A Belgian farmer accidentally shifts the border with France

A potential diplomatic crisis was narrowly avoided after a Belgian farmer mistakenly moved the boundary between Belgium and France, enlarging his country by around 1,000 square meters. Thankfully, local authorities found the situation amusing.

The border between Belgium and France stretches for 390 miles (620 kilometers), with stone markers that have stood in place for over 200 years, marking the peaceful boundary.

One of these boundary stones, laid down in 1819 just before the Treaty of Kortrijk was finalized, was recently found to be shifted by 2.29 meters (7.5 feet).

A farmer from the Belgian town of Erquelinnes is thought to have moved the troublesome stone on his property to a more convenient location, unknowingly sparking the possibility of an international dispute.

The unintended border shift along the farmer's property led to an accidental land expansion of approximately 1,000 square meters.

David Lavaux, the mayor of Erquelinnes, explained to Dinogo on Tuesday, "We know precisely where the stone was originally, right beside a tree. In 2019, for the 200th anniversary, they were geo-located with great accuracy."

"The stones were placed in 1819, following Napoleon's defeat, and the year is engraved on them," he added.

Lavaux mentioned, "It should be resolved tomorrow. We're about to track down the person who moved the stone so we can prevent any issues. I still need to confirm who owns the land."

The mayor of Erquelinnes emphasized that authorities on both sides of the border were eager to settle the matter swiftly and amicably.

"We’re laughing more than anything, it’s not a big deal," Lavaux remarked. "We’ll restore the border to its rightful place. Our goal wasn’t to make Belgium larger or shrink France!"

Aurélie Welonek, mayor of the French town of Bousignies-sur-Roc, whose territory was affected, spoke to French news agency Internep in a video interview also featuring Lavaux.

"Our two countries have a strong relationship, so there were no major concerns," she stated. "I completely trust my Belgian counterpart, who has handled the situation with the farmer. We’ve asked him to return the stone, and if he refuses, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will step in."

The two towns are situated about halfway along the Franco-Belgian border, with Erquelinnes being a Walloon municipality home to just under 10,000 people, while Bousignies-sur-Roc is a small commune in France's Nord department with a population of around 400.