Les Belges Histoires | Ionnyk, the magic frame
Mathieu Demeuse and Charlotte Dubois invented Ionnyk, the world’s first smart picture frame.
This Belgian couple are art and technology enthusiasts, fans of the Harry Potter universe and fascinated by the living paintings that decorate the walls of Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry. So Charlotte and Mathieu let their boundless imagination guide their entrepreneurial spirit. From initial trials to conclusive tests, the unimaginable took shape... secretly, at home.
Until that rather special dinner party, to which Mathieu and Charlotte invited their friends... When a steam train suddenly appeared on a photograph of a bridge, the excitement that swept over the guests was revelatory. Charlotte and Mathieu refined and marketed this unforgettable experience, which had been conducted in a private setting, developing it professionally. Together with their partner Antoine Baudoux, they succeeded in creating a new medium for art photography.
Once the right technology had been selected (namely, millions of tiny ink capsules), Ionnyk was officially born. Manufactured in Belgium, these smart frames offer enthusiasts an artistic experience in its purest form, with a growing collection of works of art. Charlotte and Mathieu are constantly developing collaborations with Belgian and international artists.
Ionnyk is not like any other frame, it’s magical!
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Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLa Grappe d’Or - Experience the art of cheese
Driven by tradition and small producers, Wallonia’s evolving gastronomy is in the spotlight thanks to its recent recognition by Gault&Millau.
In Arlon, Monia Aouini and Clément Petitjean, the winners of the prestigious restaurant guide’s 2026 Cheese Experience of the Year award, maintain an increasingly rare tradition: the cheese trolley.
Their outlook is based on a collaborative vision of the profession. The cheese trolley provides “a living selection, that changes with the seasons,” in close partnership with Fromagerie Antony (affineur), Pascal and Maud Fauville (master cheesemakers), and Peter and Barbara De Cock of la Bergerie d’Acremont (agricultural engineers and passionate master cheesemakers).
Every cheese has a story to tell. “The experience becomes an opportunity for dialogue, in which the team shares the origins of these products, their respect for nature and the richness of the terroirs.”
This prestigious Gault&Millau award confirms that Wallonia’s gastronomy blends innovation, quality and international appeal.
WAB Magazine
VisiterDiscover the Walloon Companies Present at PLMA in Amsterdam
For nearly 40 years, PLMA’s annual international “World of Private Label” trade show has brought retailers and manufacturers together to help them discover new products, establish new contacts, and find innovative ideas to grow and strengthen their private label programs. Wallonia will be represented there by 35 companies.
The 2026 edition of PLMA’s “World of Private Label” trade show will take place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 May. Over the course of two days, the exhibition will become the key meeting point for the largest concentration of private label professionals in the industry.
Wallonia will be represented by four non-food companies in the Holland Complex, Halls 8–13 – Non-Food Section, Stands C25-D26. Visitors will find Actifar, a company specialized for more than 25 years in the development and distribution of medical devices (MD), in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD), and technical hygiene products.
Chembo Bevil will showcase its household cleaning product packaging solutions, while Group Riem, active since 1963, specializes in aerosol products. Also present will be Vadigran, a producer of pet food and accessories.
Wallonia will mainly be represented in the Europe Complex, Halls 1–8 and 13–14, Food Section, Stands B59-C88, with 31 companies active in the food industry and looking for new customers.
Food Companies for Every Moment of the DayThere will be something for every taste and every moment of the day. Visitors will find everything needed for breakfast, including coffee from Cafe Liegeois, jam from Confiture l’Ardennaise, butter from Corman, cheese from Fromagerie de Rochefort, pastries from Panistar, and dairy products from Solarec.
For aperitifs, Goumanisto will be on hand, while Food Impact will present ready-made Asian dishes.
Several sauce producers will also be present at PLMA: Bionat, Delka, Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge, and Produits Habi.
If you are looking for dessert or a sweet snack, the Walloon pavilion will be the place to visit. You will discover waffle producers such as Avieta, Dely Waffels, and Smiling Baker; dessert specialists Dessert Factory – Mellow; vegan desserts from Nats Rawline; tiramisu from Alfiero; and pastries from L’Ecopain d’Ignace.
To accompany your waffles, you can choose between syrups from Meurens & Rodrigues or Siroperie Meurens — two distinct companies not to be confused.
Continuing with sweet treats, biscuits will be represented by Biscuiterie Destree, Desobry, La Biscuiterie Namuroise, and PM Sweet with its macarons. Chocolate lovers will also enjoy products from Bruyerre Chocolates and La Chocolaterie Galler.
For healthier alternatives, Nutradia and Basic Business/Fit Food will offer suitable options.
For those looking for ingredients to perfect their recipes, Castle Ingredients develops high value-added ingredients for the food industry, including dairy powders, functional blends, plant-based ingredients, premixes, egg and cocoa replacers, as well as toasted flours and seeds.
Finally, Belourthe, a long-standing expert in infant nutrition, offers safe and balanced food solutions.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
InvestirAcheter“Vrai Sirop de Liège”, the flagship product of Siroperie Meurens, celebrates its 125th anniversary
Well known among Belgians, “Vrai Sirop de Liège” is now setting out to conquer Europe, starting with neighboring countries: the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Meet Siroperie Meurens.
Have you ever heard of Liège syrup? Made from pears, apples (65% fruit), and sugar (35%), “Vrai Sirop de Liège” has been produced by Siroperie Meurens for 125 years. An authentic and iconic product in Wallonia and Belgium, the company is now expanding into neighboring countries.
“For 125 years, the company has remained in the same family and has always operated from the same production site. In Belgium, studies show that 99% of people recognize our product just from the packaging. The product practically sells itself. It is also used in many culinary dishes, especially Liège-style meatballs and Flemish beef stew. Today, our challenge is to make our products known to a younger audience and beyond our borders,” explains Jurek Ciechanowski, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Siroperie Meurens.
That is why Siroperie Meurens has launched new “Squeeze” packaging, designed to modernize the way Liège syrup is consumed, along with apricot and raspberry variations.
Although the company will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2027, it continues to modernize. Recently, Siroperie Meurens undertook expansion work to increase both production and storage capacity.
A company exporting its products worldwideThrough its ingredients division, Solufruit, Siroperie Meurens provides solutions for the food industry (B2B).
“We process dates, prunes, raisins, and figs into concentrated juices and purées adapted to a wide range of applications and functions: bakery, beverages, sauces, flavorings, cereal bars, and much more,” adds Jurek Ciechanowski.
While Liège syrup is sold 95% on the Belgian market and only 5% abroad, the proportions are very different for Solufruit products.
