Martin Bosma has set the diplomatic world abuzz. The Dutch parliament speaker recently suggested carving up Belgium between the Netherlands and France.
During a dinner with the French ambassador, Bosma floated an idea that left attendees stunned.
The rightwing politician stated that "the Netherlands wants Flanders to join them."
He added that French-speaking Wallonia could go to France.
When questioned about this extraordinary proposal, Bosma remained cagey. He merely acknowledged that “during such evenings, we talk about politics and things that might eventually happen.”
The dinner guests were apparently taken aback. Several Dutch MPs at the table expressed shock at Bosma’s annexation suggestion.
Rightwing Blessing for Netherlands-Flanders Union
This notion of a “Greater Netherlands” is not without precedent.
Party for Freedom leader Geert Wilders has advocated for annexing Flanders numerous times.
The idea finds its strongest backing among rightwing circles. It fits squarely into the playbook of fringe groups like Voorpost, a radical organisation in the Netherlands.
In Flanders itself, only the rightwing Vlaams Belang party shows any enthusiasm for such a merger. Most Flemish citizens seem to have zero appetite for Dutch rule.
Belgium’s current Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, has previously mentioned reunification with the Netherlands.
Yet he quickly backtracked, noting "it's not the moment to talk about reunification."
Like Trump’s Greenland Bid With An Orange Twist
Bosma’s annexation pitch brings to mind another recent territorial power play.
US President Donald Trump has revived his quest to acquire Greenland from Denmark.
Trump has labelled owning Greenland "an absolute necessity" for American security interests.
His son and his VP even travelled to the territory, though no government meetings took place.
The president has not ruled out force to gain control. When asked about avoiding coercion, Trump refused to provide assurances.
Denmark quickly responded with a £1.2 billion defence package for Greenland.
The Danes appear to know when to put their foot down.
Belgium Faces Demographic Squeeze
The Dutch Speaker floated annexation against a backdrop of Belgian population challenges.
The country’s Dutch-speaking north and French-speaking south grow at vastly different rates.
Recent figures show Flanders growing 0.69% in 2023, while Wallonia added just 0.29%. The disparity will widen further in coming decades.
By 2070, Flanders will grow 17%, as Wallonia adds merely 2%. Such divergent trajectories pull at Belgium’s social fabric.
Birth rates keep falling throughout the country. It’s Belgium’s worst demographic crisis in decades.
Economic Benefits Could Sweeten Dutch Appetite
What might the Netherlands gain from annexing Flanders? Quite a bit, as it happens.
The Flemish region boasts considerable economic power. Merging the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam would create an unrivalled shipping hub.
Former Belgian PM Bart De Wever once remarked that such a union would form "one of the strongest economies in the world." The ports could become "the gateway to the North-West European economy."
However, most Dutch citizens remain unconvinced.
A survey found only two in ten Netherlands residents favour absorbing Flanders.
France Might Baulk at Walloon Addition
What of France annexing Wallonia? The region faces persistent economic troubles.
Wallonia lags behind its northern neighbour. The region would bring little economic benefit to France.
However, cultural links run deep. The French and Walloons share language, cuisine, and cultural outlook.
Yet, the idea remains fanciful. France has shown zero interest in adding territory with high unemployment.
EU Stability Hangs in Balance
Bosma’s casual carve-up suggestion carries weighty implications. Brussels serves as the European Union’s administrative heart.
Any redrawing of Belgian borders would throw EU politics into disarray. The bureaucratic fallout would be immense.
Belgium also hosts NATO headquarters. The tiny state punches above its weight in international affairs.
If Belgium split between its neighbours, who gets Brussels? This thorny question remains unanswered in annexation narratives.
Public Sentiment Remains Firmly Against Split
Despite all this talk, it looks like ordinary Belgians carry on unfazed. They’ve heard these threats before.
The country has weathered political drama for decades. Belgium once went 589 days without a formal government.
Flemish and Walloon citizens may squabble, but they’ve built lives across regional lines. Families span the language divide.
Brussels itself stands as a monument to this interwoven reality. The city functions in multiple languages daily.
Historical Connections Create Layered Picture
Flanders and the Netherlands were indeed once united. This unity ended with Antwerp’s fall in 1585.
Many Dutch citizens feel a certain kinship with Flemish neighbours. The shared language creates natural bonds.
Both regions embrace cycling culture, similar foods, and directness in communication.
They're cut from the 'same cloth.'
Still, four centuries of separate development have created distinct identities. The Dutch can’t simply turn back time.
Bosma has put his foot in it with this diplomatic gaffe. His remarks breach the neutrality expected from his position.
The speaker promised to remain "lightning neutral" when taking office.
His annexation talk might make a mockery of that pledge.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
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