Discussion: Should Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands unite?

Golden

The United States of Europe thread inspired me to do this.
While I don't think a USE is possible in the next few centuries, I definitely think a few major changes in Europe are going to happen. Such as Catalonia becoming independent, Scotland might become indepent, Flanders and Wallonia might dissolve into two countries, North Italy and South Italy migh seperate. These are all a few examples of things that could happen.

The benefits of the Netherlands + Flanders together (Flanders is the North part of Belgium btw) are HUGE.

- They both speak the same language
- Rotterdam + Antwerpen combined would make the biggest harbour in the world
- The GDP of Holland + Flanders combined would make it the 9th richest economy in the world. (Richer than Russia!)
- If they ever decide to unite, its population would increase to close to 25 million people. Take in consideration that Netherlands + Flanders both together would still be a TINY country area wise.
I mean, what kinda force would it become in Europe?

So what do you think of this matter? Any Belgians here that wanna say something?

Mr.Marvelous

nn you're asking this on ATRL?

I don't want Flanders and Wallonia to split, my family is from both sides so it would kinda suck if we became two seperate countries, and I'm sure this is with many Belgians.
Wallonia wouldn't even survive on it's own, except maybe if they join France, but they don't want them.

princedonte

Don't the N-VA want Flanders to become its own country ? Bart the mayor of Antwerpen seems hellbent on it. Also what will happen to the Brussels region they speak French there it would be mess.

brndksk

My impact

To be honest I don't see Flamders and Wallonia splitting. Whilst they don't always get along, I think they both understand that they can't survive without each other.

I also doubt Scotland will vote for indepedance, but Italy splitting into two is more possible than you might think. The tension between North and South is huge. Having said that, the South want the government to distribute the economy evenly. They know independence won't do them any good.

Beyy

Only if France or Luxembourg takes Wallonia

The Hague could be the capital city.

I think it could only get better for both Netherlands and Flanders
I have always thought it's kinda strange that Belgium is one country, while one part speaks their neighbor's language and the other part speaks their other neighbor's language lol.

H-I-M

No thanks (and that's coming from someone who lives in Flanders)

Dragonfly

Honestly, I wouldn't really care

But I don't see it happening any time soon

vuelve88

Maybe?

Forevermore

Scotland becoming independent could happen. I don't see Belgium splitting.