Flanders (Belgium)
The Region of Flanders in Belgium is fully committed to Millenium, the European Year of the Normans. From Matilda of Flanders to the present day, relations between Flanders and Normandy have been part of a distinctive continuity, shaped by cultural exchanges, maritime openness and European dynamics. Today, this shared history continues through concrete areas such as sustainable mobility, gastronomy and cultural cooperation, offering strong potential for collaboration by 2027.
An inaugural event in Caen, led by the General Delegation of Flanders in France
In Caen, at the heart of the city where Matilda of Flanders rests, a programme combining cultural, scientific and symbolic dimensions will be presented. At the Abbaye aux Dames, a key moment will focus on the presentation of scientific research conducted by Professor Charlier, in collaboration with researchers from Ghent University. This will be followed by a polyphonic concert bringing together a Norman ensemble (Les Meslanges) and a Flemish ensemble (Alamire Foundation, Leuven), illustrating the richness of cultural ties between the two territories, in resonance with the tomb of Matilda of Flanders.
A diverse and joint programme between Flanders and Normandy
In both Flanders and Normandy, a cultural programme is being developed as part of the Millenium. It is structured around several initiatives:
- A cultural project centred on a contemporary textile narrative around linen, an emblematic material of Normandy that is also well established in Flanders, particularly in Oudenaarde (a town twinned with Hastings in England).
- Musical exchanges ranging from polyphonic repertoire to contemporary music, through residency projects and collaborations around manuscripts and musical heritage.
- Scientific exchanges from a Flemish-Norman perspective towards 2027, notably between Ghent University and the University of Caen.
Women play a central role in this dynamic. While Matilda of Flanders is an emblematic figure linking the two territories, one of the identified approaches is to further develop this perspective through other figures, notably Judith of Flanders.
Finally, numerous Flemish cities are keen to fully engage in Millenium dynamic, both in 2027 and in terms of legacy and continuation into 2028.
Strengthening economic cooperation between Flanders and Normandy
Flanders and Normandy share a long-standing economic heritage, particularly in connection with England. This maritime triangle once played a major role in trade. One thousand years later, the MILLENIUM provides an opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation across several sectors, including maritime, aeronautics and wind energy.