ICEC - Reception at the Flemish President's Office, Jan Jambon

Jan Jambon was one of the first big supporters of the Catalan idea about creating an international network of social movements to better share and build a common goal for independence.

Anna Arque went to Brussels, while being the coordinator for the international relations of the Catalan popular referendums (2009–2011), to meet with SNP members of the European Parliament and N-VA members of the Flemish Parliament to propose a daring idea: to overcome the myth that 'stateless' nations had to work their path to independence alone. She was determined to convince other movements that while unionists from all over Europe worked together to block the Catalan, Scottish, Flemish, etc right to restore their independent state, we were ignoring a great chance to stand stronger by millions, rising together under our common flag of solidarity, democracy, justice, and freedom!

Jambon was very impressed by the process of popular referendums, to which Arque invited him to participate as an International Observer and prepared a meeting for her with Peter De Roover and Steven Vergauwen (VVB). The connection was automatic, so Anna Arque (Catalonia), Steven Vergauwen (Flanders), together with Shona McAlpine (Scotland) became the three founder members of what today is ICEC.

'This year, our visit to Brussels was special, not only because of the conference in the European Parliament but also because of the retirement of Steven Vergauwen and the welcoming of a new team: Wales! Coming along with YES, Cymru representatives, as well as new members from other nation members. I just thought it would be nice to introduce to them somebody who has always had a special connection with ICEC since his party was not very big and all through its expansion to these days that he is Minister President of Flanders: Jan Jambon. As always, his speech was strong and positive' Anna Arque

President Jambon had very nice words for the work that ICEC has been developing through these years and encouraged the network to keep going. We also wish to thank Peter Luyckx for his constant support and assistance.

An association in defense of the Catalan language, 'Mantinc el Catala', was part of the Catalan delegation and had the chance to have a private interview with President Jambon to talk about the situation of national languages without a state protecting them. Although Flemish had gone through very difficult times, at the moment their social status in Flanders is not being threatened by French as it is still for Catalan and Basque languages with the constant attacks from the Spanish and French states. 

Conference, meetings, and receptions, but we also made time to have some meals (and drinks) and make some cultural visits!

'Knowing the political situation of other stateless nations in Europe such as the Basque Country is very enriching. Because we share the same problems and concerns. Although our nations are very different, there are many commonalities, the main of which is sharing two main objectives: achieving our national independence and preserving our own national identity.

In this sense, our ICEC association is the best school to get to know each other as Peoples fighting for their freedom. And to establish synergies to achieve those objectives. It is a pleasure to share experiences and exchange opinions with ICEC members, from whom we always learn something. Also in this succesful conference on Peaceful agreements or Bloody papers we organized this year' Josu Albero, ICEC-Euskal Herria

Here is a selection of pictures, in case you were wondering... Yes, we also know how to have fun!

So if you are a democrat in favour of the right of the People to independence, do not doubt giving us your support; you will never get bored with us!

Thank you, and let's keep fighting for our Right to real Democracy and Independence!!