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.