Inge Neven: COVID-19 Revealed a Different Side of Belgium

Leading Belgium's COVID-19 crisis cell for three years profoundly changed Inge Neven's perspective on her country. As the head of Vito, a leading Flemish research center, Neven was unexpectedly thrust into the public eye as "Madame Covid" during the pandemic, coordinating the Brussels-Capital Region's health strategy.

Initially accustomed to a structured, methodical work environment, Neven found herself navigating the complex intersection of administrative and political cultures. Her daily interactions with ministers, administrations, hospitals, and experts from both Flemish and French-speaking communities led her to discover a "different Belgium."

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With the French speakers, I practiced a more spontaneous approach to human relations. It was a less formal way of approaching meetings or negotiations

"With the French speakers, I practiced a more spontaneous approach to human relations. It was a less formal way of approaching meetings or negotiations," Neven explained. She noted that her French-speaking colleagues demonstrated a valuable ability to "relativize things when circumstances demanded it."

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The Flemish bring rigorous organization, methodical planning, and particular attention to the concrete implementation of decisions.

Conversely, Neven recognized the strengths of her own Flemish culture, highlighting its "rigorous organization, methodical planning, and particular attention to the concrete implementation of decisions." She views these distinct approaches as complementary, essential for progress, especially during crises.

Neven also reflected on Brussels' unique complexity, citing an early challenge in coordinating responses for nursing homes, some of which fell under Flemish jurisdiction while others were managed regionally. This experience, she noted, underscored how Belgium functions through the collaborative efforts of its diverse actors, learning to work together despite its intricate administrative structure.

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French speakers were able to relativize things when circumstances demanded it.