AGP Executive Report

EIC Accelerator Boost for Belgian Healthtech: Azalea Vision, a Belgian healthtech firm, was selected for the EU’s EIC Accelerator and could receive up to €7.5m (including a €2.5m grant plus €5m equity) to push its medical-grade smart contact lens into clinical development. EU Recovery Funding: The European Commission cleared major RRF payment requests for Spain, Portugal and Belgium, with Belgium’s fourth request worth €567m tied to projects including ecoducts and reconnecting fragmented natural areas. Belgian Telecom Modernisation: Proximus is modernising its optical network nationwide, replacing about 700 nodes over four years after choosing Ekinops to support higher-capacity data services. Maritime Sanctions Enforcement: The EU is stepping up action against “shadow fleet” tankers using Cameroon flags for Russian oil, with operations including boarding and inspections and Cameroon dumping 39 vessels from its registry. Ebola Trial Starts in DRC (Belgium-linked): WHO-backed enrolment began for the PARTNERS trial testing MBP134 and remdesivir for Bundibugyo virus disease, coordinated with Belgium’s Institute of Tropical Medicine and Oxford. Logistics & Air Cargo: SolitAir launched cargo services to Sofia, its first EU destination, enabled by the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority. World Cup Business Angle (Belgium): Belgium’s dramatic comeback over Senegal set up a Round of 16 clash with the US, while US political figures won’t attend the Seattle match.

Belgium–Malaysia Energy & Trade: Belgium’s Deputy PM Maxime Prévot pushed offshore energy cooperation with Malaysia, citing Belgium’s offshore wind build-out (from 2 GW today toward 6–7 GW) and linking it to broader ties in semiconductors, logistics, biotech and pharma; he also said the EU–Malaysia MEUFTA is a priority, with talks aiming to wrap up soon and expected to boost exchanges, growth and jobs. EU–China Trade Mechanism: China and the EU agreed to hold ministerial trade consultations 1–2 times yearly under a new framework, with the first Brussels meeting already pointing to AI and green-transition cooperation and services market access. Security & Industry Risk: A new IISS assessment says suspected Russian drone activity over 2024–2026 hit military and nuclear-related sites across Europe, including Belgium’s Kleine-Brogel, raising concerns about NATO air-defence gaps. Aviation & Logistics: SolitAir launched its first EU cargo route to Sofia, enabled by a Belgian Civil Aviation Authority ACC3 designation. Retail Safety: Primark issued an urgent recall of a coin purse over serious chemical risk from excessive phthalates and related substances.

EU Trade Boost: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU has abolished customs duties on imports of US industrial products, aiming to improve transparency, options and prices for EU firms and consumers. Belgium Football & Industry Mood: Belgium’s World Cup run stays in the spotlight after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, setting up a Round of 16 clash with the US. USMNT Knockout Shock: The US beat Bosnia 2-0 but Folarin Balogun was sent off, meaning Belgium’s next opponent arrives with a key striker suspended. Energy & Heat Pressure: Europe’s heatwave continues to disrupt operations, with reports of forced shutdowns of cooling systems in major offices and wider strain on power demand. Telecom Upgrade in Belgium: Orange Belgium launched a more sustainable Android TV box with improved performance and a fuller Belgian streaming lineup. Defense Supply Chain: Germany is reportedly seeking US approval to license-produce Tomahawk and Patriot interceptors, a move that could reshape European missile manufacturing.

Energy Storage & Industry: Wood Mackenzie says China’s grip on the global BESS market is widening fast, with eight of the top 10 integrators now based in China; Tesla and Sungrow stay top in their regions while BYD climbs, and US sourcing rules tied to the 48E credit could tighten Chinese supply into the US. Agri-chemicals Deal: Tessenderlo Group will take a $400m minority stake in FMC, ending FMC’s strategic review and aiming to boost next-gen crop protection sales. Belgium Tech & Health: SamanTree Medical reports its Histolog Scanner confocal imaging tech is featured in 13 peer-reviewed BJU International papers, supporting uptake in urology surgery. Cybersecurity M&A: Ghent-based Aikido Security buys Israeli open-source security startup Root, promising dependency-safe patching without breaking apps. Telecom Upgrade: Orange Belgium rolls out a new Android TV 14 set-top box, with an upgrade option for existing customers. Competition/Regulation: Uzbekistan’s competition watchdog classifies VFS Global and Vizametric as dominant in outbound visa services, with TLScontact flagged for superior bargaining power. World Cup (Belgium): Belgium faces Senegal in the Round of 32, setting up a tough knockout test after a shaky group-stage showing.

