Jurgen Goossens

Bio: Jurgen Goossens is an academic researcher from Erasmus University Rotterdam. The author has contributed to research in topics: Federalism & Constitution. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 10 publications receiving 41 citations. Previous affiliations of Jurgen Goossens include Ghent University & Yale University.

Belgian Federalism after the Sixth State Reform

Abstract: This paper highlights the most important institutional evolutions of Belgian federalism stemming from the implementation of the sixth state reform (2012-2014). This reform inter alia included a transfer of powers worth 20 billion euros from the federal level to the level of the federated states, a profound reform of the Senate, and a substantial increase in fiscal autonomy for the regions. This contribution critically analyses the current state of Belgian federalism. Although the sixth state reform realized important and long-awaited changes, further evolutions are to be expected. Since the Belgian state model has reached its limits with regard to complexity and creativity, politicians and academics should begin to reflect on the seventh state reform with the aim of increasing the transparency of the current Belgian institutional labyrinth.

Belgian Federalism after the Sixth State Reform

Abstract: This paper highlights the most important institutional evolutions of Belgian federalism stemming from the implementation of the sixth state reform (2012-2014). This reform inter alia included a transfer of powers worth 20 billion euros from the federal level to the level of the federated states, a profound reform of the Senate, and a substantial increase in fiscal autonomy for the regions. This contribution critically analyses the current state of Belgian federalism. Although the sixth state reform realized important and long-awaited changes, further evolutions are to be expected. Since the Belgian state model has reached its limits with regard to complexity and creativity, politicians and academics should begin to reflect on the seventh state reform with the aim of increasing the transparency of the current Belgian institutional labyrinth.

Electoral Reforms in Belgium's Sixth State Reform: Historic Split of Electoral Constituency BHV, Reform of the Senate, and Coincident Elections

Abstract: After the federal elections of June 13, 2010, it took Belgian politicians 541 days to agree on a new state reform and to form a government. On December 6, 2011, the government of Prime Minister Di Rupo took the oath. As a result, Belgium became holder of the (unofficial) world record of longest government formation period. The Flemish right-wing nationalist party (N-VA) convincingly won the elections in Dutch-speaking Flanders, while the Socialist Party (PS) acquired most votes in French-speaking Wallonia. After negotiations of nearly 18 months, the negotiating parties reached the Butterfly Agreement on the Sixth State Reform of October 11, 2011. This State Reform, inter alia, includes a transfer of powers of approximately 20 billion euros from the federal level to the level of the federated states (i.e., the regions and communities); a substantial increase of fiscal autonomy for the regions; a reform of the Senate including an abolition of its direct election; a decision to principally hold coin...

Institutioneel akkoord over de bijzondere financieringswet ontsluierd

Abstract: In het institutioneel akkoord over de zesde staatshervorming hebben de onderhandelaars een kader uitgewerkt ter hervorming van de Bijzondere Financieringswet van 16 januari 1989. Het akkoord komt tegemoet aan enkele gepercipieerde knelpunten van de huidige financiering van de gemeenschappen en gewesten. Zo krijgen de gewesten meer fiscale autonomie en verdwijnen de «perverse effecten». Er wacht de wetgever echter nog een zware en belangrijke taak bij het omzetten van het vage akkoord in concrete wetteksten.

Federalism, policy change, and social security in Belgium: Explaining the decentralization of family allowances in the Sixth State Reform:

Abstract: The debate on social policy change is not only about the evolving nature of social benefits but also about change in their territorial organization. This territorial issue is central in Belgium. In...

Belgian Federalism after the Sixth State Reform

Abstract: This paper highlights the most important institutional evolutions of Belgian federalism stemming from the implementation of the sixth state reform (2012-2014). This reform inter alia included a transfer of powers worth 20 billion euros from the federal level to the level of the federated states, a profound reform of the Senate, and a substantial increase in fiscal autonomy for the regions. This contribution critically analyses the current state of Belgian federalism. Although the sixth state reform realized important and long-awaited changes, further evolutions are to be expected. Since the Belgian state model has reached its limits with regard to complexity and creativity, politicians and academics should begin to reflect on the seventh state reform with the aim of increasing the transparency of the current Belgian institutional labyrinth.

Ideas, Institutions and the Politics of Federalism and Territorial Redistribution

Abstract: Drawing on the work of Richard Simeon and using the cases of equalization in Canada and Belgium's social security system, this article shows how nationalist ideas combined with institutional management structures, government formation rules and the configuration of party systems to condition the territorial dynamics around these two programmes. In Canada, resentment against equalization in many provinces, often because it is perceived as accommodating Quebecois nationalism, has translated only into moderate pressures on the programme because federal parties have largely stayed away from this divisive issue and federal executive discretion over the programme has meant that provinces cannot force change. In Belgium, pressures on social security have been more intense because the absence of pan-Belgian parties has given greater resonance to Flemish nationalist ideas within the political system.