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Benelux: new horizons of defence cooperation

The article examines Benelux defence cooperation model. Research methodology is based on comparative research which is applied to the so called defence clusters framed by small nations of Western Europe. The article discusses the main parameters of the defence cooperation among Benelux countries for today and for upcoming future. It traces the origin and growth of military ties among Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg after the end of the Cold War. In this regard defence priorities of these small nations are assumed within the context of changing security environment in Europe and beyond. The main areas of their joint activity, specific programs and projects of defence cooperation are being traced. Military reform notably personnel size reduction and armed forces reorientation towards new tasks dealing are being analyzed. Economic reasons which determine the level of ambition in militarytechnical cooperation among Benelux countries are also taken into consideration. The influence of external factors, notably Benelux partner nations from EU and NATO is also analyzed. It is calculated to what measure new developments inside EU (like Brexit or transatlantic disputes) affect the overall European security climate. Universal nature of Benelux defence model is a good example of incubator where new ideas and concepts emerge and turn into achievements that are similarly profitable for both EU and NATO. Experience gained by the three allies inside their defence cluster may become a model for other sub-regional groupings in Europe. The results of the study shows that Benelux defence cluster is a promising track of cooperation among its member states and it may be further improved.