Key Insights
The Benelux cybersecurity market, encompassing Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, presents a robust growth trajectory. With a 2025 market size of €4.04 billion (assuming "Million" refers to millions of Euros), and a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.90% from 2019-2033, the market is poised for significant expansion. This growth is fueled by increasing digitalization across sectors like BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), healthcare, and government, leading to heightened vulnerability to cyber threats. The rising sophistication of cyberattacks, coupled with stringent data privacy regulations like GDPR, are key drivers. The market is segmented by offering (security software, services), deployment (cloud, on-premise), and end-user sectors. The prevalence of cloud computing is expected to drive the cloud-based security segment's growth, while the on-premise segment will continue to hold significance due to legacy systems and data sensitivity concerns in some sectors. A key trend is the increasing adoption of advanced security solutions like AI-powered threat detection and proactive security measures. While challenges like skilled cybersecurity professional shortages and the evolving nature of cyber threats present restraints, the overall market outlook remains optimistic.
The competitive landscape is marked by a mix of global giants like IBM, FireEye, Fortinet, and Cisco, alongside regional players. These companies offer diverse solutions catering to the varying needs of different end-user sectors. The Benelux region's strong digital infrastructure and high adoption of technology provide a fertile ground for cybersecurity market expansion. The market’s continued growth is expected to be driven by increasing government investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, and a heightened awareness among businesses of the financial and reputational risks associated with cyber breaches. Further segmentation analysis, focusing on the specific needs of each Benelux country, would offer more granular insights into market opportunities and potential investment areas.

Benelux Cybersecurity Market: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Benelux cybersecurity market, covering market size, growth trends, competitive landscape, and future outlook. With a study period spanning 2019-2033, a base year of 2025, and a forecast period of 2025-2033, this report is an invaluable resource for businesses, investors, and policymakers operating within this dynamic sector. The market is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.
Benelux Cybersecurity Market Structure & Competitive Landscape
The Benelux cybersecurity market exhibits a moderately concentrated structure, with a few major players holding significant market share. However, the market is also characterized by a high degree of innovation, driven by evolving cyber threats and the increasing adoption of cloud technologies. Stringent regulatory frameworks, including GDPR and NIS2, significantly impact market dynamics, forcing companies to invest heavily in compliance and security solutions. Product substitution is prevalent, with newer, more sophisticated solutions constantly emerging.
The market is segmented by offering (security type, services), deployment (cloud, on-premise), and end-user (BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, government & defense, IT & telecommunication, others). M&A activity in the Benelux region has been moderate in recent years, with a total of xx deals recorded between 2019 and 2024, valued at approximately xx Million. This indicates a consolidating market where larger players are acquiring smaller companies to expand their product portfolio and market reach. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for the Benelux cybersecurity market is estimated to be around xx in 2025, suggesting a moderately concentrated landscape.
Benelux Cybersecurity Market Market Trends & Opportunities
The Benelux cybersecurity market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by increasing cyber threats, rising digitalization, and stringent data privacy regulations. The market size is estimated at xx Million in 2025 and is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, exhibiting a significant CAGR of xx%. This growth is driven by several factors including:
- Technological advancements: The rise of cloud computing, IoT, and AI is creating new security challenges and opportunities.
- Increased cyberattacks: The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks are increasing, necessitating robust cybersecurity solutions.
- Stringent regulations: Governments are implementing stricter data privacy regulations, pushing organizations to enhance their security postures.
- Growing awareness: Businesses and consumers are increasingly aware of cybersecurity risks, leading to higher demand for security solutions.
- Shifting consumer preferences: There's a growing demand for user-friendly, integrated security solutions, driving innovation in the market.
The market exhibits high growth potential, particularly in cloud security, threat intelligence, and managed security services. Market penetration rates for various security solutions vary widely, with cloud security solutions demonstrating the highest adoption rates.

Dominant Markets & Segments in Benelux Cybersecurity Market
While the entire Benelux region shows strong growth, the Netherlands currently holds the largest market share due to its strong economy and high technological adoption.
Growth Drivers by Segment:
- By Offering: Managed security services and cloud security solutions are experiencing rapid growth due to increasing outsourcing of security functions and the migration to cloud-based infrastructure.
- By Deployment: The cloud deployment segment is growing faster than on-premise due to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access.
- By End-User: The BFSI sector leads the market due to strict regulatory compliance requirements and the high value of financial data. The government and defense sectors also exhibit high demand for robust cybersecurity solutions.
Market Dominance:
The BFSI sector dominates the end-user segment due to stringent regulatory requirements and the significant value of financial data. However, the government and defense sectors are also substantial contributors to the market’s growth due to their critical infrastructure and sensitive data. The growth of cloud computing is driving the expansion of the cloud-based deployment segment.
Benelux Cybersecurity Market Product Analysis
The Benelux cybersecurity market is characterized by continuous product innovation. Key areas of focus include advanced threat detection, AI-powered security solutions, and zero-trust security architectures. These innovations offer significant competitive advantages by improving threat detection capabilities, automating security responses, and strengthening overall security postures. The market's product landscape is highly competitive, with vendors constantly striving to differentiate their offerings through enhanced functionality, ease of use, and integration capabilities.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Benelux Cybersecurity Market
Key Drivers:
- Rising cyber threats: Sophisticated attacks targeting both businesses and individuals drive demand.
