Ghost Stories

Brussels, Belgium: Jean Rey Square, next to the Europa building, is filled with 4,500 empty pairs of shoes to remember every person killed over the last decade in Gaza. Photo: Stephanie Lecocq/EPA.

The Importance of Not Being Arcovazzi

European commission tells other member states that Polish reforms put fundamental democratic values at risk The EU has triggered a process that could ultimately see Poland stripped of voting rights in Brussels in an unprecedented step designed to force the country’s rightwing government to drop reforms the bloc regards as a threat to the country’s democracy. [Read more].

• Daniel Boffey, EU begins process that could see Poland stripped of voting rights, The Guardian, December 20, 2017

People in Warsaw hold a Polish flag at a protest against changes to the judicial system. Photo: Rafal Guz/EPA

Multiplex

Brussels, Belgium: Men work before sunrise to clean some of the 3,750 windows of the Europa building, the seat of the Council of the European Union and the European Council. Photo: Olivier Hoslet/EPA.

Toys of a lifetime

Brussels, Belgium: Cathérine Bloemen, 86, sits at home among more than 20,000 stuffed and plastic toys, she has been collecting for more than 65 years. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters.

Never Underestimate a Clown

Brussels, Belgium: A scary clown exhibit at the launch of a Harry Potter exhibition at Palais 2 of the Brussels Expo. Photo: Rex/Shutterstock.

Over the Wall

Brussels, Belgium: People stick plastic butterfly decorations near peace messages at a makeshift memorial on the Place de la Bourse to those who died after blasts hit the Belgian capital on Tuesday. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images.