.
Describing the infrastructure of the countries of Central Europe, it can be noted that maritime countries– The Netherlands and Belgium – have major ports, in all three countries of the Benelux there is a extensive network the best automotive and railways, airports international importance.
In the energy sector, the positions here are somewhat worse given the dependence on energy imports. Particularly ugly is the energy position of Belgium, which must import oil and gas for its energy needs.
Financial services and tourism have traditionally been the most important service industries in the region. Amsterdam is the world's largest financial region, apart from Zurich. All three countries have developed banking services (especially in the Netherlands), insurance, financial holdings and real estate.
All three countries, to one degree or another, can be considered tax havens for international transactions.
Activities of the Benelux countries within the framework of the EU and the WTO
The Benelux countries have seen a significant economic recovery in recent years, with an average growth of 2.5% in the region and an expected growth rate of 3% in 2001. It is impossible not to pay attention to such a factor as the progress of countries in the field of creating a single market within the EU, thanks to the deregulation of the telecommunications sector and the financial services market, in parallel with the implementation of actions within the WTO. An important element of integration was the introduction of the Common Currency. As of 1998, the Union of Belgium and Luxembourg provided 3.2% of world exports, thus ranking 11th among the world's largest exporters. But in addition, these two countries together ranked sixth in the EU in terms of exports and tenth among the world's largest importers. Indeed, all sectors and most of the territory of the Benelux countries are involved in order to meet the needs of an increase in the volume of export-import transactions.
On January 1, 1999, 11 EU countries made a final decision regarding the next link in European integration - the introduction of a single currency. Thus, these countries automatically became participants in the third stage of the EMU. This event was a historic step for all the main officials of the participating countries, such a decision marked the achievements of the EMU in accordance with the deadlines specified by the EU in 1992 in the Maastricht Treaty.
At the meeting in Brussels, the achieved level of integration was analyzed European countries and assessed the development of the EU countries.
Monetary policy is not the only link in the integration of the Benelux countries. In view of the fact that the countries needed reforms to reduce unemployment, further labor market reforms, the Benelux countries are seeking cooperation in the regulation of the labor market. The defining achievement is the "Doorn group".
Thus, in September 2000, the "Doorn group" - an association of trade unions of the Benelux countries, and besides Germany - held its fourth annual meeting. The Joint Group jointly assessed the results of the spending agreements reached in 2000 in the four countries in the context of the "coordination formula" they adopted last year. This formula states that countries should look for payment standards that are consistent with changes in prices and labor productivity. In addition, the unions paid attention to the issues of cooperation in solving the issues of the length of the working day and continuing education during work.
On September 7-8, 2000, over 50 leading representatives of trade unions from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany met as part of the activities of the "Doorn group" in Luxembourg. The name of the association comes from the name of the city where, in 1998, the trade unions of the aforementioned countries adopted a joint declaration, which began the strong desire of the countries to find opportunities for coordinating across borders issues related to wages and working conditions within the EU. The declaration of the "Doorn group" for the first time in history noted the fact that unions from different countries recognized common standards in this matter. One of the main issues of the meeting was a significant increase in the levels of payments in the countries. According to figures provided by the national trade union organizations, average growth in 2000 was 4.5% in Luxembourg, 3.6% in Belgium, 3.5% in the Netherlands and 2.3% in Germany.

The Benelux is a union of three countries: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The main reasons for the creation of this community were:

granting the right of free movement to citizens three states;
implementation of a unified policy in the social sphere;
the elimination of obstacles hindering free trade;
adjustment of financial policy;
historical commonality: once all three countries were part of a single Burgundian kingdom;
general politic system- all three states are constitutional monarchies;
the desire to have such political and economic influence in Europe that three small countries could not have achieved separately.

History of creation

The idea of uniting the three countries arose at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1921, Belgium and Luxembourg signed an economic union treaty. It provided for duty-free trade and established uniform tariffs for goods from third countries. The Netherlands joined this treaty 11 years later. However, the Second World War destroyed the plans of the parties and interrupted the formation of the union. However, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg did not stop cooperation. The exiled governments of the three countries signed a series of agreements regulating money turnover within the future union.

The association finally took shape in 1944. Since all three countries considered it necessary to pursue a policy of free trade, they not only removed all customs restrictions within the union, but also set the world's lowest customs tariff for other states. At the same time, general bodies were created to regulate the economy on the territory of the entire association: the Administrative Council for Customs, the Council of the Economic Union, the Advisory Council and the Council of Economic Agreements. Later, the General Secretariat of the Union appeared in Brussels.

The 1950s became very fruitful for the joint activities of the representatives of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Then, several protocols were released to coordinate financial, trade and agricultural policies, as well as track labor migration and create a unified social insurance system. During the same period, the three countries ceased to conclude any agreements with other states separately. All international documents were signed by the entire Benelux.

The very agreement on the founding of the Benelux was signed only in 1958. Together, three small states managed to create a powerful and sustainable economic system that can survive in today's global market.

Today, the Benelux is not just an economic union, but also a single political structure. An important role in the life of the three countries is played by the Committee of Ministers, which includes the foreign ministers of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Thanks to their joint action, the Benelux are able to conduct a unified foreign policy aimed at satisfying the interests of the three peoples. The Council of the Economic Union includes sectoral ministers of the participating countries. They monitor the development of the economic and social spheres of the confederation. The Advisory Council helps all three countries to develop an optimal domestic policy strategy, and the General Secretariat is responsible for the coordinated and efficient work of all bodies of the confederation. Also in the Benelux there is a Trial Chamber common to the three states, whose tasks include resolving disputes arising between members of the union and interpreting common legal norms.