- Stringent data privacy regulations: Compliance mandates necessitate robust security investments.
- Increasing digital transformation: Expanding digital footprints expose organizations to greater risk.
Challenges and Restraints:
- Skill shortages: A lack of qualified cybersecurity professionals hampers market growth.
- High implementation costs: The cost of deploying and maintaining sophisticated security systems can be prohibitive for smaller businesses.
- Integration complexity: Integrating various security solutions can be challenging and time-consuming. This is estimated to slow market growth by approximately xx% annually.
Growth Drivers in the Benelux Cybersecurity Market Market
The Benelux cybersecurity market is primarily driven by increasing digitalization, stringent data privacy regulations (like GDPR), and the rising frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks. Technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning, are also fueling innovation and demand. Government initiatives promoting cybersecurity awareness and investments in cybersecurity infrastructure further contribute to market growth.
Challenges Impacting Benelux Cybersecurity Market Growth
Significant challenges include a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, the high cost of implementing and maintaining advanced security solutions, and the complexity of integrating diverse security systems. Furthermore, regulatory complexities and evolving threat landscapes contribute to market uncertainty.
Key Players Shaping the Benelux Cybersecurity Market Market
- FireEye Inc
- IBM Corporation
- Fortinet Inc
- F5 Networks Inc
- Fujitsu
- Cisco Systems Inc
- AVG Technologies
- Intel Security (Intel Corporation)
- Dell Technologies Inc
Significant Benelux Cybersecurity Market Industry Milestones
May 2022: Cisco released the Cisco Cloud Controls Framework (CCF), a comprehensive framework streamlining compliance and risk management for cloud services. This significantly simplifies compliance efforts, reducing costs and improving overall security posture for businesses.
June 2022: IBM and Atos expanded their partnership focused on IBM Cloud for Financial Services, leveraging Atos's "EU trusted third-party cyber security monitoring" to enhance data and system security for financial institutions. This development accelerates cloud adoption among financial services organizations, including critical infrastructure operators.
Future Outlook for Benelux Cybersecurity Market Market
The Benelux cybersecurity market is poised for continued strong growth, driven by increasing digitalization, evolving threat landscapes, and the ongoing demand for robust security solutions. Strategic opportunities exist for companies offering advanced threat detection, AI-powered security, and managed security services. The market's growth will be further fueled by government initiatives promoting cybersecurity awareness and investment in national cybersecurity infrastructure. The market presents significant potential for both established players and new entrants offering innovative and effective security solutions.
Benelux Cybersecurity Market Segmentation
-
1. Offering
-
1.1. Security Type
- 1.1.1. Cloud Security
- 1.1.2. Data Security
- 1.1.3. Identity Access Management
- 1.1.4. Network Security
- 1.1.5. Consumer Security
- 1.1.6. Infrastructure Protection
- 1.1.7. Other Security Types
- 1.2. Services
-
1.1. Security Type
-
2. Deployment
- 2.1. Cloud
- 2.2. On-premise
-
3. End User
- 3.1. BFSI
- 3.2. Healthcare
- 3.3. Manufacturing
- 3.4. Government and Defense
- 3.5. IT and Telecommunication
- 3.6. Other End Users
-
4. Geography
- 4.1. Belgium
- 4.2. Netherlands
- 4.3. Luxembourg
Benelux Cybersecurity Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. Belgium
- 2. Netherlands
- 3. Luxembourg

Benelux Cybersecurity Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.90% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Demand for Digitalization and Scalable IT Infrastructure; Rapidly Increasing Cyber Security Incidents and Regulations Requiring Their Reporting
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Lack of Cybersecurity Professionals; High Reliance on Traditional Authentication Methods and Low Preparedness
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. IT and Telecommunication segment is poised to grow at a faster pace.
