50 years of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine

50th anniversary banner: “50 years, Connected across borders”, with the Belgian, German and Dutch flags at the tripoint

50 years of cross-border cooperation

In the tri-border region of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2026, the Euregio Meuse-Rhine will pay tribute to all those who work for our border region and bring it a little closer together every day.

Discover our history

Connected across borders, the anniversary celebration

On 27 October 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00, at the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, Bilzen-Hoeselt (Belgium).

View in the events calendar

Save the date: Connected across borders, 27 October 2026, 14:00-17:00, Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, Bilzen-Hoeselt

The programme

14:00 | Arrival & discovery

Welcome of the guests and opportunity to visit the exhibition

“50 years of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine”

15:00 | Official opening

Welcome address by the Chair

Jos Lantmeeters

50 years of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine

A look back at five decades of cross-border cooperation

Short distances, different worlds

Cultural differences and similarities between the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany

Dr Ute Schürings

Working together

Practical examples of cross-border cooperation and an insight into the work of selected partner structures

From the present to the future

Panel discussion on shared perspectives for future cooperation in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine

Looking ahead: the Euregio of tomorrow

Inspiring ideas and perspectives for the future of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine

Ready for the next 50 years

Symbolic act as a shared starting point for the future

Closing remarks by the management

Michael Dejozé and Matthias Kindel

From 17:00 | Networking & exchange

Conclusion of the event with an opportunity for networking and personal conversations

Fifty years of cooperation, field by field

What do cross-border security, cross-border mobility, cross-border education and a Euregional labour market have in common? No idea? It was the Euregio Meuse-Rhine that, at some point, made all of this possible.

Discover, field by field, the cooperation that has grown out of these fifty years.

Security: EMRIC/EPICC

Mobility: Euregional Coordination Office at the Aachener Verkehrsverbund

Education: Euregio Profile Schools

Labour market: Border Information Points

Nature and landscape: Three Countries Park - Open space without borders

Testimonials

What our partners say

For its fiftieth anniversary, the Euregio Meuse-Rhine asked its long-standing partners for their view of the cooperation.

Dr Oliver Vogt Managing Director, EuregioKultur e.V.

The EMR is committed to the region and its people and, through its work, enables and promotes cooperation across borders and languages.
Giulia Stroink Programme Manager, EMRIC

Up to twice a day, ambulances and fire brigades cross the border in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. In this form, that is quite unique in Europe.
Dominik Elsmann Euregional Coordination Office, Aachener Verkehrsverbund

Our cooperation with the EMR has long been based above all on mutual trust, on open and straightforward dialogue, and on a willingness to support one another and share our own expertise.

What’s on in 2026?

We are celebrating diversity, and this is also reflected in the various events of 2026!

Every event is unique: find the one that suits you in our events calendar!

View all events

In pictures

Experience the diversity of Euregional events in pictures

A selection of photos from past events that stand out because of their theme or importance, and which showcase fifty years of cross-border cooperation in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.