The economic union of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg is called the Benelux Economic Union , commonly known as Benelux. It originated from a customs union agreement signed in 1944 and became operative in 1948, with the formal Benelux Economic Union treaty signed in 1958 and coming into effect in 1960

. Benelux aims at total economic integration by ensuring the free movement of persons, goods, capital, and services among the three countries, coordinating economic, financial, and social policies, and pursuing a common foreign trade policy

. The union was a pioneering model for European integration and served as a precursor to the European Economic Community and later the European Union

. The name "Benelux" is a portmanteau derived from the first letters of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg

. The union also includes institutions such as the Benelux Parliament, Secretariat-General, and the Benelux Court of Justice to manage cooperation and legal consistency among the member states

. In summary, the economic union of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg is officially called the Benelux Economic Union or simply Benelux.