The Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) and the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) mutually and automatically recognise the diplomas of their higher education institutions as from 1 May 2024. It is on this date that a treaty signed in 2021 entered into force. 

With this agreement coming into force, graduates will no longer face lengthy recognition procedures and the associated costs of working or continuing their studies in one of these countries. 

In 2015, Benelux countries introduced automatic mutual recognition of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, to which  associate degrees and doctorates were added in 2018. Over the last years, the Baltic States also recognised each other’s degrees.  Being pioneers in the construction of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the Benelux and the Baltic countries felt that there was real added value in building links in this area. 

The six countries encourage other European countries to join the treaty. 

Source: Eurydice Unit Belgium (FR)