This figure remained relatively stable for about forty years before decreasing slightly. But it is above all the date of January 1, 1977 that should be remembered: Belgium was experiencing one of its greatest political upheavals.
We go, overnight, from about 2400 municipalities to 596. Only Flanders and Wallonia are concerned, the 19 municipalities of Brussels have decided to remain. Since then, municipal mergers have taken place exclusively in Flanders. After the last municipal elections, Belgium has 581 municipalities, 300 in Flanders, 262 in Wallonia and 19 in Brussels.
How does a municipal merger work?
The merger of municipalities takes place on a voluntary basis. The municipalities negotiate among themselves then refer to the Region when they have reached an agreement. And, as usual in Belgium, there are differences between the North and the South of the country…
In Flanders
Flanders has implemented financial incentives: lower municipal taxes for the inhabitants of the “absorbed” municipality and debt relief of 500 euros per inhabitant for the two merged municipalities.
In Wallonia
Wallonia followed in the footsteps of Flanders in 2019: a decree framework organizes the possibility of mergers of municipalities on a voluntary basis. As in Flanders, it is planned to reduce the debts of the entities with a maximum amount of 500 euros per inhabitant with a ceiling of 20 million euros per merged entity.
And in Brussels?
Even if it resurfaces in bits and pieces from time to time, the debate remains closed in Brussels. We have never touched the 19 communes. And this, even during the historic change of January 1, 1977, when we went from 2739 municipalities to less than 600 today.