Brussels, 20/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands gave their approval on Monday 19 October to a statement from the economic union formed by the three countries, Benelux, on putting in place a cross-border infrastructure network for alternative fuels (electricity, gas and hydrogen) to encourage development and sustainable mobility in the region.
The statement signed by the energy ministers of the three regions of Belgium (Brussels Capital, Flanders and Wallonia), Luxembourg and the Netherlands commits the three countries to cooperating to put in place charging points for electric vehicles and gas and hydrogen refuelling points within their borders. The goal of this initiative which is “fully” supported by the European Commission is to “limit to as great an extent as possible the dependence of transport on oil and to encourage sustainable mobility in the Benelux countries”, starts a Benelux Union press release (our translation).
Experts from the three countries will shortly meet within the joint working group on alternative transport to share knowledge and sound practice in the construction of infrastructure. Specific attention will be given to cross-border opportunities and technical difficulties, such as compatibility and ease of use of the network for citizens and companies.
“With this political initiative, Benelux will be the first region to put into effect the EU's desire to create sustainable infrastructure networks. The experience gained will be shared with the EU, confirming Benelux as a frontrunner”, the press release says (our translation). (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)