Controversy Over Christmas Crib in Grand Place - Brussels

Controversy Over Christmas Crib in Grand Place - Brussels

Belgian designer, artistic director and entrepreneur Jean-Paul Lespagnard pose beside the Christmas tree that he decorated in Brussels Grand-Place on November 28, 2025 in Liege, Belgium. In 2025 Brussels installed a "faceless,inclusive" nativity scene made from recycled textiles at the GrandPlace, prompting criticism that the redesign erases traditional religious imagery while supporters tout it as a modern, secular interpretation; simultaneously, the European Parliament displayed a nativity scene for the first time, sparking debate over whether such a display could be seen as offensive to nonbelievers. - Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

Three-day national strike in Belgium led by trade unions to protest against the government's austerity plan, which includes tax increases and budget cuts to reduce a large budget deficit. The deserted Liege Guillemins train station on November 26, 2025. Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

Three-day national strike in Belgium led by trade unions to protest against the government's austerity plan, which includes tax increases and budget cuts to reduce a large budget deficit. The deserted Liege Guillemins train station on November 26, 2025. Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

Three-day national strike in Belgium led by trade unions to protest against the government's austerity plan, which includes tax increases and budget cuts to reduce a large budget deficit. The deserted Liege Guillemins train station on November 26, 2025. Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

Three-day national strike in Belgium led by trade unions to protest against the government's austerity plan, which includes tax increases and budget cuts to reduce a large budget deficit. The deserted Liege Guillemins train station on November 26, 2025. Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

Three-day national strike in Belgium led by trade unions to protest against the government's austerity plan, which includes tax increases and budget cuts to reduce a large budget deficit. The deserted Liege Guillemins train station on November 26, 2025. Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

National Strike in Belgium - Liege Station

Three-day national strike in Belgium led by trade unions to protest against the government's austerity plan, which includes tax increases and budget cuts to reduce a large budget deficit. The deserted Liege Guillemins train station on November 26, 2025. Photo by Monasse T/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Vin Gironde

Illustration - Vin Gironde

FRANCE. GIRONDE (33) MEDOC. CORKS IN LIEGE Photo by Jean-Bernard Nadeau/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

The civil parties to be prosecuted in criminal proceedings Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer). The case of corruption complaints against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liège. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

The civil parties to be prosecuted in criminal proceedings Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer). The case of corruption complaints against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liège. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

En photo Les parties civile à poursuivre au pénal Ursula Vonderleyen et Albert Bourla (Pfizer). Le dossier des plaintes pour corruption à l’encontre de la présidente de la Commission européenne, Ursula von der Leyen, et du PDG de Pfizer, Albert Bourla, revient de nouveau, vendredi 6 décembre 2024 à 14h, devant la Chambre du conseil du tribunal de première instance de Liège. - In photo The civil parties to be prosecuted in criminal proceedings Ursula Vonderleyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer). The case of corruption complaints against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liège. Photo Philippe BOURGUET / bePress Photo Agency/bppa

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

The case of corruption complaints against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liège. hoto by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Isabelle Duchateau, civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer). The case of corruption complaints against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liège. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

The Belgian lobbyist, Frederic Baldan, is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer). The case of corruption complaints against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liège. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Pfizergate - Criminal Complaint Referral To The Liege Correctional Court

Florian Philippot is a civil party to prosecute Ursula Von der Leyen and Albert Bourla (Pfizer) in criminal proceedings. The case of the complaints for corruption against the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, returns again, Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2 p.m., before the Council Chamber of the Court of First Instance of Liege, Belgium. Photo by Philippe BOURGUET /BePress/ABACAPRESS.COM

Belgium: Severe Flooding Hits Liège After Heavy Rainfall

Torrential rain and flooding hit villages in Liège Province, eastern Belgium on Friday, May 17. The inclement weather forced some residents to evacuate as it caused fallen trees, road closures, and mudslides that left several vehicles stranded.

Kawashima saves shot in Belgian league soccer match

Kawashima saves shot in Belgian league soccer match

LIEGE, Belgium - Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Standard Liege saves a shot in the first half of a Belgian first-division soccer match against Cercle Brugge in Liege on Feb. 1, 2014. Standard beat Cercle 4-0.