“For Solufruit, 95% of our business is export and 5% domestic. We meet global demand, whether in China, the United States, Singapore, and beyond,” he continues.
While Solufruit has already established itself internationally, Liège syrup is currently targeting neighboring markets: the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
“In the Netherlands, people mainly know beet-based syrup, so we have a great opportunity in that market. The German market is already familiar with Vrai Sirop de Liège because we were present there in the past. Our goal is therefore to regain our position there. And of course, we are not forgetting France. Vrai Sirop de Liège pairs perfectly with cheese, and everyone knows France is a country of cheese lovers. The potential there is therefore extremely important,” explains Jurek Ciechanowski.
How should Liège syrup be enjoyed?If you are not familiar with Liège syrup, Jurek Ciechanowski shares a few ideas on how to taste it. “The most common way is with a piece of cheese on bread. But it can also be used in yogurt, on pancakes, ice cream, or waffles.”
Liège syrup is also used in savory recipes such as Liège-style meatballs or Flemish beef stew. It can also be incorporated into vinaigrettes. “At a barbecue, you can put Liège syrup on ribs to create caramelization.”
In short, Liège syrup can be enjoyed with almost anything, at any time of the day.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueRecycling 100% of PVC: the innovative CIRC-PVC project led by INEOS Inovyn in Wallonia
Fully recycling PVC, including waste currently considered non-mechanically recyclable: this is the objective of the CIRC-PVC project. Led by INEOS Inovyn and a broad consortium of Walloon partners, the project has enabled the development and testing of an innovative prototype. Overview.
Even today, a significant share of plastic waste is sent for incineration or landfill, despite its potential to become a raw material for new applications. PVC, widely used in the construction sector, clearly illustrates this challenge.
While mechanical recycling of PVC is already well developed for certain rigid applications such as window frames or pipes, and for flexible uses like cables or flooring, there are still waste streams for which no industrial solution exists. This is particularly the case for applications containing legacy additives that are now banned or for composite materials.
An innovative approach across the entire value chainTo address this challenge, INEOS Inovyn launched the CIRC-PVC project. The ambition is to analyze and demonstrate the feasibility of a complete value chain, from waste collection to reintegration of recycled material into new products.
“We wanted to consider the entire process: recovering PVC waste from construction and demolition sites, sorting it, and then developing a solution for waste that cannot be mechanically recycled. It is within this framework that we developed a dissolution technology,” explains Eric Romers.
This technology makes it possible to process waste containing legacy additives that are now banned, as well as composite materials.
“These additives can no longer be used, but they are still present in many PVC products and will remain so for decades. Their presence prevents mechanical recycling. We therefore developed a technology to extract them before reusing the material,” he adds.
A consortium of partners rooted in WalloniaThe project is based on close collaboration between several industrial and scientific partners, particularly in the Jemeppe-sur-Sambre region, where the INEOS Inovyn site is located.
• Entreprises Générales Louis Duchêne handled the collection of PVC and other plastic waste.
• Vanheede Environmental Logistics provided collection solutions and expertise in waste sorting.
• ROVI-TECH developed an innovative sorting technology prototype.
• ECO-DEC contributed its expertise in solid-liquid separation.
• Avient Corporation (Belgian site) formulated new PVC compounds using recycled material and validated their performance.
Industrial partners were also supported by Centexbel for analytical capabilities, and by University of Liège, which worked on both life cycle analysis and supply chain optimization. The competitiveness clusters GreenWin and Logistics in Wallonia also supported the project from its inception.
Proven results and long-term prospectsAfter two years of research, the consortium developed a functional prototype and demonstrated the viability of the entire value chain, from waste to new product.
The next phase of the project aims to go further. “Our objective is to create a new consortium to continue work on additive extraction and the valorization of this waste, which is currently costly to treat through incineration,” says Eric Romers.
By 2030, the ambition is to establish an industrial unit dedicated to dissolution and the extraction of banned additives. An intermediate step will nevertheless be required.
“This will require subsidies, but also support from the European Union to create incentives enabling the emergence of a competitive market for recycled PVC,” he concludes.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
InvestirAcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLes Belges Histoires | Christine Frison, laws serving nature
Christine Frison is a lawyer with a master’s degree in international public law.
A professor at the Free University of Brussels, she is also a legal researcher, with a particular interest in legal instruments for the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, also known as agrobiodiversity.
Christine Frison’s research combines law, the environment and decolonisation. Its aim is to (re)think a system in which biodiversity conservation benefits all stakeholders equally. The overall ambition is to maintain food security for our societies.
Unfortunately, a colonial rationale continues to govern international negotiations on this subject, particularly since genetic sequencing has come to play a predominant role.
Christine has therefore assembled a team of researchers and founded the ambitious EcoLAWgy project, demonstrating exemplary commitment and determination. Together, the team members are considering how to take into account the voices of farming communities in the South. These communities are all too often sidelined, even though they are crucial in the face of the climate and environmental challenges that lie ahead.
As part of her DecoLawBiodiv project, DecoLawBiodivp project, Christine Frison is supported by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant).
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Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
EtudierSavoir-faire techniqueInvesting in Wallonia: strategic choices and sustainable success — the examples of Google, Skechers, Takeda and Van der Valk
Establishing a strategic business operation in an increasingly competitive environment between European regions is a decisive choice to make. Several international groups have decided to set up in Wallonia. Various sectors such as tech, biopharma, logistics and hospitality all came to the same conclusion: location, skills, stability, public funding and capacity for innovation create an environment that fosters long-term success. We will focus on stories from Google (USA), Skechers (USA), Takeda (Japan) and Van der Valk (Netherlands).
GOOGLE - strategic infrastructure and digital sovereignty
Google’s total investment in Belgium, including the €5 billion announced in 2025, now stands at over €11 billion since the launch of its first data centre in Saint-Ghislain, back in 2007. The campus is now expanding, with the addition of a seventh building.
The initial choice was based on a combination of factors specific to this region: “energy availability, access to water for cooling, connectivity, land for potential expansion and the quality of the road network,” explains Frédéric Descamps, Head of Operations. Saint-Ghislain has established itself as a strategic link in the European cloud infrastructure, which consists of AI, critical digital services, storage and processing capacity.
The company’s innovation is not limited to digital technologies. “Saint-Ghislain is the first campus to have on-site solar power generation, thanks to a solar farm we inaugurated in 2017. Its capacity has since been increased. After completing a pilot project, we switched to water treatment using CO2 rather than acid, which has reduced our water consumption and use of hazardous chemicals. We have also installed electrical energy storage batteries.”
