The Potential Independent Future of Flanders and Wallonia: What Would Happen to Brussels and the Monarchy?
Belgium is a unique federal state that is composed of three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. Flanders and Wallonia, being two of the largest regions, have their own parliaments, governments, and even ministries for agriculture. The question arises: if Flanders and Wallonia were to become independent, what would happen to Brussels and the monarchy? Let's explore the possible scenarios.
What Would Happen to Brussels?
Brussels is both a separate province of Belgium and one of the EU's capitals. It is a unique entity that straddles the federal structure of Belgium. Similar to Washington DC in the United States, it is not part of any particular Belgian region. If Flanders and Wallonia were to declare independence, it is entirely feasible that Brussels, as a distinct and self-governing city-state, would remain independent as well. The monarchy and its supporting administrative structures might continue to exist in Brussels, much like Washington DC continues to operate without a sovereign state.
What Would Happen to the Monarchy?
When Flanders and Wallonia were to become independent, there is a debate about the fate of the monarchy. The question is not just whether the Belgian monarchy would continue, but how it would function if Brussels were to separate. It's worth noting that the Belgian monarchy is a federal institution, but it is not inconceivable that it could evolve in a similar way to the British monarchy, where the monarch serves as a figurehead in different realms.
Historically, the Belgian monarchy has its roots in the 19th century. The current royal house of Belgium, which traces its origins back to Germania, was founded in 1831. While it is deeply rooted in Belgian history, the institution of the monarchy can adapt to new political realities. The Dutch situation provides an interesting parallel. The Kingdom of the Netherlands includes several autonomous areas, such as Aruba, Cura?ao, and Sint Maarten, each with their own governance and administrative structures.
During the period of the Dutch Antilles, Cura?ao and Sint Maarten, among others, were part of a larger national entity within the kingdom. They eventually became autonomous, while maintaining ties to the Dutch Crown. This historical precedent suggests that the Belgian monarchy could face similar challenges and adapt to a multi-kingdom structure. In the event of Flanders and Wallonia gaining independence, the monarchy could hold a similar role in Brussels as it does now, but with potentially different governance structures and a focus on a broader, federal identity.
In summary, while Flanders and Wallonia securing independence would certainly be a seismic shift, Brussels would likely remain independent, and the monarchy would adapted its role, much as it does in other parts of the Dutch and British monarchies. The future of the Belgian monarchy, and its role in an independent Brussels, would depend on negotiations and constitutional changes to ensure smooth governance and continuity.