The 1944 Benelux Agreement was a treaty signed between three neighboring countries – Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg – with the objective of fostering economic cooperation and integration among them. The agreement created a customs union and introduced the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the three countries. However, one country did not sign the treaty, and that country is France.
France was invited to join the Benelux Agreement negotiations in 1943, but it declined the offer. At the time, France was under German occupation and did not want to engage in any treaty negotiations without the approval of the occupying power. Also, France was pursuing its economic integration plan with other European countries, which did not include the Benelux countries.
The refusal of France to join the Benelux Agreement did not deter the three countries from forging ahead with their plans for economic integration. The Benelux Agreement was signed on 5 September 1944, and it went into effect on 1 January 1948. The treaty was later replaced by the Benelux Economic Union, which was signed on 3 February 1958, and it is still in existence today.
The Benelux Economic Union has been successful in promoting economic cooperation and integration among its member countries, which has led to the growth of their economies and improved the standard of living of their citizens. The union has a combined GDP of over $1.7 trillion and a population of over 28 million people. It has also played a vital role in shaping European integration and cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
In conclusion, France did not sign the 1944 Benelux Agreement due to its unique circumstances at the time. However, the refusal of France to participate did not stop the Benelux countries from pursuing their economic integration plans, which have been successful in promoting economic growth, trade, and investment among them.