Secessionist strategies: The case of Flanders

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.