The Flemish organisation IJzerwake called for the establishment of a Flemish army during its annual ceremony on Sunday in Steenstrate, near Ypres.
This year, the IJzerwake weekend was rebranded as “IJzertreffen” in an effort to attract more attendees, following years of declining visitor numbers. According to the organisers, this rebranding has been a success.
Despite the changes, Sunday’s IJzerwake ceremony retained its traditional elements, including a religious service, folk songs, and a keynote speech. The speech reaffirmed the longstanding slogan of the organisation, “Never Again War,” while addressing recent global conflicts. “We do not believe in war as a solution. We do not take sides with regimes,” the organisation stated, condemning the wars between Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Palestine. It added, “We have no trust in the rulers of Moscow, nor in those of Kyiv. Neither in the state of Israel nor in the Islamic terrorists of Hamas or other extremist forces in Gaza.”
The speech also made a case for “peace through deterrence,” advocating for an independent Flemish defence force. “There is no sense in watching other countries arm themselves and build strong militaries without ensuring we have our own deterrent and defence capabilities,” the organisation argued. It emphasised that such a Flemish army should operate sovereignly, free from the influence of the European Union or NATO.
In addition to these proposals, IJzerwake criticised Belgium’s federal government, particularly the Arizona coalition, over its handling of the state budget. “To truly balance the budget, the regions must become financially autonomous,” the speech stated. It called for a thorough state reform, lamenting what it described as a lack of progress. “The Arizona government’s failure to address constitutional reform has led to financial chaos, impoverishment, and the consolidation of Belgium’s structural flaws,” the organisation concluded.
The IJzerwake event remains a focal point for Flemish nationalist sentiment, as it continues to blend tradition with a platform for political advocacy.
