BHV? Let's Do Business!

Le Soir, May 2008

1 Pages Posted: 4 Apr 2011

See all articles by Alain-Laurent Verbeke

Alain-Laurent Verbeke

KU Leuven - Faculty of Law; Harvard Law School; KU Leuven - Faculty of Psychology; Tilburg Law School

Date Written: May 27, 2008

Abstract

In this Op Ed, I argue that the technical Belgian conflict on Brussels Halle Vilvoorde (splitting of a judicial and electoral district) as the emanation of the enduring Belgian political and institutional conflict should be transcended, as well as the constant linguistic discussions and expectations by Flemish that francophones should learn Dutch, by simply introducing English as second language in Belgium. The first language for Flemish remains Dutch, for Francophones French, and the second language in all of Belgium would be English. This creates a better return on investment for francophones, learning a world language rather than Dutch. It creates a platform for understanding between Flemish and francophones, talking English among each other. And it creates an enormous opportunity for all Belgians, talking English fluently, presenting Belgium as an ideal context for international investors.

Note: Downloadable document is in French.

Suggested Citation

Verbeke, Alain-Laurent P. G., BHV? Let's Do Business! (May 27, 2008). Le Soir, May 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1801829

Alain-Laurent P. G. Verbeke (Contact Author)

KU Leuven - Faculty of Law ( email )

Tiensestraat 41
Leuven, B-3000
Belgium
003216325203 (Phone)
003216325296 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.law.kuleuven.be/fvr

Harvard Law School ( email )

PON | 1563 Massachusetts Avenue
Pound Hall 513
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
+16174967109 (Phone)
+16174968775 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.pon.harvard.edu/

KU Leuven - Faculty of Psychology ( email )

Tiensestraat 102
Leuven, 3000
Belgium

HOME PAGE: http://ppw.kuleuven.be/english/wopp/leuven-center-for-collaborative-management

Tilburg Law School

Warandelaan 2
Tilburg, 5037 AB
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/research/institutes-and-research-groups/tisco/

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