There's another topic worth exploring. I've been reading about the Belgian Congo and it's predecessor - the Belgian Free State (a personal possession of King Leopold as opposed to a colony). In it's earlier incarnation it was the worst by far of any of the European colonies and the abuses were such that even by the standards of the time it was considered outrageous. The other powers forced Belgium to run it directly which very marginally improved matters. This was one of the main global issues around the turn of the last century and has been largely ignored by history and serves as the most damning indicitement of European colonialism.

Aw! Its so cute way ol' king leo thought he personally owned over 2 million square km of vast jungles, mountains and lengthy rivers, all the beasties and twees, and all the many many nations and tribes of 'ickle nudie bwack people running around inside in the Congo, the way you might own a cherished model railway set in your spare room.

i just hope it wont have any affect on brussel's sprouts - we've already witness the potential break up of europe over straight banannas - woe be the brussel sprout should be the villian in this episode.

The divide is getting more bitter. Such comments on Nazi collaboration from one community directed at the other is dynamite.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0924/1224279587008 etc ...

Amusing video about Belgium's political structures.

dont know what to think really - the costs involved in seperation would be huge but i can understand the different cultures wanting their own seperate state. maybe they could work on some sort of federation - giving greater autonomy to each region but having a central control as well. no problem with the idea as such - but the logistics and costs would be enormous - and it could be an economic disaster also. not that easy to just decide to do on a whim.

Its horrible, isnt it.

Imagine being a Belgian.

@ Jonnybegud But Belgium already is fully federated, almost to a point of already being separate entities.

huh?!

This is a ll a storm in a teacup. Let them vote to seperate. And as usual, the side that wants to seperate was always subsidised by the other side. Then the wealthier side says "OK, you want to leave? Here is the bill. Settle up and we're all square.

If worked for Canada with Quebec, why not here.

Nope. The Flemish are wealthier and are the ones who seem keener on going it alone.

I ain't read through all of this thread, but is the problem of trying to get a 'majority' government in some states in Europe got anything to do with PR - proportional representation? As its the kind of stupid system that lets minorities hold the whip-hand against the better good

.............I'll get my coat

There are 2 races in Ireland the Jacks and the culchies, Belgium has giving me an aspiration. Dublin should go it alone. It will happen after we get a Mayor.
I jest.

I laugh at the people who believe Europe will be one happy federation one day. But I do think it a shame if a mature democratic country votes to split.

Beard-lovers to Brussels! Bear d -lovers to Brussels!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12170244