Local impact has been even greater: “We support local sponsorship initiatives and have helped develop a master’s degree course in Data Centre Engineering with the Haute École de Mons.” This has inspired the American group to develop further projects. Today, the site employs around 900 people and works with 80 Walloon suppliers.
SKECHERS - European logistics hub and job stabilityFor over 20 years, the American company Skechers has been sending sport and casual footwear throughout Europe from Wallonia. As one of Wallonia’s largest employers, the site comprises over 1,200 staff.
“We had investment opportunities in other European countries, but we chose Wallonia due to its location and the availability of land,” says Sophie Houtmeyers, Managing Director of Skechers EDC. “We also benefited from strong support and guidance from the authorities.”
This convinced the parent company in the United States to go ahead with the venture in Wallonia. A construction project for new infrastructure at the Liège Airport site is currently underway. “Keeping jobs here was a decisive factor. Having stability for the teams is a key performance factor.” This is especially true as the teams remain loyal to the company, sometimes spanning several generations. At the same time, multimodality, proximity to European transport routes and social stability also weighed heavily in the decision.
In the meantime, the Milmort site has become a European logistics hub for the group. It handles large volumes and operates 24/7. The site secures thousands of jobs that cannot be relocated, in stable industrial environment, all while integrating both local partners and training providers.
TAKEDA - Industrial excellence and a global biopharma presenceThe Lessines site is now the group’s third-largest production site worldwide. Specialising in immunoglobulins, it supports patients in over 80 countries
After investing €118 million in a production line in 2021, in 2022 Takeda announced an investment of nearly €300 million for the construction of a new state-of-the-art production unit, which will be operational by early 2027. This investment came hand in hand with a new net-zero carbon warehouse in Lessines, which has been operational since 2024. Without wishing to disparage other European regions, Thierry Pestiaux, Site Head at Takeda Lessines, maintains that “Wallonia offers significant advantages: scientific expertise, a skilled workforce and close collaboration between industry, universities and public authorities.”
The site excels thanks to its industrial performance, scientific expertise and pioneering approach to sustainability. “Lessines is the world’s first pharmaceutical production site to recycle 60% of its wastewater for reuse in drug manufacturing. This saves 1.2 million litres every day.”
With a round-the-clock staff of 1,200 people from 23 different countries, Lessines also illustrates the human focus of the Walloon model. “Belgium has a particularly strong ecosystem when it comes to life sciences. Our collective abilities can help to adapt and accelerate skill growth.” In this way, continuous professional development, partnerships with the education sector and upskilling initiatives turn into strategic drivers.
VAN DER VALK - generating systems of structureThe Dutch family-owned group has been present in Wallonia since 1977, with 19 hotels in the region. Now, they are expanding further, with major projects projected for Liege Airport and Charleroi.
Their strategy is based on setting up locations along major economic corridors: airports, urban centres, business hubs. “We seek a constant balance between travel for business and leisure, to ensure year-round activity,” explains François Breuer, CFO of Van der Valk. The hotel chain has generated 700 jobs in Wallonia.
But Van der Valk’s impact extends beyond the hospitality sector itself. It is what makes the brand unique: in addition to the hotel, they have a restaurant, wellness facilities and venues for events. “Each establishment functions as an economic microcosm, attracting visitors and businesses. Investing in the hotel acts as a catalyst for the local area. Business attracts business. Sometimes, local authorities contact us directly to establish a Van der Valk hotel in their area.”
They have great ambitions: “We are planning two new establishments in the centre of Charleroi and at Liege Airport within the next two years. At the same time, we are exploring the French market, where our experience in Wallonia will be a real asset.”
Infrastructure, a skilled workforce, stability and industrial vision are all key factors that make Wallonia a strategic partner in the heart of Europe. Wallonia does not merely attract investment; it builds lasting foundations.
WAB Magazine
InvestirAccessibilité
Q1 Scientific expands its European operations from Wallonia
Q1 Scientific, a Cambrex company and a leading provider of ICH-compliant stability storage and GDP-certified pharmaceutical storage services, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Wallonia with an additional 4,000 m².
This investment marks a major milestone for Q1 Scientific’s activities in Villers-le-Bouillet and reflects Cambrex’s ongoing strategic commitment to developing life sciences infrastructure and capabilities in key regions worldwide.
The additional 4,000 m² includes temperature-controlled stability storage areas, GDP storage, and modern office space, significantly increasing Q1 Scientific’s capacity to support the rapidly growing European pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical research sectors.
“This expansion represents a major step forward for Q1 Scientific in Belgium and for the life sciences community in Wallonia. With an additional 4,000 m², we are significantly increasing our capacity to support clinical and commercial supply chains with high-quality, GDP-compliant storage solutions,” comments Cécile Jacoby, Managing Director of Q1 Scientific SRL in Villers-le-Bouillet.
The expansion strengthens Q1 Scientific’s ability to support both clinical trials and commercial manufacturers by adding substantial GDP-certified storage capacity for investigational medicinal products and finished pharmaceuticals.
Products destined for hospitals, pharmacies, and distributors in Belgium and across continental Europe will now benefit from increased capacity for secure, compliant, and fully temperature-controlled storage.
With purpose-built storage chambers ranging from -80°C to +40°C, the expanded site will enable long-term, accelerated, and intermediate stability studies, as well as secure commercial storage and disaster recovery services for emergency situations.
“Q1 Scientific continues to invest in Belgium due to the exceptional quality of talent, strong logistics infrastructure, and the dynamism of the life sciences sector. This expansion demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region and our confidence in the future of our operations in Belgium. By increasing our stability and GDP storage capacity, we are strengthening our ability to support global pharmaceutical companies with reliable, compliant, and scalable solutions exactly where they are needed,” concludes Stephen Delaney, Managing Director of the Q1 Scientific Group.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
InvestirThe Walloon winners of the Michelin Red Guide 2026
The famous Michelin Red Guide has awarded its highly coveted stars for Belgium and Luxembourg. A new Walloon restaurant has earned its first star: La Table-Lasne by Alain Bianchin.
This is always a highly anticipated moment for chefs of fine dining restaurants. The Michelin Red Guide has revealed the rankings for the 2026 edition for Belgium and Luxembourg.
“The 2026 selection once again highlights the gastronomic dynamism of Belgium and Luxembourg. The inspectors have distinguished restaurants where technique is, above all, at the service of taste and the diner’s experience,” emphasizes Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.
Wallonia is well represented in this new edition. First of all, the Sommelier of the Year award went to Nicolas Campus from the restaurant Les Gribaumonts in Mons.
