Belgium gains territory after farmer moves French border

A farmer has -- perhaps unwittingly -- moved Belgium's border with France.

 

The man moved a 150-kilogram stone to enlarge his land near the Belgian village of Erquelinnes, 

according to local media. 

 

But in doing so, he also modified the 200-year-old international border defined by the 1820 Treaty of Kortrijk.

 

As a result of his actions, the border was moved approximately 2.29 metres, enlarging southern Belgian territory to the detriment of the French village of Bousignies-sur-Roc.

 

The modified border position was discovered by a group of local historians while walking in the area.

 

A farmer has -- perhaps unwittingly -- moved Belgium's border with France.

 

The man moved a 150-kilogram stone to enlarge his land near the Belgian village of Erquelinnes, according to local media. 

 

But in doing so, he also modified the 200-year-old international border defined by the 1820 Treaty of Kortrijk.

 

As a result of his actions, the border was moved approximately 2.29 metres, enlarging southern Belgian territory to the detriment of the French village of Bousignies-sur-Roc.

 

The modified border position was discovered by a group of local historians while walking in the area.

 

The stone in question, engraved with the date 1819, establishes the border between southern Belgium and northern France.

 

 

Source: Euronews