Europe: Why Belgium?

Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme stepped aside from the leadership of the largest party — the Dutch-speaking Christian Democrats — on April 28, paving the way for early elections. The political crisis in Belgium precipitated by disagreements between the country's French- and Dutch-speaking communities threatens to tear the country apart. Belgium's strategic geographic location and role as a buffer between France and Germany mean that its neighbors have no interest in seeing the state break apart. Furthermore, if Belgium splits, it could set a precedent for secessionist regions throughout the European Union.