King Albert II of Belgium will likely announce his abdication.

[monty]

King Albert II, reigning Monarch of Belgium since 1993, will, after a long meeting with the Belgian cabinet, announce his abdication set for Juli 21st, the Belgian National day.

Hi will address the nation live on all the main Belgian television and radio channels at 16:00 GMT today, to make his announcement.

[jpinx]

No reason given yet ?

[monty]

For Belgians (and other Dutch speaking) people, you can watch the address live here:

http://nieuws.vtm.be/

[monty]

No reason given yet ?

Not yet, it's a "confirmed speculation" at the moment.

[monty]

Official reason given as the King's age (80 years old) and his health,stating that he feels he cannot fulfill his duties as monarch to the fullest anymore.

Official date for his abdication is 21 July 2013.

[folium]

To be honest Belgium has been more of a battleground than a genuine country since its inception in 1830/31. The divide between Flemish and Walloons has only worsened and the failure of the federal government, for instance between 2007-11, underlines the fact that this is in many ways a failed artificial creation that would be best off returned to its original owners (France & Netherlands). Brussels could be carved out to create an EU version of Australia's ACT. Perhaps Belgium could be the poster child of the failure of enforced European federal integration......

[monty]

To be honest Belgium has been more of a battleground than a genuine country since its inception in 1830/31. The divide between Flemish and Walloons has only worsened and the failure of the federal government, for instance between 2007-11, underlines the fact that this is in many ways a failed artificial creation that would be best off returned to its original owners (France & Netherlands). Brussels could be carved out to create an EU version of Australia's ACT. Perhaps Belgium could be the poster child of the failure of enforced European federal integration......

Technically correct, practically not so much!

In the 180 odd years Belgium exists, they developed culturally and socially away both from France and the Netherlands.

Dutch people are very different from Flemish people, even though they share the same language!

Probably the same can be said for the Walloons.

Annexing Flanders back to Holland (and the Walloons to France)will simply again be an artificial creation doomed for failure.

[jaidam]

Getting ready for 2030 most likely. King Mohammed and sharia law. Good luck to them.

[Sing_Sling]

To be honest Belgium has been more of a battleground than a genuine country since its inception in 1830/31. The divide between Flemish and Walloons has only worsened and the failure of the federal government, for instance between 2007-11, underlines the fact that this is in many ways a failed artificial creation that would be best off returned to its original owners (France & Netherlands). Brussels could be carved out to create an EU version of Australia's ACT. Perhaps Belgium could be the poster child of the failure of enforced European federal integration......

Technically correct, practically not so much!

In the 180 odd years Belgium exists, they developed culturally and socially away both from France and the Netherlands.

Dutch people are very different from Flemish people, even though they share the same language!

Probably the same can be said for the Walloons.

Annexing Flanders back to Holland (and the Walloons to France)will simply again be an artificial creation doomed for failure.

Belgium is a wonderful place for food and beers, the people are very friendly and the cities and towns beautiful . . . I worked in Holland for close to five years and my favourite view of Holland was in the rear view mirror on my way to Belgium or Germany for the week-ends . . . or hopping on a plane.

Having said that, try to convince the Flemish people to join the Dutch as one entity and they will laugh at you - if you're lucky . . .

The Walloons think of themselves as much French as they do anything else - they don't . . .

. . . and there is the German speaking areas as well . . . are you advocating their integration into France or Holland?

Here's a hint: neither would be acceptable

It seems his son, Philippe, will take his place . . . well, at least he has a French name, so will keep the Walloons happy

Edited July 5, 2013 by Sing_Sling