On July 10, 2023, Prime Minister Jan Jambon (NV-A) hosted the diplomatic corps at Brussels' Errerahuis and delivered a speech in Kortrijk, commemorating the Day of the Flemish Community.

The day marks the 720th anniversary of the Battle of the Golden Spurs, a significant event in Flemish history during the Franco-Flemish War in 1302.

During the event, graduates of the Diplomatic Academy Flanders received their certificates. In their speeches, both Jambon and Secretary General Julie Bynens emphasized the importance of strong international relations in an ever-changing and turbulent world. These new diplomats are expected to contribute to the development of a robust foreign policy, with some soon assuming their roles as Deputy Diplomatic Representatives of Flanders.

Among the distinguished laureates were Veerle Cnudde, who will join the Diplomatic Representation of Flanders in Mozambique, Aurélie Duchateau in France, Sarina Motmans remaining in Flanders, Nicolas Vandeviver in South Africa, Marianne Van Boxelaere in Germany, and Laurijn Van Steenbergen in Malawi.

In a separate event at Errerahuis earlier in the week, Jambon awarded the Fayat scholarships to students pursuing master's degrees at international institutions. These students are expected to become "ambassadors" who strengthen Flanders' image abroad. Jambon emphasized that one's origin should not determine their future, but rather their talent and ambition.

During his speech in Kortrijk, on the eve of the July 11 celebrations, Jambon, a staunch advocate of Flemish nationalism, highlighted various pioneers from the Flemish region, whose stories were included in the Flemish Canon released in May. He praised Flanders for being recognized by the European Commission as a leader in innovation for the second consecutive year. Flanders invests 3.65% of its gross domestic product in research and development, supporting initiatives like the recently launched Flanders Technology and Innovation project.

While acknowledging Flanders' achievements, Jambon also acknowledged the need for improvement in areas such as education, healthcare, and several other domains. He called for nothing less than a "structural revolution" of the country within a year, which he believes has become stagnant.

Jambon referred to Article 35 of the constitution, which was incorporated in 1993 but never implemented. This article states that the federal government only has jurisdiction over matters explicitly assigned to it by the constitution and laws, with all other powers reserved for the federal states. Implementing Article 35 is seen as a lever for confederalism. Jambon called on Flanders to pursue a "structural revolution" following the 2024 elections.

He criticized the fragmented division of powers, deeming it not only "inefficient" but also hindering Flanders from attaining a leading position in Europe. Jambon pledged to work tirelessly, advocating for a state reform based on Article 35 of the Constitution, determined to overcome obstacles and achieve his vision. Photo by Geert Renckens, Wikimedia commons.