# Wallonia-Flanders regional cooperation at Fêtes de Wallonie

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wallonia-flanders-regional-cooperation-at-ftes-de-wallonie
> Updated: 2026-09-19T19:06:57.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

During the 2026 Fêtes de Wallonie in Namur, Flanders was featured as the guest of honor, an event attended by King Philippe and regional leaders. The festivities served as a platform for dialogue regarding inter-regional unity and cooperation between Belgium’s northern and southern regions.

Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont called for a relationship based on “emulation rather than rivalry,” urging both regions to move past stereotypes and address shared challenges such as climate issues and public deficits. 

Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele attended to convey a message of friendship, stating, “I come in peace.” While maintaining his Flemish nationalist identity, Diependaele praised Walloon conviviality and encouraged the region to focus on its strengths in sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Flemish Minister-President attends Fêtes de Wallonie

Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele attended the Fêtes de Wallonie in Namur, delivering a speech focused on friendship between Flanders and Wallonia and regional economic opportunities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flemish-minister-president-attends-ftes-de-wallonie

### 2026-09-19: King Philippe attends Fêtes de Wallonie as Flanders is guest of honor

King Philippe attended the Fêtes de Wallonie in Namur for the first time, marking an edition where Flanders was the guest of honor to promote cooperation between Belgium's regions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-philippe-attends-ftes-de-wallonie-as-flanders-is-guest-of-honor

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Cite as: Wallonia-Flanders regional cooperation at Fêtes de Wallonie. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wallonia-flanders-regional-cooperation-at-ftes-de-wallonie