NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM

Netherlands and Belgium

Netherlands and Belgium

Introduction

Belgium, and Netherlands were two of the founding members of the European Community in 1957. They are neighbouring countries lying on lowland and across the Ardennes plateau in north-western Europe, bordered by the North Sea, France and Germany. The two countries share many elements of common history, having experienced repeated periods of cross-border conflict, co-operation and government during their history. The most modern example of this is the Benelux Economic Union, founded in 1958, which has acted alongside the European project to bring these countries' economies closer together. This tradition of co-operation has contributed to their keen support for the concept of European integration.

Discussion

All two countries were seriously affected by the European wars of the first half of the twentieth century. This shaped a political system in these countries after 1945 that placed a strong emphasis upon consensus. Politics in all two countries has been dominated over the past half century by the twin forces of Christian and Social democracy. In recent years, this has been supplemented by the rise of Green Parties and the resurgence of radical nationalism in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Netherlands has also seen tension in recent years related to the country's large immigrant population. In 2002 this resulted in the assassination of populist anti-immigration politician Pim Fortuyn.

Government structure

Belgium and Netherlands all operate under constitutional monarchies. In the Netherlands, the monarch, currently Queen Beatrix, has purely ceremonial duties. Control of government business is shared between the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, and the Parliament, which is called the Staten Generaal. Dutch elections, held on 22 November 2006, saw Jan Peter Balkenende's centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) return with 41 seats, ahead of the main opposition Labour party that won 32 seats. However negotiations to form a coalition took time, and it was only in February 2007 that a government was formed, with Balkenende as the head of a three-party centrist coalition between the CDA, Labour Party and the Christian Union.

In Belgium the monarch, King Albert, also has a mainly symbolic position. Political power is divided between the national government, led by Prime Minister Yves Leterme, and the regional governments. However, following failed attempts at reform, King Albert is currently encouraging negotiations in the national government, a coalition of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) and the Socialist parties, formed in 2007.

Government And Political Conditions

The present constitution--which dates from 1848 and has been amended several times, most recently in 1983--protects individual and political freedoms, including freedom of religion. Although church and state are separate, a few historical ties remain; the royal family belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church (Protestant). Freedom of speech also is protected.

Government Structure

The country's government is based on the principles of ministerial responsibility and parliamentary government. The national government comprises three main institutions: the Monarch, the Council of Ministers, and the States General. There also are local governments.

The monarch is the titular head of state. The Queen's function is largely ceremonial, but she does have ...