Ukraine: when Donbass was nicknamed the tenth Belgian province
At the end of the 19th century, Belgian entrepreneurs massively invested in this region rich in coal and iron ore, participating in the beginning of its industrialization.
By Jean-Francois Munster
Doverbass. The name of this region of eastern Ukraine has become familiar to Belgian ears since the start of the conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists in 2014 and much more since the outbreak of war by Russia . We often ignore it, but 130 years ago, the Donbass was also talked about a lot in Belgium. Except that at the time, it was not synonymous with war and desolation but with El Dorado and land of adventure. In the corridors of the Brussels Stock Exchange, this name was enough to electrify investors and drive up the price. In the staffs of large industrial groups, it rhymed with geographical expansion and attractive dividends.
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