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 5.1.1. Security Type
- 5.1.1.1. Cloud Security
- 5.1.1.2. Data Security
- 5.1.1.3. Identity Access Management
- 5.1.1.4. Network Security
- 5.1.1.5. Consumer Security
- 5.1.1.6. Infrastructure Protection
- 5.1.1.7. Other Security Types
- 5.1.2. Services
- 5.1.1. Security Type
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Deployment
- 5.2.1. Cloud
- 5.2.2. On-premise
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 5.3.1. BFSI
- 5.3.2. Healthcare
- 5.3.3. Manufacturing
- 5.3.4. Government and Defense
- 5.3.5. IT and Telecommunication
- 5.3.6. Other End Users
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.4.1. Belgium
- 5.4.2. Netherlands
- 5.4.3. Luxembourg
- 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.5.1. Belgium
- 5.5.2. Netherlands
- 5.5.3. Luxembourg
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 6. Belgium Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 6.1.1. Security Type
- 6.1.1.1. Cloud Security
- 6.1.1.2. Data Security
- 6.1.1.3. Identity Access Management
- 6.1.1.4. Network Security
- 6.1.1.5. Consumer Security
- 6.1.1.6. Infrastructure Protection
- 6.1.1.7. Other Security Types
- 6.1.2. Services
- 6.1.1. Security Type
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Deployment
- 6.2.1. Cloud
- 6.2.2. On-premise
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 6.3.1. BFSI
- 6.3.2. Healthcare
- 6.3.3. Manufacturing
- 6.3.4. Government and Defense
- 6.3.5. IT and Telecommunication
- 6.3.6. Other End Users
- 6.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.4.1. Belgium
- 6.4.2. Netherlands
- 6.4.3. Luxembourg
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 7. Netherlands Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 7.1.1. Security Type
- 7.1.1.1. Cloud Security
- 7.1.1.2. Data Security
- 7.1.1.3. Identity Access Management
- 7.1.1.4. Network Security
- 7.1.1.5. Consumer Security
- 7.1.1.6. Infrastructure Protection
- 7.1.1.7. Other Security Types
- 7.1.2. Services
- 7.1.1. Security Type
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Deployment
- 7.2.1. Cloud
- 7.2.2. On-premise
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 7.3.1. BFSI
- 7.3.2. Healthcare
- 7.3.3. Manufacturing
- 7.3.4. Government and Defense
- 7.3.5. IT and Telecommunication
- 7.3.6. Other End Users
- 7.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.4.1. Belgium
- 7.4.2. Netherlands
- 7.4.3. Luxembourg
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 8. Luxembourg Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 8.1.1. Security Type
- 8.1.1.1. Cloud Security
- 8.1.1.2. Data Security
- 8.1.1.3. Identity Access Management
- 8.1.1.4. Network Security
- 8.1.1.5. Consumer Security
- 8.1.1.6. Infrastructure Protection
- 8.1.1.7. Other Security Types
- 8.1.2. Services
- 8.1.1. Security Type
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Deployment
- 8.2.1. Cloud
- 8.2.2. On-premise
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 8.3.1. BFSI
- 8.3.2. Healthcare
- 8.3.3. Manufacturing
- 8.3.4. Government and Defense
- 8.3.5. IT and Telecommunication
- 8.3.6. Other End Users
- 8.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.4.1. Belgium
- 8.4.2. Netherlands
- 8.4.3. Luxembourg
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Offering
- 9. Belgium Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 9.1.1.
- 10. Netherlands Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 10.1.1.
- 11. Luxembourg Benelux Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 11.1.1.
- 12. Competitive Analysis
- 12.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 12.2. Company Profiles
- 12.2.1 FireEye Inc
- 12.2.1.1. Overview
- 12.2.1.2. Products
- 12.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.2 IBM Corporation
- 12.2.2.1. Overview
- 12.2.2.2. Products
- 12.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.3 Fortinet Inc
- 12.2.3.1. Overview
- 12.2.3.2. Products
- 12.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.4 F5 Networks Inc
- 12.2.4.1. Overview
- 12.2.4.2. Products
- 12.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.5 Fujitsu*List Not Exhaustive
- 12.2.5.1. Overview
- 12.2.5.2. Products
- 12.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.6 Cisco Systems Inc
- 12.2.6.1. Overview
- 12.2.6.2. Products
- 12.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.7 AVG Technologies
- 12.2.7.1. Overview
- 12.2.7.2. Products
- 12.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.8 Intel Security (Intel Corporation)
- 12.2.8.1. Overview
- 12.2.8.2. Products
- 12.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.9 Dell Technologies Inc
- 12.2.9.1. Overview
- 12.2.9.2. Products
- 12.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.1 FireEye Inc
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Offering 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Offering 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Offering 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Offering 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Deployment 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Benelux Cybersecurity Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Benelux Cybersecurity Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 7.90%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Benelux Cybersecurity Market?
Key companies in the market include FireEye Inc, IBM Corporation, Fortinet Inc, F5 Networks Inc, Fujitsu*List Not Exhaustive, Cisco Systems Inc, AVG Technologies, Intel Security (Intel Corporation), Dell Technologies Inc.
3. What are the main segments of the Benelux Cybersecurity Market?
The market segments include Offering, Deployment, End User, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 4.04 Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Demand for Digitalization and Scalable IT Infrastructure; Rapidly Increasing Cyber Security Incidents and Regulations Requiring Their Reporting.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
IT and Telecommunication segment is poised to grow at a faster pace..
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Lack of Cybersecurity Professionals; High Reliance on Traditional Authentication Methods and Low Preparedness.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
June 2022 - With the help of "EU trusted third-party cyber security monitoring" offered by Atos, IBM and Atos declared an expansion of their partnership centered on IBM Cloud for Financial Services to help financial services organizations achieve the highest levels of data and system security. This will enable businesses to advance in their usage of cloud technology, including operators of vital importance (OIV) and operators of essential services (OES).
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 3800, USD 4500, and USD 5800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Benelux Cybersecurity Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Benelux Cybersecurity Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Benelux Cybersecurity Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Benelux Cybersecurity Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence