Brussels in the Belgian Labyrinth: Problem or Asset?

Lecture | December 2 | 5-7 p.m. | 201 Moses Hall

Speaker/Performer: Jeffrey Tyssens, Prof. of History at the Free University of Brussels, VUB, and this year's Pieter Paul Rubens Chair at UC Berkeley's Dutch Studies Program

Sponsor: European Studies, Institute of

Belgium is widely reputed for its unique and complex federal state
structure. Brussels mirrors that complexity in its highly particular
institutional frame. Once a predominantly Dutch speaking city, it has
become a mostly French speaking town. With both communities laying claims on it, it had to become, after long and difficult political
confrontations, a genuinely shared Capital of French speakers and
Flemings. Eventually, the institutions of the Brussels Capital Region
succeeded to tune down language conflict within the city, but the
equilibrium remains fragile. Recent tensions at the federal level show how much the issue of Brussels’ borders still is very delicate. Furthermore, the development of a more broad linguistic mix within the city increasingly puts its institutional frame at odds with its societal realities. EU Capital Brussels being the only truly “global city” of the country, it is an important economical, political and cultural asset for Belgium as a whole, but it is not that certain that it is always valued on these merits. Recent discussions about a possible split of Belgium show again how Brussels continues act as political “glue” between communities. But will this essential role in keeping the country together remain just as stable in the future?

The lecture is followed by a small reception.

Event Contact: 510-643-2115