NederlandBelgiëDuitsland

The Netherlands–Belgium border is the land boundary between the Netherlands and Belgium in Northwestern Europe. It runs through a densely populated, economically integrated region and follows a mix of rivers, plains, and historical demarcations. In places the boundary traces river courses such as the Scheldt and Meuse, while other segments lie along overland routes between towns in the two countries.

Historically, the frontier took its modern shape after Belgium gained independence in the 1830s. The 1839 Treaty of London established the border, with minor adjustments in later years. Since European integration and the Schengen Area, routine border controls have largely disappeared, facilitating cross-border movement.

The border region supports extensive cross-border cooperation within Benelux and the European Union. Networks such as the Euregio Meuse-Rhine connect Dutch and Belgian areas with nearby Germany, coordinating transport, environmental management, and public services. Economies on either side are closely linked through trade, logistics, and commuting, with major ports in the area acting as regional hubs.

Linguistically, Dutch is the dominant language on both sides in the border zone; in Belgium the Dutch-speaking community is in Flanders, while Brussels is bilingual. The frontier also features cultural and linguistic diversity, with signs and programs designed to promote cooperation across the border.

A notable feature is the Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog arrangement, where Dutch and Belgian parcels form a complex pattern of enclaves within each other. This peculiar border reflects medieval landholding patterns that persist in modern times.