For several years now, the Michelin Guide has awarded a Green Star to promote pioneering restaurants fully committed to genuine gastronomic transition. The restaurant Màloma in Rosières received this distinction for the first time.
“The Màloma project is part of my DNA and that of my team: cooking in harmony with nature by highlighting local producers committed to agroecology and organic farming. The surprise menu evolves with the micro-seasons and the products they bring. Each ingredient is used in its entirety, explored in different forms through our creations. Behind every product and every material, the human hand of our artisans transforms and gives meaning. Seasonality, terroir, simplicity, and the human dimension have always guided our approach,” comments Georges Athanassopoulos for Michelin.
A Walloon restaurant earns its first starA new Walloon restaurant has been awarded its first star: La Table-Lasne by Alain Bianchin in Ohain. During the Michelin ceremony, Alain Bianchin spoke emotionally about the circumstances that led him to close his previous restaurant, as well as how quickly he managed to bounce back by partnering with a restaurant seeking a chef. The result speaks for itself, and the Michelin Guide is full of praise.
“Alain Bianchin is a true craftsman. He combines a classical background with modern reinterpretations, showing great sensitivity, while also incorporating some Asian influences. His versatility and finesse rely on meticulous technique. The kitchen is his playground. He highlights the subtle harmony between tuna and foie gras with blood orange and a smoked oil and soy sauce jus; but he also offers a juicy, aromatic lamb dish with Mediterranean accompaniments and a cooking jus with Roscoff onion. A menu that elevates exceptional products. The wine list follows the same spirit, well stocked with Burgundy wines. The beautiful view over the green hills of Lasne perfectly completes the experience in this contemporary restaurant blending design and authenticity,” comments the famous Red Guide.
BIB GourmandThe BIB Gourmand rewards establishments offering excellent food at affordable prices. Wallonia has two new entries in this category: Basta! in Wanze and Restaurant Coquo in Bierwat.
The full listThere are those who gain stars, and those who retain them.
Wallonia has four two-star restaurants: L’Eau Vive in Arbre, D’Eugénie à Emilie in Baudour, L’air du temps in Liernu and La Table de Maxime in Our.
In total, 34 restaurants in Wallonia hold one star. In addition to the newly starred establishment, the other one-star restaurants are: La Grappe d’Or in Arlon, Quai n°4 in Ath, Chai Gourmand in Beuzet, Les Gourmands in Blaregnies, Pré de chez vous in Bouge, Maison Marit in Braine-l’Alleud, Philippe Meyers in Braine-l’Alleud, Bistro Racine in Braine-le-Château, Un Max de Goût in Comblain-au-Pont, Le Beau Rivage by Curtis in Dave, Le Grand Verre in Durbuy, La Grande d’Hamois in Emptinne, Le Vieux Château in Flobecq, Le Roannay in Francorchamps, La Table de Manon in Grandhan, Aux petits oignons in Jodoigne, Héliport Brasserie in Liège, Toma ! in Liège, Bistrot Blaise in Marche-en-Famenne, Arabelle Meirlaen in Marchin, Les Pieds dans le Plat in Marenne, La Roseraie in Modave, Attablez-vous in Namur, Le Gastronome in Paliseul, L’Impératif d’Eole in Quévy-le-Grand, Vicomté in Roucourt, Philippe Fauchet in Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse, Quadras in Sankt-Vith, Zur Post in Sankt-Vith, Au Gré du Vent in Seneffe, Le Coq aux Champs in Soheit-Tinlot, l’Essentiel in Temploux, Arden in Villers-sur-Lesse and Le Cor de Chasse in Wéris.
Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)
VivreSavoir-faire technique
Elneo, an engineering company with a collective vision
For over 50 years, Elneo has been a breath of fresh air in the industry. Based in Awans, Liège and with 5 sites in Belgium, France and Canada, the company employs more than 100 people in three demanding fields: compressors, pneumatics and instruments.
For Elneo, innovation does not mean disruption but rather the ability to integrate, optimise and improve the reliability of the critical installations of major clients such as John Cockerill, Walibi or GSK. “We focus on technical expertise and service. Our approach is comprehensive: advice, installation, maintenance and monitoring. That is the added-value we provide to our clients,” says Jonathan Bouhy, CEO and the third generation of the family to run the business. Elneo’s mission is to offer “solutions that are effective and, above all, sustainable.”
Innovating across the boardIn the context of rising geopolitical tensions and reliance on distant supply chains, Bouhy states: “clients are looking for greater proximity, control and security in industrial partnerships.” Our mission is to help each of our clients develop and become autonomous and bring their tools into the world of tomorrow.”
Elneo’s model is equally innovative. With the launch of Elneo Partners in 2024, its employees were able to become shareholders. Around forty have done so already. “It’s my proudest professional achievement. Everyone is involved in Elneo’s vision. It’s a governance system that supports entrepreneurship and enables the launch of new departments based on employee initiatives.”
“Together, we are unstoppable! ”A quote which neatly sums up a Walloon SME which, with its employees and clients, is able to export its expertise, its capacity for integration and a responsible model of entrepreneurship. More proof that European industrial innovation has a home in Wallonia.
WAB Magazine
AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueGDTech: Powering industry with cutting-edge numerical simulation
Originally a Belgian company, GDTech has established itself as a specialist in advanced engineering, numerical simulation, and industrial project management. Structured around three complementary divisions – GDTech Engineering, GDTech Software, and GDTech Projects – the company operates across the entire product development cycle. With a presence in Belgium, France, Canada (Calgary), and the United States (Houston), GDTech relies on more than 200 highly qualified employees. Meeting with Guy Janssen, Director of GDTech.
Since the company’s creation, GDTech’s expertise has been primarily focused on the aerospace and defense sectors, both in Belgium and in France. In Canada and the United States, engineering activities are more oriented toward the energy sector.
“This approach encourages us to develop synergies between Europe and the American continent to promote the sharing of experience gained, on the one hand, in aerospace and, on the other hand, in energy. To carry out our activities, we use common IT tools that are fully managed internally by GDTech’s teams.”
Since its inception, GDTech has supported innovative companies developing high value-added products by providing its expertise in numerical simulation.
“The use of simulation helps reduce development cycles, accelerate time to market, and optimize costs and performance. Although GDTech has been active in this field for many years, we remain forward-looking. In particular, we are integrating artificial intelligence by developing reduced-order numerical models based on experimental data and simulation results. To achieve this, we use specialized software such as the one developed by Adagos, a company based in Toulouse.”
In a highly competitive sector, what truly sets GDTech apart?
“It is certainly the level of expertise of our engineers and the experience accumulated over time. We have been operating in this field for more than 30 years, with in-depth mastery of complex industrial challenges.”
