Belgium Inches Closer To Disintegration

I spent this past summer working and taking classes in Brussels. While there, I learned about the deep political divide that exists between the Northern, Dutch-speaking portion of the country (Flanders) and the Southern, French-speaking portion of the country (Wallonia). Brussels (the capital of the Belgium and the EU), is located within the territory of Flanders, but is autonomous from that region. Find out more about the political structure of Belgium here.

The country itself is a creation of modern political convenience, and it is really amazing to see the number of compromises necessary to keep it together. Well, it appears that things are beginning to unravel.

If any of our Belgian readers are still around, please send us an email about the situation there. Thanks.

Update: The news arm of the EU has a story on the political crisis here.