society
society
Luc Devoldere
6 min reading time
More Women, More Colour, More Voices: The Netherlands Overhauls the Canon of Dutch History
Historians have chosen new themes to represent the Canon of Dutch History.
society
Hind Fraihi
5 min reading time
Black Lives Matter Only Can Change History Through Concrete Regulations
Hind Fraihi argues that the new 'blacktivism' should not become an identity movement.
Column Hind Fraihi
society
Luc Devoldere
3 min reading time
What About the Truth?
This year, the Month of Philosophy in Belgium and the Netherlands is dedicated to the concept of truth.
society
Pascal Sertyn
4 min reading time
Belgium: A Vaccine Country
If a vaccine against COVID-19 is ever developed, there is a good chance it will happen in Belgium.
Postcard
society
Jaap de Jong
11 min reading time
Who Gave the Most Royal Corona Speech?
Many European rulers gave speeches during the corona crisis. How did they infuse their words with power? What meanings did Willem-Alexander’s concerned look and Filip’s stiff facial expression lend to their messages? And who gave the best speech?
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
Football Fans and a Farting Dog
Since it was established in 1971, ‘De Engelbewaarder’ has been known as the first literary café in the Netherlands. Not only John Irving once drank a beer there.
The L-Spot
society
Hind Fraihi
6 min reading time
Between God and the Gutter Lies a Stretch of No-Man’s-Land for Moroccans
In his call to remain alert to a new anti-Semitism, Dutch writer Arnon Grunberg referred to the Holocaust during National Remembrance Day. According to Hind Fraihi, he shouldn't have done that.
society
Ellen Vanderschueren
11 min reading time
How Big Is Belgium's Love Still for Europe?
Belgium was one of Europe’s founders and main supporters, but in recent times the consensus for the European project has been somewhat worn down.
Miscellaneous
society
Ons Erfdeel vzw
1 min reading time
What Do You Think of This Website? Fill out Our Survey
Do you have a minute? We’re looking for enthusiastic readers who would like to fill out our survey.
history
Ewald Pironet
13 min reading time
Falling Concrete and Sturdy Dykes. The Economic Differences Between Belgium and the Netherlands
Seventy-five years on from the end of World War II, the differences between Belgium and the Netherlands from an economic perspective are significant and growing.
society
Hind Fraihi
5 min reading time
Why the Decolonise Movement Risks Overshooting its Own Goal
Hind Fraihi argues that the Decolonise Movement should face its own excesses and focus on real problems, like institutional racism.
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
Antwerp’s Jewish Quarter: A Tale of Two Fridges
Derek Blyth invites you to discover the Jewish Community of Antwerp, one of the largest in Europe.
history
Casper Thomas
13 min reading time
The Welfare State Should Be a State of Fairness and Trust
After 1945, Belgium and the Netherlands rolled out a monumental social security system that brought prosperity and emancipation. Today, this welfare state has come under pressure.
history
Luc Devoldere
8 min reading time
The World Was Drinking and Whoring
In a new book by our publisher Ons Erfdeel vzw, experts state that a lot of institutions and systems that were built up after the Second World War are at risk today.
society
Luc Devoldere
2 min reading time
FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Reform-Resistant Belgian Welfare State
In 2016, the Flemish political scientist Kris Deschouwer wrote an illuminating piece about the very special character of the Belgian social security system.
society
Derek Blyth
2 min reading time
Eating Snacks From the Wall Is as Dutch as Tulips
Looking for remarkable places in the Low Countries, British journalist Derek Blyth ends up eating fast food from the wall in Amsterdam.
society
Tomas Vanheste
18 min reading time
Belgium Is Europe in Miniature
Belgium has an interim minority government to deal with the corona crisis. The emergency has exacerbated the division in the country. Will Belgium fall apart, or is it actually a laboratory for Europe?
society
Derek Blyth
11 min reading time
Kortrijk Has Come a Long Way Since 1302
Calling Kortrijk a hidden pearl along the River Lys might be too much honour. Yet there are numerous treasures to be found.
society
Hind Fraihi
6 min reading time
Radical Islam Remains Among Us
Hind Fraihi warns us of the growing influence of ‘a second generation of Salafist organizers’.
society
Dirk Van Assche
4 min reading time
Gates Foundation Finances Leuven University Research for Coronavirus Treatment
In the search to find a cure for the Coronavirus, The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation has sent 15,000 medicinal molecules to the Rega Institute in Leuven.
