Benelux

/ˈbɛnəlʌks/ noun

Definition

The economic and political union of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, formed in 1944 and later integrated into the European Union.

Etymology

A portmanteau of the first syllables of 'Belgium,' 'Netherlands,' and 'Luxembourg.' Created as an acronym in 1944 to represent the economic customs union of these three nations.

Kelly Says

Benelux was the cool older brother of the European Union—these three tiny neighbors created an integrated market decades before the EU existed, proving that cooperation between countries could actually work!

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