GDTech selected for the European GARUDA projectSupported by the European Defense Fund, the GARUDA project aims to develop the foundational architecture of a new generation of autonomous collaborative combat drones (U-CCA). The objective? Create a modular and scalable platform capable of adapting to the future operational needs of European defense forces.
Coordinated by ONERA, the project brings together 8 European partners engaged in a dynamic of strategic cooperation. It covers the key initial phases of development, including conceptual design in order to identify the most promising concepts, as well as the preliminary design of the selected concept.
A strategic technological role for GDTechWhile participation in a European Defense Fund project is not a first for GDTech, this project has a unique character for the company due to its key role and the importance of its contribution.
Recognized for its expertise in advanced numerical simulation, GDTech is responsible both for the development of reduced virtual models enabling the rapid evaluation of the aerodynamic and structural performance of the different concepts studied, as well as for the preliminary sizing of the selected solution.
“We will study different drone geometries by evaluating their aerodynamic behavior through fluid mechanics simulations in order to characterize the flows around the structures. At the same time, we will also analyze the impact of the stresses generated during flight. This coupled approach – combining aerodynamics and structural analysis – makes it possible to optimize overall performance from the very early stages of design.”
What does the GARUDA project represent for GDTech?“It is a wonderful recognition of GDTech’s expertise by ONERA, one of France’s leading research institutions! We naturally hope that this major European project will enable us to access new opportunities in the defense sector, a field in which GDTech has been active since its creation.”
Article by Frédérique Jacobs for ©️Gate.31
Useful links: GD Tech EngineeringGate.31AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueLes Belges Histoires | Laboratoire: a different approach to architecture
Laboratoire is the result of a meeting between four students studying specialisations at the University of Liège: Florence Jacques, Morgan Delvaux, Maxime Faniel and Arnaud De Francesco.
Founded in 2021, this architectural firm offers a collective and collaborative approach, with people from varied, multidisciplinary and complementary backgrounds.
Combining art, technology and humanism, Laboratoire uses architecture as a medium to address environmental, urban and social issues. This is why its members place the principles of reversibility and flexibility at the centre of their research and designs: reversibility of materials and flexibility of buildings.
Laboratoire is also a promise: to give pride of place to ongoing experimentation, at the heart of a laboratory of ideas, putting the field experience of team members into practice, both in Belgium and abroad. This synergy has given rise to low-tech, intelligent projects that are adapted to their environment.
In 2023, Laboratoire won the Wallonia Architecture Grand Prize in the innovative architecture category for their shelters: the guest rooms on the estate of chef Marie Trignon (La Roseraie, in Modave).
In 2025, the collective contributed to the Time Space Existence exhibition, organised by the European Cultural Centre at the Venice Biennale, which explored the themes of ‘Repair, Regenerate and Reuse’.
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Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
EtudierSavoir-faire techniqueIntoPIX, walloon excellence in Hollywood
When Walloon technology took centre stage of the world’s biggest movie productions, it was not a matter of luck. This is the story of intoPix, an academic spin-off from UCLouvain that went on to become the global benchmark for ultralow latency video compression. intoPix recently won an Emmy in Hollywood for its role in developing the audiovisual standards used during the Olympics.
intoPix is the product of the intuitive vision of CEO Gaël Rouvroy, whose thesis explored a decoder’s potential in the world of digital filmmaking. Developed in UCLouvain’s labs, Rouvroy’s vision proved to be right, to the extent that he defended his thesis on the same day as the official launch of digital cinema in Hollywood - an almost symbolic coincidence.
On the back of its initial success in cinema, the company decided to go even further a few years later, with the goal of developing its own compression algorithm and making it an international standard. This led to the birth of JPEG XS, a codec tailormade for the most demanding settings: from broadcasting to cinema, from gaming to automobiles.
It took a decade of hard work and an impressive level of team growth for this technology to fundamentally transform the television industry. Today, intoPix has finally been honoured with the golden statue, in recognition of their major contribution to the broadcasting of the Olympic Games: the culmination of a decade of commitment and innovation.
“There is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude towards our entire team, who have invested tremendous energy in making this idea a reality,” says Pascal Pellegrin, Senior Research Director.
Already adopted by major industry players like Nikon, the intoPix technology embodies a reality that is often overlooked: it is from Wallonia that expert teams are helping to shape global technological standards.
And what is their advice to young Walloon entrepreneurs? “Focus wholeheartedly on one value, rather than spreading yourself too thin.”
Did you know?
The Emmy that intoPix just won is not the one that is given to actors and directors during the televised ceremony, but rather the Engineering, Science and Technology Emmy Award. This Emmy is awarded to companies whose innovations have materially transformed the production, transmission and reception of television. It is a much rarer distinction, which honours not artistic success, but technological innovations whose impact is felt across an entire industry.
WAB Magazine
AcheterSavoir-faire techniqueThe Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks reinvents itself for its bicentenary
This bicentenary project, initiated by the Town of Seraing and led by the Uhoda Group, is part of a wider drive to revitalise and redevelop the site.
Nature in winterWhere the Meuse meanders in silvery curves and the chimneys of the industrial belt have long watched over the workers, stands the illustrious name of the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks. Founded two centuries ago, this factory is not merely a workshop : it’s the voice of Seraing, a town on the outskirts of Liège, forged by coal and iron.
Perched like a lantern on the riverbank, Val Saint Lambert has long offered the world a transparent glimpse into an entire region. Here, crystal is not merely a decorative object: it is an act of collective creation, a social treasure, a symbol of elevation. From the dust of ore to the brilliance of crystal.
Since 1826, the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks have occupied a skilfully renovated former Cistercian abbey, tracing a unique history where industrial expertise and artistic creativity intertwine. Founded by the chemist François Kemlin and the engineer Auguste Lelièvre, the company fired up its furnaces in May 1826 and soon became the benchmark for Belgian crystal, combining technical mastery with a taste for excellence.
The site itself offered favourable conditions : proximity to the Meuse for transport, abundant supplies of fuel and raw materials, and a rapidly expanding industrial hub in Liège. Very soon, Val Saint Lambert set itself apart through the purity of its crystal, its precise cuts, and its pieces that were both functional and sculptural. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the crystalworks enjoyed a golden age: high-quality mass production, international renown and a notable presence at the World’s Fairs, where its monumental vases and cut glass sets caused a sensation. Artistically, Val Saint Lambert has successfully navigated changing styles. From Art Nouveau to Art Deco lines, and on to modern collaborations (with local craftspeople and contemporary designers), the factory has reinvented its palette and techniques.
