The End of Belgium

2 June 2010 - I am still in Belgium, and I cannot help but thinking of the end of Belgium. Belgium is placed on one of the main cultural default lines in Europe, with a northern part speaking Dutch and a southern part more 'francophone'. The two halves of Belgium correspond with the language divide, but in reality it is more complicated. However, two sub-nations have formed that keep on drifting further apart. It is sometimes said that Belgium would have split up already if it had not been for Brussels. Traditionally Flemish, the city is now 80% francophone. The Flemish have always been reluctant to let go of Brussels, but the attitude is changing. For many Flemish, the end of Belgium is possible without them holding on to the capital. So what would happen if Belgium cease to exist?