Between Unity and Division: Belgium’s Territorial Contestation at the Heart of the EU

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the drivers of territorial contestation in Belgium and explores the interplay between domestic dynamics and EU policies in shaping the country’s federal structure and governance. It traces the historical and political evolution of Belgium from a unitary state to its current highly decentralised federal system, marked by successive rounds of constitutional reforms since 1970. Special attention is given to the role of language, economics and nationalism in driving demands for regional autonomy, as well as the influence of key political actors, including Flemish nationalist movements and their Eurosceptic tendencies. The study also analyses how the EU’s cohesion policies, governance norms and the Prodi Doctrine have affected regional aspirations and secessionist pressures. Drawing on Belgium’s approach to linguistic and cultural divisions, the paper reflects on the implications for other EU member states, particularly in the context of growing regionalism and debates around Irish unity in the post-Brexit context.