A moment of reaffirmationToday, Val Saint Lambert remains a symbol of ‘made in Belgium’ : workshops open to the public, glassblowing demonstrations (children can even blow their own Easter eggs there!) and a museum experience that helps visitors understand the techniques, furnaces and stages involved in transforming glass into precious objects. Despite economic upheavals and changes of ownership over the decades, the factory has retained its capacity to inspire wonder and its unique expertise. The bicentenary is therefore not merely a commemoration : it’s a time for reaffirmation. It raises questions about the passing on of trades, the sustainability of local craftsmanship, and the role of living heritage in our post-industrial towns.
Until 6 December 2026, Val Saint Lambert will roll out an exceptional programme, making the bicentenary a major highlight at the site. Conceived as a celebration that is both retrospective and forward-looking, this programme is based on three complementary pillars : a major exhibition dedicated to two centuries of creativity and craftsmanship, contemporary artistic reinterpretation through an immersive experience, and an immersive performance.
There will also be an extensive programme of events designed to bring the site to life throughout the year, ranging from contemporary art to initiatives centred on the culinary arts, alongside other cultural offerings accessible to all audiences, some of which will form part of major cultural and heritage events, such as Heritage Days
Initiated by the Town of Seraing and led by the Uhoda Group, this bicentenary project forms part of a wider drive to enhance and redevelop the site. It is also designed as a community-led, collective project, open to all cultural, economic, voluntary and institutional stakeholders keen to get involved.
The bicentenary aims to bring together partners and key players around a shared ambition: to make Val Saint Lambert a leading cultural, heritage and tourist destination in Wallonia and beyond.
The anniversary exhibition will feature a completely revamped exhibition route, conceived and designed by Europa Expo, including the refurbishment of the permanent exhibition and the reopening of the immersive exhibition route with décors (in the basement). It will celebrate two centuries of creativity and international influence through a selection of iconic pieces by the leading designers who have shaped Val Saint Lambert’s reputation since the 19th century.
Beyond the works on display, the visit will also offer the chance to witness crystal being created, thanks to live glass-blowing demonstrations by artisans still working at Val Saint Lambert.
Two major immersive eventsFrom the start of the bicentenary celebrations and for several months thereafter, Val Saint Lambert Abbey will be transformed to offer a 360° immersive experience conceived by Luc Petit, Cristal Memoria. Combining video mapping, sound and light, this sensory and emotional journey will bring to life two centuries of innovation, craftsmanship and memory, and will spectacularly complement a visit to the exhibition.
This autumn, Lumina Crystallis, an original and immersive production by Luc Petit himself, will transform the Abbey into a setting of light and poetry. Designed as a live, embodied performance, it will be performed by artists on stage, with bodies, voices and music at the heart of the experience. Monumental video projections will embrace the Abbey’s architecture, not as a static backdrop, but as a living entity, integrated into the drama and the narrative.
Beyond the celebration, the bicentenary marks a commitment to anchoring this glassmaking heritage in contemporary challenges: passing on craftsmanship, boosting tourism, and creating more contemporary works to attract new audiences. As we bring these two centuries of history to a close, one thing is clear : Seraing crystal is not merely a part of the region’s industrial past; it remains a living force in its future.
Crystal is a clear, brilliant material, characterised by the purity of its components, its refractive index and its density. The composition consists of three parts silica (in the form of extra-white sand), two parts lead minium, which enhance clarity and brilliance, one part potash, and a quantity of groisil (broken clear crystal), which aids the melting process.
It all begins with placing the raw material into the crucible at 1,400°C. This crucible is made from clay by potters using techniques that are more artisanal than industrial. To ensure the melting process takes place under the best possible conditions, the crucible must be completely free of cracks. Its lifespan is short, as it needs to be replaced after a few weeks. The crystal will be ready for working between 24 and 48 hours after being placed in the furnace.
Louis Leloup (1929–2025) : the samurai of crystalAn iconic master glassmaker at the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks, Louis Leloup was born in Seraing in 1929 and began his apprenticeship there at the age of 17, choosing crystal over a career in opera at the Conservatoire. From 1958 to 1971, he taught at the École des Cristalleries and invented the multi-rod blowing technique, enabling the creation of monumental sculptures deemed impossible at the time, such as a 70-kg floor lamp exhibited in Brussels in 1958. After falling out with the management in 1971, he founded his own independent studio in Neupré, where he created colourful and powerful works, including the Madonna of the Queen, presented to Fabiola in 1965, which are celebrated worldwide. There is even a museum dedicated to him in Kyoto. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 96, yet his legacy continues to shine a light on the revival of Val Saint Lambert.
Also coming up18 April 2026 to 27 September 2026
‘Art Deco and Modernism at Val Saint Lambert (1925–1939)’ at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Charleroi
An exhibition by the Musée du Verre de Marcinelle – Charleroi as part of the bicentenary of the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks.
The year 2026 marks the bicentenary of the famous Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks. Given their significance in Belgian history and the nation’s collective identity, the Musée du Verre de Charleroi has joined forces with other scientific institutions and museums to offer a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions to (re)discover this jewel of Belgian industry. Far from being chronological, this event aims to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the interwar period, when, little by little, the curved lines of Art Nouveau gave way to the stricter forms of Art Deco, which would evolve into clearly geometric forms at the dawn of the 1940s.
17 April 2026 to 27 September 2026
‘Japonisme & Art Nouveau exhibition’ – Bicentenary of the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks (1826–2026) – Grand Curtius Museum, Liège
Through works produced between the 1880s and 1914, the exhibition highlights the importance and originality of the key figures in the Val Lambert Design Department, as well as the expertise of the craftspeople who, together, have built the manufactory’s global reputation. An outstanding artist, Léon Ledru – a lover of Oriental and Orientalist art and a dynamic figure who moved in artistic circles in both Liège and Paris – is given special prominence within the exhibition. Around 150 works showcasing the aesthetics and techniques experimented with and developed by Val Saint Lambert during this period are on display. Alongside pieces from the Grand Curtius are items from private collections. The exhibition is enriched by Belle Époque works from the City of Liège’s museum collections: paintings, posters, furniture... The Art Nouveau aesthetic also extends to tableware, hygiene and beauty products, decorative items and lighting.
