Belgium: History

Belgium declares its independence from the Netherlands.

The Benelux Economic Union is created between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to promote free movement of workers, goods, and services.

A formal linguistic border is established, with the northern part of the country designated as Dutch-speaking and the southern part designated as French-speaking.

Belgium ratifies the Maastricht Treaty, which creates the European Union.

Belgium is divided into three separate administrative regions: the Dutch-speaking area of Flanders, the French-speaking area of Wallonia, and the capital Brussels.

The euro replaces the Belgian franc as Belgium's currency.

Police investigate extreme-right activists' activities and make multiple arrests for allegedly planning attacks aimed at "destabilizing" Belgian insitutions.

Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt resigns after his ruling coalition suffers losses in elections, leaving the country without a government for 100 days.

A new government is sworn in, led by Yves Leterme as Prime Minister.

Belgian government announces agreement with France and Luxembourg to rescue the Dexia bank, the world's biggest lender to local governments.

A coalition is formed between the Francophone liberal Reform Movement and three Flemish parties, including the New Flemish Alliance.

Unions call a 24-hour nationwide strike in protest of the government's economic austerity program.

A seven-party coalition is formed, ending a period of interim governments since May 2019.