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Gravensteengroep

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:

  • Ludo Abicht, philosopher at the University of Antwerp
  • Peter De Graeve, philosopher at the University of Antwerp
  • Paul De Ridder, historian and department chief of the Royal Library in Brussels
  • Jo Decaluwe, director, actor and teacher
  • Eric Defoort, historian and Honorary Teacher at the Catholic University of Brussels
  • Dirk Denoyelle, comedian
  • Paul Ghijsels, singer
  • Bart Maddens, Principle Teacher Catholic University of Leuven at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Center for Politicology
  • Chris Michel
  • Yves Panneels, entrepreneur
  • Jean-Pierre Rondas, broadcaster for the Flemish radio
  • Johan Sanctorum, philosopher and columnist
  • Bart Staes, member of the European Parliament for the Flemish Green party
  • Bart Vanhecke, composer
  • Frans-Jos Verdoodt, writer
  • Jan Verheyen, film director
  • Etienne Vermeersch, Professor at the State University Ghent