24 April 2026 to 25 October 2026
‘Val Saint Lambert & Design exhibition’ – Design Museum Brussels
To mark the bicentenary of the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks, the Design Museum Brussels is joining forces with several museums and scientific institutions to highlight this jewel of Belgian creativity and industrial heritage. In collaboration with the Musée du Verre de Charleroi, the exhibition ‘Val Saint Lambert & Design’ focuses on the creative output of Val Saint Lambert, spanning from the 1958 World’s Fair to the early 2000s — a period that reflects an unprecedented creative renewal. It embodies Val Saint Lambert’s commitment to preserving craftsmanship whilst embedding it in modernity and maintaining a constant dialogue with design. In the tradition of the American Studio Glass movement, it opened its doors to international artists and designers who, alongside the crystalworks’ master glassmakers, experimented with new forms and pushed the boundaries of creation. Crystal, a material symbolising artisanal excellence, thus became the medium for bold creations, combining traditional craftsmanship with aesthetic innovations. Founded in 1989, Studio Cristal marked a decisive milestone in the history of Val Saint Lambert. Through this joint exhibition, the Design Museum Brussels and the Musée du Verre de Charleroi invite their audiences to discover Studio Cristal, a reflection of the dynamism, innovation and international influence of the Val Saint Lambert Crystalworks.
This article was written by Philippe Vandenbergh for W+B Magazine No. 171 – Spring 2026.
Bridging India and Wallonia: Unlocking Strategic Opportunities for Trade, Technology, and Innovation
I'm CEng. Shreekant Patil , Ambassador of Wallonia.be from India. As the Brand Ambassador of Wallonia in India, I have the unique privilege of bridging two dynamic regions—India, the world's youngest and fastest-growing economy, and Wallonia, a region in Belgium renowned for its technological expertise, innovation, and strategic location in Europe. My mission is to foster meaningful connections between our countries in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
Wallonia: Innovation and Opportunity in the Heart of EuropeWallonia is a region that seamlessly combines industrial heritage with cutting-edge innovation. From advanced materials and biotech to digital technology and sustainable energy, Wallonia is home to a thriving ecosystem of research centers, SMEs, and multinational companies. Its strategic location within Europe, strong infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it an ideal partner for international collaboration.
India: A Rising Economic Power with a Skilled WorkforceIndia is experiencing unprecedented growth. With a young, skilled, and increasingly tech-savvy population, India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation, manufacturing, and services. The government's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 aims to strengthen India's infrastructure, technology, and industrial capabilities. Indian MSMEs and SMEs are seeking strategic partnerships, technology transfers, and opportunities to integrate into global supply chains, creating significant potential for collaboration with Wallonia.
My Role in Bridging India and WalloniaIn my capacity as Wallonia's ambassador in India, I am actively engaged with various initiatives of the Government of India and multiple state governments. I collaborate closely with chambers of commerce, industry associations, and export councils, while maintaining direct connections with startups, MSMEs, and SMEs across India. This network enables me to identify opportunities, facilitate partnerships, and bridge the gap between Wallonia's technological strengths and India's rapidly expanding business ecosystem. By connecting key stakeholders in both regions, I strive to create collaborations that benefit industries, innovators, and communities in both countries.
Opportunities for Strategic Partnership 1. Technology Transfer and Innovation:Wallonia's expertise in sectors like biotech, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing complements India's drive for innovation. Joint ventures and collaborations can accelerate technology adoption, benefiting industries in both regions.
2. Supply Chain Integration:India's growing manufacturing capabilities and Wallonia's advanced technological infrastructure can form resilient supply chains, fostering efficiency, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
3. Trade and Investment:Indian companies looking to expand into Europe can leverage Wallonia as a gateway, while Walloon businesses can access India's large domestic market and skilled workforce.
4. Cultural and Knowledge Exchange:Beyond business, strengthening cultural and educational ties enhances mutual understanding, trust, and long-term collaboration.
Feel Inspired: The Essence of Wallonia.be“ Feel Inspired ” encapsulates the very spirit of Wallonia, inviting individuals and businesses to explore new possibilities, embrace innovation, and collaborate to shape a brighter, sustainable future. This tagline resonates with me personally and is a constant source of motivation as I work to build stronger ties between India and Wallonia.
A Vision for the FutureAs India and Wallonia continue to grow closer, the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships is immense. By combining Wallonia's technological excellence with India's youthful dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit, we can create new opportunities in trade, innovation, and sustainable development.
I am honored to serve as the brand ambassador of Wallonia.be in India, fostering bridges that connect two regions with complementary strengths. With my active engagement across government initiatives, industry associations, and startups, I am committed to identifying opportunities, facilitating collaborations, and ensuring that the growth of both nations is inclusive, innovative, and mutually rewarding.
Vignette: Catégories: InvestirSavoir-faire technique
The duo behind Trasis: science, strategy, and a shared vision
Advances in nuclear medicine rely on a delicate balance between science, technology and clinical application. For over 20 years, Trasis has been meeting this challenge by providing concrete solutions for hospitals and radiopharmacies around the world. Behind this journey lies a solid partnership : Jean-Luc Morelle and Gauthier Philippart.
They began working together in the early 2000s, when a shared insight brought them together: they both believe that technology can simplify, safeguard and democratise procedures essential to patient care, in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Their strength lies in their clear synergy. Jean-Luc Morelle embodies the company’s technological soul: he visualises, designs and anticipates scientific developments. Gauthier Philippart, on the other hand, foresees user needs, lends structure to development, manages the company and creates the conditions for consistent and effective growth. “Our synergy, reinforced further by our experience and our age difference, has been decisive,” says Jean-Luc Morelle. “We never make decisions alone. We challenge each other a lot, but always with the same goal in mind: to grow Trasis without losing sight of what matters.”
A responsive and pragmatic approach
When entering the market “the most difficult part was to identify gaps that would address unmet needs. Our products were created based on the actual needs of radiopharmacists. We learnt by actively listening, observing and correcting,” says Jean-Luc Morelle. This practical approach also became their signature style: to innovate, for sure, but by starting with the grassroots! “We aimed to understand current needs while anticipating future needs and obstacles, but also by keeping a steady course: turning complex issues into simple, trustworthy and scalable solutions that would prove beneficial for medical teams and, ultimately, for patients”, says Gauthier Philippart.
Company of the year 2025!
“It is an extraordinary recognition for Trasis! It honours 20 years of perseverance and the day-today work of our teams. It is not a culmination of something, but rather a boost of energy for what lies ahead in the future.” A future that is already starting to take shape: international expansion - including securing a crucial market in China by setting up a joint venture in Beijing - new products and significant investment into Ans, with wide-ranging ambitions: “we want to double our turnover, continue contributing to an effective nuclear medicine sector and expand without losing our identity.”
WAB Magazine
InvestirAcheterVingt ans au cœur du terrain libanais : ce que j'observe aujourd'hui.
