‘A new Belgium in July 2014’

Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo completed the sixth state reform on July 9, concluding what Le Soir describes as a “historic week”.
The reform, which is set to come into force on July 1, 2014, will grant greater autonomy to the country's regions and communities in the fields of benefits for families and employment policy, as well as health and elderly care. The overall transfer of competency has been estimated to be worth €20bn in the 2014 budget.
Announced in an “almost euphoric” atmosphere, in the presence of representatives of eight Belgian political parties — the hardline separatist Flemish N-VA was not at the negotiating table — the accord also marks the launch of campaigns for federal and regional elections in 2014.
In its editorial, Le Soir announces that in the light of the agreement —

… nothing is impossible in a Belgium that was said to be destined to disappear less than two years ago. [...] In particular the bid to finally convince Flemish citizens that an alternative to the N-VA’s confederalism is possible.