Agri-Finance Deal: Tessenderlo Group will take a strategic minority stake in FMC, investing about $400m for roughly 20% of FMC shares, as FMC targets around $1bn in debt paydown. Health & Consumer Markets: Belgium’s WHC launched its UnoCardio 1000 omega-3 supplement in Singapore, positioning it for Southeast Asia’s nutraceutical growth. Biotech Policy Push: A PwC whitepaper says Belgium’s biotech has strong science but struggles to scale, citing fragmented support and a shortage of growth-stage funding—calling for a more unified national ecosystem. Clinical Trials Access: Industry warns the Netherlands is falling behind on clinical trials and patient access, with long waits for new medicines. Robotics Manufacturing: UBTECH unveiled its mass-produced UWORLD U1 humanoid robot series, reporting 13,361 cumulative orders and plans to donate 100 robots for mental well-being programs. Corporate/Market Moves: Lakefront Biotherapeutics repurchased 83,530 shares under its buyback program. Cybersecurity: Dell issued a critical patch for Wyse Management Suite flaws that can enable remote code execution. Belgium Diplomacy: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot begins a Philippines visit to boost trade, investment, tech and maritime cooperation.

Belgium-Philippines Diplomacy: Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is set for a three-day visit to the Philippines to review progress under the 2023–2027 joint plan, with talks expected to cover trade and investment, maritime affairs, science and tech, labor mobility and ICT. Last-Mile Logistics Deal: Colis Privé (CEVA Logistics) has agreed to exclusively discuss buying Paack Iberia and Paack France, aiming to strengthen France operations and expand into Spain and Portugal, subject to regulatory approvals. Cybersecurity M&A: Ghent-based Aikido Security has acquired Root.io to speed patching of vulnerable open-source software without forcing upgrades or migrations. Food Safety & Agrifood: COCERAL published its mycotoxin management survey for 2025, reporting member awareness and prevention steps across grain supply chains, including Belgium. Heatwave Cost Pressure: A new 350.org analysis links Europe’s heatwave to roughly €700m in extra electricity costs for France and Germany, driven by higher cooling demand. Belgian Industry Watch: Lotus Bakeries’ Biscoff surge continues to lift the Belgian food group’s stock performance, with global expansion and new products supporting growth.

Biopharma R&D Push (Belgium): Belgium’s PM Bart De Wever says he wants to restart the country’s biopharma R&D concertation platform in the autumn, aiming for concrete results after years of “talking house” delays, as Europe faces pressure to catch up with the US and China. EU–China Trade Talks: In Brussels, the EU and China launched a ministerial mechanism to manage trade frictions, focusing on trade balance, export controls, IP and WTO reform, with “tangible results” expected by October. Heat & Power Crunch (EU/Belgium): Europe’s heatwave is driving surging electricity demand and record wholesale prices; Belgium saw power prices break €1,000/MWh, while the EU Commission stays hands-off on air conditioning despite the industrial competitiveness angle. Shipping & Terminals: Hapag-Lloyd’s terminal arm moves to take a 20% stake in Eurogate’s Hamburg hub, as capacity expansion plans target 6m TEU. Hydrogen Shipping (Belgium): Belgian BeHydro (with ABC Engines and CMB.TECH) secured Lloyd’s Type Approval for a 100% hydrogen marine engine—an important step for cleaner cargo operations.

Belgium–Southeast Asia Diplomacy: Federal Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot will visit the Philippines and Malaysia (30 June–3 July) to restart Belgian engagement, with talks on maritime cooperation, trade and the EU’s future free trade deal with the Philippines, and Malaysia’s rare-earth and microchip role. Aviation Connectivity: Brussels Airlines will restart Tel Aviv flights in August with a weekly Wednesday service, after months of suspension tied to Middle East security. Rail Competition Watch: The European Commission has warned the Netherlands that priority rail-path rules may breach EU competition law by favouring state operator NS, with implications for cross-border services including Belgium. Energy & Industry Finance: The EBRD pledged more funding for Ukraine’s long-term energy needs, including loans for grid substations and wind projects, supported by EU first-loss guarantees. Corporate Dealmaking: Belgian lime group Lhoist agreed to sell North American operations to Martin Marietta for $13.5bn, expanding Martin Marietta’s lime and industrial minerals footprint. Labour Costs: SD Worx says Belgium’s wage indexation will automatically lift pay for over two million employees and civil servants, with the “centenindex” limiting full increases above set thresholds. Heatwave Pressure on Food Supply: France’s heatwave is already hitting agriculture and construction, with major livestock losses and emergency measures for poultry carcasses—an issue Belgium industry will watch closely. Cooling Demand Surge: Alibaba reports a sharp jump in European orders for air conditioners and fans during the heatwave, including strong wholesale demand in Belgium. Prison Strike: Belgian prison staff began a nationwide strike over overcrowding, violence and working conditions, with extra police support deployed.

