Should Flanders and the Netherlands Unify?

Speculations about the potential unification of Flanders and the Netherlands have been undoubtedly raised, but the answer remains a resounding No. The Dutch are not interested, and the Belgians would likely be adamantly against such a move. This article explores the reasons behind this stance and analyzes the political, economic, and cultural implications of such a unification.

Political and Cultural Considerations

From a political perspective, there are significant hurdles to unification. The dominant view among Flemish nationalists is that Flanders should become an independent republic. This stance makes it highly unlikely for Belgium and the Netherlands to form a single monarchy, even if the concept of unification were to be seriously considered.

Culturally, Flanders and the Netherlands have faced a long history of divergence, with the Dutch language and Flemish culture showing noticeable differences. This has led to a political landscape where the former often advocates for increased autonomy, if not full independence.

Historical Context

A romantic nationalist or essentialist view of the past is a common rationale for advocates of unification. They either believe in the historical unity of the people or view the breakup as a great historical wrong. However, these views are increasingly challenged by the reality that Belgium and the Netherlands have developed distinct identities over centuries.

Some leaders of separatist groups dream of reinstating the Netherlands as it was before the 16th century, when Flanders was part of the Spanish Netherlands. While this idea may hold nostalgic value for some, the Netherlands is unlikely to accept such a proposal. Surveys suggest that a majority of Flanders residents would not wish to be “Dutch” again, and the situation in French Flanders could amplify these concerns further.

Historical Precedents and Lessons

The 1815 unification serves as a pertinent example of why such a move would be considered a disaster. The merger was short-lived and ended with a quick separation in 1830. This historical fiasco underscores the flawed assumptions and impracticalities of reuniting the two nations.

While being good neighbors is certainly an admirable goal, unification would likely expose old differences in culture and governance. In the case of unification, the Belgian port of Antwerp might be downgraded to favor Rotterdam, which currently benefits from its proximity to the Netherlands. This dynamic was also a significant factor in the failure of the first unification attempt in 1815, and it would almost certainly repeat itself.

Impact on Power and Influence

Another significant concern is the political and economic influence that would be lost by Belgium. Current Dutch-speaking Belgians already hold a substantial amount of power in the federal government, and unification would dilute their influence. By becoming part of a larger Dutch nation, Belgium would be relegated to a junior partner, which would be a significant downgrade in terms of political and economic control.

Unification would not bring any tangible advantages to the Flemish and Walloon regions. The Dutch would likely benefit economically, but this would come at the expense of Belgium's strategic positioning and autonomy. Furthermore, the imbalance in population and cultural diversity would make any unification a hollow exercise.

It is clear that any proposal for unification would be met with significant resistance from both the Dutch and Belgian sides. The historical precedent of a short-lived unification in 1815, coupled with the cultural and political differences, suggests that unification would not only be impractical but potentially disastrous.

So, for now, it is best to maintain the current arrangement of good neighborliness and mutual respect, allowing both countries to thrive independently while maintaining a strong economic and cultural relationship through organizations like the Benelux.