On parle souvent du Liban en termes de crises ou de statistiques. Pourtant, sur le terrain, on sent aujourd'hui un frémissement différent. Si la stabilité politique se confirme, nous entrons dans une phase où l'attente va laisser place à l'action.
Pour moi, le climat économique ne se résume pas à des courbes de croissance. C'est avant tout une question de confiance retrouvée : celle qui permet à un entrepreneur de relancer un projet, à une infrastructure de fonctionner à nouveau, et aux échanges de redevenir fluides.
Les besoins sont immenses et concrets :
- De l'énergie et de l'eau pour le quotidien.
- Des transports fiables.
- Des partenariats techniques qui durent.
La Belgique a énormément à offrir dans ces domaines. Nos entreprises, qu’elles viennent de Flandre, de Wallonie ou de Bruxelles, possèdent ce savoir-faire précis qui peut répondre aux défis libanais. Mais au-delà de la technique, c'est notre capacité à travailler ensemble, de manière coordonnée, qui fera la différence.
Le Liban est un pays de réseaux et de résilience. Ici, les opportunités ne se trouvent pas dans des rapports pré-établis ; elles se construisent autour d'un café, dans la compréhension des non-dits et grâce à une présence constante sur le terrain.
Vivre et travailler ici depuis plus de vingt ans m'a appris une leçon essentielle : dans les moments de transition, ceux qui réussissent sont ceux qui savent écouter le terrain avant que le bruit du monde ne s'en empare.
Le chemin est complexe, mais le potentiel de coopération est bien réel. À nous de savoir l'accompagner.
Ara AZRAK
Vignette: Catégories: InvestirLa Marque Wallonia.beLes Belges Histoires | Igor Dieryck, the rising star of fashion
Igor Dieryck is a Belgian designer and graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
His career in fashion is already impressive.
In 2023, at the age of 24, he was one of the big winners at the 38th edition of the incontrovertible Hyères Festival, with his unisex collection ‘Yessir’. Of the five fashion awards, the Belgian designer won three: the Première Vision Grand Jury Prize, the Chanel Award and the City of Hyères Public Prize.
Industry professionals unanimously praised the quality of a collection that was ‘just right and poetic’ as well as the narrative that went with it.
This comes as no surprise when you consider that at the age of 12, the young Igor was already presenting his first designs in a fashion show organised by his school...
A few months later, Igor won the title of ‘Emerging Talent of the Year’ at the Belgian Fashion Awards 2023.
His new collection, entitled AD FUNDUM, gives pride of place to Belgian student folklore. It’s a beautiful way to pay tribute to his origins, as he moved to Paris to be closer to the big fashion houses and opportunities.
Igor joined the prestigious brand Hermès as a junior designer for the menswear collections.
This did not prevent him from collaborating with many other brands.
In 2024, Igor teamed up with Dover Street Market Paris to create a pair of iconic shoes. He also designed a capsule collection for the famous Galeries Lafayette department store and a creation with the Belgian eyewear brand KOMONO.
Since this episode was filmed, Igor Dieryck has joined Dior. He works as a menswear designer under the direction of Jonathan Anderson.
Discover the other episodes on the Les Belges Histoires' playlist !
Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
EtudierSavoir-faire techniqueBattle of Waterloo ( Wallonia,Belgium ): A Journey through Time
During our 2018 trip to Belgium, our group of school friends decided to visit the Battle of Waterloo site in the Wallonia region, primarily because one of our classmates is a history teacher. What began as a thoughtful inclusion for our friend soon became a highlight for all of us. The experience felt like a true journey through time, leaving a lasting impression on everyone. Inspired by this visit, I later created a LinkedIn post to share our experience and encourage travellers from India visiting Belgium to include this remarkable war memorial in Wallonia in their itinerary.
Battle of Waterloo—Rings a Bell? Most of Us First Read About It in History Books!
Fast forward to today, and this legendary battlefield has transformed into a living historical experience waiting to be explored — just a short drive from Brussels, Belgium
On June 18, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte's French Imperial Army met its final defeat against the Seventh Coalition, led by Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher — a decisive moment that brought the Napoleonic Wars to an end and reshaped European history.
At the heart of the battlefield stands the iconic Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion), a majestic 40-meter artificial hill crowned with a lion statue, built in 1826 to honor Prince William of Orange, who was wounded at this very spot. Climb the 183 steps to the top, and you're rewarded with sweeping panoramic views across the peaceful Belgian countryside — a striking contrast to the battlefield it once was.
History comes alive at the Wellington Museum, where artifacts, uniforms, maps, and relics immerse visitors in the Duke's legendary command and the unfolding of the battle. Another must-visit is Hougoumont Farm — the fiercely contested farmhouse that played a pivotal role in halting Napoleon's advance. Today, it features a powerful multimedia experience, bringing the intensity of battle to life through film, sound, and immersive storytelling.
Visitors can explore the battlefield trails, enjoy the panoramic film at the Memorial 1815, and join guided tours that deepen the historical experience. Each June, during the anniversary of the battle, the site transforms into a spectacular stage with large-scale reenactments — thousands of soldiers in period costumes, cavalry charges, cannon fire, and commemorative ceremonies that transport you back to 1815.
Together, the Lion's Mound, Wellington Museum, and Hougoumont Farm form the heart of the Waterloo Battlefield — each narrating a unique chapter of one of history's most defining moments.
Have you already visited the Battle of Waterloo — or is it still on your Europe travel bucket list?
Documents liés: Battle of Waterloo Site, Short Video,Wallonia ,BelgiumVignette: Catégories: VisiterLa Cité Miroir, tenir un miroir devant le monde
“Culture may not generate profit, but it does create human, economic and social wealth.”
Director of the non-profit MNEMA since May 2025, Axelle van Harten personifies a new generation of cultural leaders: committed, curious and resolutely people-centred. La Cité Miroir is a former thermal complex in Liege that has become a major centre for memory, culture and citizenship, and at its helm, Axelle van Harten is striving to strike a balance “between past, present and future, through a range of events and exhibitions.”
She used to come to this place in her youth. Today, she considers it an ideal forum for expression, where values and transmission intersect. “What has struck me is the energy and passion I see in the teams working here. Every project, every exhibition carries a sense of collective commitment.”
With nearly 70,000 visitors a year, La Cité Miroir’s influence extends far beyond Liege. By opening up more to international and intercultural dialogue, Axelle van Harten wants to emphasise that Wallonia is a place of living culture, a culture that questions, connects and transforms.
La Cité Miroir is also home to a former air-raid shelter, a listed Walloon heritage site. It is currently being renovated and is set to offer a new immersive experience and a new aspect to discover.
WAB Magazine
VivreVisiter
