We discuss the concept of historical canons with EuroClio founder Joke van der Leeuw-Roord and Prof. Karel van Nieuwenhuyse of the KU Leuven. As the Dutch canon has recently been revised and a canon for Flanders is in the works, we look at the controversies surrounding both canons and ask ourselves what role canons can have in history education - if at all! What are their shortcomings? How do they relate to national curricula? What are the implications for history teachers?