Football: Standard Liege vs Anderlecht

Football: Standard Liege vs Anderlecht

BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 11 Kyodo - Standard Liege's midfielder Gojko Cimirot (R) keeps the ball as Anderlecht's Ryota Morioka approaches during a Jupiler League playoff match in Brussels, Belgium, on May 10, 2018.

Football: Japan international Honda

Football: Japan international Honda

LIEGE, Belgium, March 20 Kyodo - Japan international Keisuke Honda arrives at a hotel in Liege, Belgium, on March 19, 2018, ahead of World Cup warm-up matches against Mali and Ukraine to be held in the city on March 23 and 27, respectively.

Japan goalie Kawashima saves for Standard Liege

Japan goalie Kawashima saves for Standard Liege

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands - Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Standard Liege punches the ball to save a goal for the Belgian club en route to its 2-1 loss to Feyenoord Rotterdam of the Netherlands in a UEFA Europa League match in Rotterdam on Oct. 2, 2014.

Kawashima saves shot as Liege win in Belgian 1st div.

Kawashima saves shot as Liege win in Belgian 1st div.

BEVEREN, Belgium - Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima makes a save as his Standard Liege beat Waasland Beveren 2-0 in a Belgian first-division match in Beveren on Sept. 21, 2014.

Kawashima hangs on but Liege lose 3-5 to Oostende

Kawashima hangs on but Liege lose 3-5 to Oostende

LIEGE, Belgium - Eiji Kawashima of Standard Liege (top L) makes a save in the second half of a Belgian first division match against KV Oostende in Liege on Sept. 13, 2014. Liege suffered a 5-3 loss.

Liege's Kawashima in action against Mouscron-Pruwelz

Liege's Kawashima in action against Mouscron-Pruwelz

MOUSCRON, Belgium - Standard Liege goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima makes a save in a Belgian first-division match against Mouscron-Pruwelz on Aug. 15, 2014. Liege suffered a 5-2 defeat in the game at Mouscron, with Kawashima conceding the largest number of goals since joining the club.

Goalie Kawashima active vs Gent

Goalie Kawashima active vs Gent

LIEGE, Belgium - Standard Liege goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima makes a save during the first half of a match against AA Gent in a Belgium first-division match in Liege on Aug. 10, 2014. Gent won the match 1-0.

Standard's Kawashima in action in Champions League game

Standard's Kawashima in action in Champions League game

LIEGE, Belgium - Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Standard Liege dives for the ball during a scoreless draw against Greece's Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League in Liege, Belgium, on July 30, 2014.

Liege goalkeeper Kawashima meets press before CL game

Liege goalkeeper Kawashima meets press before CL game

LIEGE, Belgium - Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Standard Liege meets reporters in Liege, Belgium, on July 24, 2014, before the Belgian Pro League club's game against Panathinaikos F.C. of Greece in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Japan goalkeeper Kawashima returns home to join World Cup squad

Japan goalkeeper Kawashima returns home to join World Cup squad

TOKYO, Japan - Eiji Kawashima, Japan's first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, arrives at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 21, 2014. Kawashima, who plays for Belgian soccer club Standard Liege, will join on May 23 Japan's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals.

Japan goalkeeper Kawashima returns home to join World Cup squad

Japan goalkeeper Kawashima returns home to join World Cup squad

TOKYO, Japan - Eiji Kawashima, Japan's first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, speaks to reporters upon arrival at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 21, 2014. Kawashima, who plays for Belgian soccer club Standard Liege, will join on May 23 Japan's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals.

Liege's Kawashima in Belgian league

Liege's Kawashima in Belgian league

LIEGE, Belgium - Standard Liege's Eiji Kawashima of Japan celebrates Liege's goal against KRC Genk in Liege, Belgium, on May 18, 2014. Liege won 1-0.

