Brussels 21.04.2026 The “Postcolonial?” exhibition at the House of European History in Brussels (17 April 2026 – 14 March 2027) explores the lasting impacts of European colonialism from the 15th century to the present. It features personal stories, historical objects, and artworks to examine colonial legacies, power structures, and the post-1945 independence movements.

Focus: It investigates how the “colonial matrix of power”—inequalities, injustices, and ideologies born of colonialism—continues to shape modern life, European identity, and global relations.

Content: The exhibition includes eight personal testimonies, unique artworks, and historical objects exploring themes of resistance and the aftermath of colonial rule.

Location: House of European History, Rue Belliard 135, Brussels.

Opening Events: The launch included performances, guided tours, and workshops, such as block printing with Indikon and refreshments by Utamu Collective.

 

While the European Union (EU) does not have colonies in the historical sense, several EU member states, notably France, the Netherlands, and Denmark, retain overseas territories. These are generally classified as Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) or Outermost Regions (OMRs), often possessing high degrees of autonomy rather than being directly exploited colonies.

13 OCTs are formally associated with the EU:
France has the largest footprint, with territories like French Guiana, Guadeloupe, and New Caledonia, which are considered integral parts of the French Republic.

The Netherlands has territories in the Caribbean, such as Aruba and Curaçao, which are self-governing parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Denmark includes Greenland, which has extensive home rule.

Status: While many are part of the EU, some are not. These territories are largely autonomous or voluntarily maintain ties to the EU member states.

These territories are sometimes described as remnants of colonial empires, but they operate under different legal statuses than 19th-century colonies.
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