Gravensteengroep
Encyclopedia
The Gravensteengroep is a group of flemish artists and intellectuals established to promote the Flemish demands for more autonomy. The group comprises persons of varying political views, who do share basic values such as democracy and human rights. Their main concern is that the Flemish demands for more autonomy are often associated with extremism and nationalism, which they argue is not true. The Gravensteengroep's modus operandi consists of publishing manifesto's, which explain why they see the Flemish demands as reasonable and just.
The group was erected in early 2008, at a location close to the Gravensteen
in Ghent. Its first manifesto was published on 21-2-2008, a period during which the demands for Flemish autonomy made the formation of a Belgian government very difficult. Its members include:
The signatories of this manifest, who call themselves the Gravensteen Group, each start from different political and ideological main points, but agree in their attachment to democracy and human rights. They put central the values of freedom, equality, solidarity and mutual respect, and reject all forms of racism and xenophobia.
They have been however agitated by the fact that in the recent discussions concerning the state reform of Belgium, the impression is awoken that reasonable and equitable Flemish requirements are associated each time with extreme right thinking. For this reason they brought together their points of view in the Gravensteen Manifests.
Website link Gravensteen Group
The group was erected in early 2008, at a location close to the Gravensteen
Gravensteen
The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means "castle of the count" in Dutch. -History:The present castle was built in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace and was modeled after the crusaders castles that Philip of Alsace encountered while he participated in the...
in Ghent. Its first manifesto was published on 21-2-2008, a period during which the demands for Flemish autonomy made the formation of a Belgian government very difficult. Its members include:
- Etienne VermeerschEtienne VermeerschEtienne Vermeersch is a Belgian philosopher, skeptic, opinion maker and debater. He is one of the founding fathers of the abortion and euthanasia law in Belgium. He is also former Vice-Rector of the Ghent University.Vermeersch became an atheist after five years with the Society of Jesus...
, Professor at the State University Ghent - Jan Verheyen, film directorFilm directorA film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
- Frans-Jos Verdoodt, writer
- Piet van Eeckhaut, Professor and one of the most prominent Flemish Lawyers
- Jef Turf, journalist and communist
- Bart Staes, member of the European ParliamentEuropean ParliamentThe European Parliament is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union . Together with the Council of the European Union and the Commission, it exercises the legislative function of the EU and it has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world...
for the Flemish Green party - Johan Sanctorum, philosopher and columnistColumnistA columnist is a journalist who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions. Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs....
- Jean-Pierre Rondas, broadcaster for the Flemish radio
- Yves Panneels, entrepreneur
- Chris Michel
- Bart Maddens, Principle Teacher Catholic University of LeuvenKatholieke Universiteit LeuvenThe Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is a Dutch-speaking university in Flanders, Belgium.It is located at the centre of the historic town of Leuven, and is a prominent part of the city, home to the university since 1425...
at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Center for Politicology - Paul Ghijsels, singer
- Paul De Ridder, historian and department chief of the Royal Library in Brussels
- Dirk Denoyelle, comedianComedianA comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
- Peter De Graeve, philosopher at the University of AntwerpUniversity of AntwerpThe University of Antwerp is one of the major Belgian universities located in the city of Antwerp. The name is sometimes abbreviated as UA.-History:...
- Eric Defoort, historian and Honorary Teacher at the Catholic University of Brussels
- Jo Decaluwe, director, actor and teacher
- Ludo Abicht, philosopher at the University of Antwerp
The signatories of this manifest, who call themselves the Gravensteen Group, each start from different political and ideological main points, but agree in their attachment to democracy and human rights. They put central the values of freedom, equality, solidarity and mutual respect, and reject all forms of racism and xenophobia.
They have been however agitated by the fact that in the recent discussions concerning the state reform of Belgium, the impression is awoken that reasonable and equitable Flemish requirements are associated each time with extreme right thinking. For this reason they brought together their points of view in the Gravensteen Manifests.
Website link Gravensteen Group