Flanders is often cited as one of the European regions which is closest to secession, together with Catalonia and Scotland. It is particularly the spectacular success of the separatist Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) which has fueled speculation about an imminent break-up of Belgium. In this paper, I will first of all assess how strong separatism really is in Flanders. Next, I will discuss both the discursive and the practical strategies the Flemish nationalists have developed against Belgium, with a special focus on the role of the EU in these strategies. Finally I will briefly deal with the current political situation and its possible implications.