Benelux: descriptions for travelers and reviews of tourists. Resorts and hotels, maps and attractions of the Benelux. Tours and trips to Benelux.

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“Sound and light, water and wind - they will not be held back by borders” is the motto of the Benelux, the geographical, economic and cultural community of “small but proud” European countries, whose name is derived from the first syllables of their names: Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.

From a tourist point of view, the Benelux has a special, in some ways happy, in some ways not too joyful fate: it has its own circle of fans, but to the glory of neighbors in Europe - France, Italy, Germany - oh, how far! The main contingent of local tourists are "highly specialized" fans who want to smoke weed and relax in famous neighborhoods, admire tulips and follow in the footsteps of the legendary Belgian detective, and finally set foot on the land of one of the smallest countries in the world. Another category of Benelux visitors is visiting guests who surf the Old World as part of combined, most often bus, tours. So the Benelux is either a pleasure for the sophisticated, or an "appendage" to European excursion programs.

Meanwhile, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have every reason to be at the center tourist attention, and the growing popularity of Benelux tours is proof of this.

This means that you can spend several thoughtful hours here, slowly (and almost completely alone) moving from hall to hall of a handsome Gothic castle, enjoying the echoing gloomy silence, lines of light penetrating through the stone rosettes of dormer windows, the aroma of summer oak forests and centuries-old sun-warmed stones. And even though accommodation prices are traditionally high, in return you will get a relaxing holiday in the very heart of Europe, away from crises and election campaigns, but with all the benefits of civilization in the form of excellent service, quality hotels and a lot of nice interesting things around.

By the way, there are so many items of "souvenir" interest in the Benelux that they could be more than enough for a couple of popular European countries.

Benelux

For example, from the Netherlands alone, they bring, firstly, tulip bulbs (even botanists seem to have already lost count of the varieties), secondly, the famous cheese, which competes with tulips in terms of variety of species, and thirdly, expensive , but amazing royal Delft porcelain, and fourthly, numerous and multifunctional “comfort” products, some of which can baffle even enlightened people. Let's also mention funny wooden shoes and cozy slippers, breathtakingly beautiful Brussels lace and Bruges tapestries, the most delicate chocolate and fragrant beer, according to connoisseurs, capable of outdoing the advertised Czech varieties.

As for spiritual food, here the Benelux proudly offers the most beautiful monasteries, churches and cathedrals, magnificent museums (which is worth the Royal Museum of Art in Antwerp alone), futuristic buildings, and, of course, Gothic in all its austere power: lancet arches, needle-spiers rushing upwards, graceful columns and bottomless spaces of halls. And also - a lot of postcard-fabulous colorful houses under cozy roofs, in which, it seems, the running of time has stopped forever and happiness has settled.

Benelux is not a separate city or state. These are political, economic and Customs Union, consisting of three European neighboring states: Belgium, the Netherlands (Holland) and Luxembourg, so each syllable in this word indicates the name of the country. Let's take a closer look at what the Benelux countries are.

Belgium

The state of Belgium is located in the northwestern region of Europe, whose shores are washed by the North Sea. The capital is the city of Brussels, which means "swan's nest". The country is ruled by a king, and the official languages are Dutch, French and German.

Belgium is a small state that can be traveled by car in a few hours. But, despite its modest size, it is a highly developed European power. It produces electrical equipment, cars, textiles, glass, copper, cast iron.

There are few minerals in the country, and the only raw material that is in sufficient volume is coal. The country also traditionally cuts diamonds, turning them into beautiful diamonds.

Belgium is famous all over the world for its chocolate, which is deservedly recognized as one of the best. Every year, the country produces 170 thousand tons of delicious delicacy, which is exported to various countries.

Rice. 1. Belgian chocolate.

The main attraction of Brussels - park zone"Mini Park", the decoration of which are small copies of the most entertaining buildings in Europe. Amazing beauty different and central Town Square Grand Palace, which is decorated every two years with a picturesque carpet of fresh flowers.

Netherlands (Holland)

The Netherlands is located in the north-west of Europe, whose shores are washed by the North Sea. The country is ruled by a queen. The capital of Holland is Amsterdam, and official language- Dutch.

In translation, the Netherlands means "low lands", since an impressive part of the territory lies below sea level.

The Netherlands is actively using wind energy, and along the coast you can see many windmills. Vegetation in the country is rather sparse, but this did not stop local residents for many hundreds of years to grow beautiful flowers, among which tulips stand out in particular.

Rice. 2. Windmills.

Luxembourg

In the northwest of Europe there is another state - tiny Luxembourg. Its capital is the city of the same name - Luxembourg, which translates as "small castle". They are ruled by the Grand Duke. Luxembourg has three official languages: French, German and Dutch.

Rice. 3. Palace of the Grand Duke.

Despite the fact that Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world, it is she who is the world leader in steel production. Animal husbandry, the cultivation of various vegetables and grapes are also developed here at a high level.

Local attractions are the Palace of the Grand Duke, Notre Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg is famous for its nature, preserved in its original beauty. Wild boars and roe deer can be found in dense forests, and trout are splashing in the rivers.