YPRES, Belgium – For those who missed out on the first edition of MicroCon in Europe, held in August 2023 in Ypres, Belgium, the MicroCon EU Committee has created an “aftermovie” that features delegates, highlights, and memories from the event. The video was produced by Yvan Bertjens, the Duke of Bertjens and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ladonia, alongside Niels Vermeersch, the Grand Duke of Flandrensis.
MicroCon, a biennial gathering of micronationalists from around the world, expanded its reach this year with the inaugural European edition in Ypres, following the US edition in Chicago earlier in July. This year’s events marked a significant milestone in the history of MicroCon, reflecting the growing global interest in micronationalism.
Held at Sint-Jacobsstraat 1 in Ypres, MicroCon EU 2023 brought together a diverse array of participants from countries including the USA, Canada, Sweden, Wales, Belgium, Germany, France, and the Czech Republic. The event provided a platform for micronationalists to share experiences, knowledge, and insights into the unique world of micronation building.
Notable speakers included Professor Sandra Peterman from the University of Mainz, who presented her latest research on micronations, and Ffion from the University of Malmö, who shared insights on ecological micronations. A Slovenian film crew documented the event for an upcoming documentary, highlighting the growing interest and significance of micronations.
The “aftermovie” captures key moments from the conference, showcasing the vibrant community and the innovative ideas discussed. “The video serves as a memento for attendees and a glimpse into the event for those who could not attend,” said Yvan Bertjens. The film features interviews with delegates, snippets from presentations, and a behind-the-scenes look at the event’s organization.
The selection of Ypres as the host city was significant, given its historical and cultural background, and the personal connections of the event organizers to Belgium. The conference also highlighted the efforts of Ladonia and Flandrensis in raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting micronational activities.
The video is available on the MicroCon EU website and various social media platforms, allowing a broader audience to experience the conference’s spirit and learn more about the micronational movement.
Looking ahead, the next MicroCon will be held in 2025 in Montreal, Canada, and will be hosted by the Aerican Empire, the Principality of Sancratosia, and the Newgraviate of Saint-Castin. This upcoming event will be the first completely bilingual MicroCon, conducted in both English and French, further emphasizing the inclusive and diverse nature of the micronational community.
For further details and to watch the “aftermovie,” click here. The next MicroCon event is anticipated with great excitement, promising to build on the success of this year’s European edition.
