Along with November 11, the anniversary of the Treaty of Concordia every March 23 is a good occasion to reflect on the peaceful coexistence between two different countries on a small territory. That this special relationship with free movement of people and goods across open borders has lasted 374 years is nothing short of amazing.
It wasn’t always easy and at times caused certain frictions as far back as when France abolished slavery long before the Kingdom of the Netherlands did. While there have been many issues since then, including a border dispute at Oyster Pond, the wisdom of continuing to work together has always been obvious.
Differences remain, also when it comes to politics. The current developments on the French side, for example, where parties can form new alliances between first- and second-round elections seems strange to many on the Dutch side.
However, the feeling of being one community prevails over all that may separate the two populations and helps make the island such a unique place to both live and visit. Not only do the benefits clearly outweigh any disadvantages, but this extraordinary situation is something to be nurtured and cherished.