Standard's Kawashima saves shot vs Waasland-Beveren

Standard's Kawashima saves shot vs Waasland-Beveren

BEVEREN, Belgium - Eiji Kawashima (R) of Standard Liege saves a shot in an away match in Beveren against Waasland-Beveren in the Belgian first-division soccer league on March 16, 2014. The teams drew 1-1.

Kawashima plays in Standard's match against Gent

Kawashima plays in Standard's match against Gent

LIEGE, Belgium - Standard Liege goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima (R) of Japan launches the ball upfield in a home game against KAA Gent in Belgian soccer's first division on Feb. 23, 2014. Gent won 3-2.

Japan's Kawashima saves shot in Standard's win vs. Charleroi

Japan's Kawashima saves shot in Standard's win vs. Charleroi

CHARLEROI, Belgium - Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Standard Liege saves a shot in an away match in the Belgian first-division soccer league against Sporting Charleroi on Feb. 15, 2014. Standard defeated Charleroi 1-0.

Ono joins Liege

Ono joins Liege

LIEGE, Belgium - Yokohama F Marinos striker Yuji Ono smiles during a press conference in Liege, Belgium, on Jan. 22, 2013, as he joined Standard Liege.

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

NAGOYA, Japan - Japan's Kensuke Nagai speaks at a press conference in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2013. Nagai said he is leaving J-League first-division club Nagoya Grampus in a transfer to Belgium's Standard Liege in order to realize his dream.

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

TOYOTA, Japan - Japan's Kensuke Nagai is pictured after holding a press conference in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2013. Nagai said he is leaving J-League first-division club Nagoya Grampus in a transfer to Belgium's Standard Liege in order to realize his dream.

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

TOYOTA, Japan - Japan's Kensuke Nagai holds a press conference in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2013. Nagai said he is leaving J-League first-division club Nagoya Grampus in a transfer to Belgium's Standard Liege in order to realize his dream.

Japan keeper Kawashima signs with Standard Liege

Japan keeper Kawashima signs with Standard Liege

LIEGE, Belgium - Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima gives a press conference in Liege on July 18, 2012, after signing a three-year contract with Belgian giants Standard Liege. The announcement of Kawashima's transfer from current club Lierse SK was made late on July 17.

Japan keeper Kawashima signs with Standard Liege

Japan keeper Kawashima signs with Standard Liege

LIEGE, Belgium - Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima (R) holds his new Standard Liege jersey during a press conference in Liege on July 18, 2012, after signing a three-year contract with the Belgian giants. The announcement of Kawashima's transfer from current club Lierse SK was made late on July 17.

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

(220410) -- OUFFET (BELGIUM), April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A woman in costumes shows her pet ferret during the 20th medieval festival of Ouffet in Ouffet, province of Liege, Belgium, on April 10, 2022. Highlighting performances, markets as well as various activities with the culture of the Middle Ages, the two-day festival attracted many visitors. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

(220410) -- OUFFET (BELGIUM) , April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Musicians perform during the 20th medieval festival of Ouffet in Ouffet, province of Liege, Belgium, on April 10, 2022. Highlighting performances, markets as well as various activities with the culture of the Middle Ages, the two-day festival attracted many visitors. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

(220410) -- OUFFET (BELGIUM) , April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Riders in costumes perform during the 20th medieval festival of Ouffet in Ouffet, province of Liege, Belgium, on April 10, 2022. Highlighting performances, markets as well as various activities with the culture of the Middle Ages, the two-day festival attracted many visitors. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

(220410) -- OUFFET (BELGIUM) , April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Visitors watch a fight performance during the 20th medieval festival of Ouffet in Ouffet, province of Liege, Belgium, on April 10, 2022. Highlighting performances, markets as well as various activities with the culture of the Middle Ages, the two-day festival attracted many visitors. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

BELGIUM-OUFFET-MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

(220410) -- OUFFET (BELGIUM) , April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A rider in costumes performs during the 20th medieval festival of Ouffet in Ouffet, province of Liege, Belgium, on April 10, 2022. Highlighting performances, markets as well as various activities with the culture of the Middle Ages, the two-day festival attracted many visitors. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)