The problem of the politicization of ethnic communities in the Flemish region of Belgium

Abstract

This article seeks to trace the reasons for the emergence of separatist sentiments in the European Union states, particularly in Belgium. The article gives its brief assessment of the current state of the issue mentioned and undertakes an analysis of the situation pertaining the Flemish region. Significant attention is being given to the consideration of the economic reasons for the existing disparities and positions of the major nationalistic parties of the region of Flanders. Ethnic and cultural factors continue to play a significant role in the political life of modern European states and often become a major point of contention. The author notes that ethno-political conflicts are quite common, but almost insoluble problems. The origins of such conflicts are usually grounded firmly in the history of resettlement and development of a particular nation or an ethnic group. Besides, they reflect the processes of the restructuring of the global political space and are typically accompanied by political and national self-identification crises. It is equally important to understand the importance of certain historic periods to a nation, inhabiting the specific territory of a state.

In the case of Belgium, the period of its formation, and the developments, contributing to the country’s independence in the 19th century, are directly related to the Flemish people’s national memory — a key factor needed to determine the specifics of the existing differences between the two regions. Over the centuries, one ethnic group has been suppressed by the neighboring one. It couldn’t not fully fulfil its cultural and economic potential.

The change of the status of the Flemings in Belgium in the 20th century, the equalization of both nations in their rights have failed to resolve all the contradictions existing for centuries. The traditional Flemish desire to promote and protect the region’s interests has generated separatist sentiments, which still make up a significant part of the country’s domestic political agenda. However, owing to the fragmentation of the nationalist groups and the lack of coherent policy among them, it is currently impossible to make a statement on the region’s secession.