EU–China Trade Friction: Top EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic meets China’s Wang Wentao in Brussels as the bloc warns its goods deficit is “unsustainable” and readies trade defence if talks fail. Offshore Wind Pipeline: Canada and Nova Scotia prequalified bidders for the first offshore wind sites, with Belgium’s DEME among the named developers, ahead of formal bidding later this year. Belgian Logistics & Air Cargo: Air Belgium plans to launch cargo flights via Ashgabat in early August, as Turkmenistan pushes to expand its air logistics links with Europe. Counter-Drone Push for NATO: Belgium showcased a “drone killer” setup on its F-16s using Thales rocket pods, reflecting NATO’s drive to field cheaper swarm-defence options fast. Maritime Energy Readiness: Australia’s Pilbara Ports gears up for ammonia bunkering, chartering ammonia-capable bulk carriers from Belgian shipping group CMB.TECH. Consumer & Industry Signals: Chinese electric fan exports to Europe jumped sharply amid record heat, with Belgium among the biggest destinations.

Aviation Competition: Air Congo confirms it will launch Brussels–Kinshasa flights from 1 July, with four weekly Boeing 787-9 services, ending Brussels Airlines’ monopoly on the route. Corporate Leadership: Lufthansa Group strengthens its bench as Belgian executive Dieter Vranckx becomes Chairman of SWISS’s board, while also leading Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines. Cold-Chain Automation: Lineage breaks ground on a major automated temperature-controlled distribution centre in Texas, using TGW Logistics know-how; the Belgium-linked operator targets go-live by end-2027. Food Safety Oversight: EU Alert and Cooperation Network notifications rose 11% in 2025, with Belgium among the top notifying countries as cross-border listeria and recall coordination remains a priority. Digital Identity & Compliance: UK Finance reports bank-app proof-of-concept testing for name/age/address verification, as remote checks face AI deepfake and injection attacks. Regulation & Markets: MiCA deadline pressure sparks a scramble: Coinbase and OKX offer transfer bonuses as Binance adjusts EU services. Energy & Climate Shock: Europe’s heatwave is forcing power and public-event disruptions, with infrastructure and health systems under strain.

Belgium in the spotlight: The European Commission’s Berlaymont HQ in Brussels shut air-conditioning for lower floors during the heatwave, while top officials kept cooling—sparking “feudalism” complaints and renewed debate on workplace fairness. Climate & health: Europe’s record June heatwave pushed temperatures to new highs in Belgium and across the region, with major impacts on public health, ecosystems, agriculture and labour. Industry & energy: The EU’s islands strategy and coastal-community framework aims to turn maritime territories’ needs into action, not just recognition. Trade & regulation: Trump threatens a 100% tariff on countries implementing digital services taxes, while the EU warns it will retaliate to defend regulatory autonomy. Science & funding (Belgium-linked): A trilateral deal worth $600,000 between Ukraine, UNESCO and the Government of Flanders (Belgium) will support Ukrainian researchers and remote access to equipment. Logistics & shipping: Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville, signalling continued demand for floating LNG capacity.

Belgium Heat & Power Shock: Record-breaking heatwave conditions are pushing Belgian electricity prices above €1/kWh and are already hitting milk and meat output as livestock feel the strain. EU Energy Stress: Across Western Europe, heat is forcing power cuts and reactor shutdowns; France alone has recorded at least 345 heat-related deaths, with schools closed and rail disrupted by track expansion. EU Governance Under Pressure: The European Commission shut off air-conditioning in most of its Berlaymont HQ floors, sparing Ursula von der Leyen’s office—sparking “feudal” complaints from staff. Digital Tax Trade Clash: Trump threatens a 100% tariff on any country imposing digital services taxes on US tech, while the EU warns it will retaliate to defend regulatory autonomy. Islands Policy Push: The CPMR welcomed the EU’s first-ever Islands Strategy, calling it a political milestone that must now turn into real action for maritime territories. Belgian Business & Reputation: Media coverage is being framed as a trust driver for companies, boosting visibility and customer confidence beyond paid ads. Disaster Response: Global rescue assistance for Venezuela’s earthquake expands with about 1,600 foreign responders joining local teams.

Belgium-Composites Deal: Biesterfeld expands Syensqo distribution, adding new rights for Syensqo’s aerospace performance products across the U.K. and Ireland, with Biesterfeld now acting as preferred distributor across Europe (except Italy). Heatwave Impact: Europe’s record heat is hitting daily life and industry, with Belgium and neighbours reporting knock-on effects from livestock stress to electricity price spikes and disruptions across transport and public services. EU Travel Rules: EU governments advanced the long-awaited air passenger rights reform (EU261), set to reshape how airlines charge for cabin bags and how compensation works, with implementation targeted for end-2027. Food Safety Watch: Switzerland keeps infant formula on shelves despite traces of cereulide toxin, raising questions about testing and the threshold for recalls. Aerospace Training: Ukraine received 10 Czech-made Alto NG ultralight aircraft to cut pilot training costs and expand domestic training capacity. Tech/Autonomy: WeRide says all resolutions were adopted at its AGM, including director re-elections and mandates for share issuance and buybacks.

Belgium in the heatwave spotlight: A Europe-wide heat emergency is hitting Belgium too, with the EU Commission even shutting down its HQ air-conditioning and renewed debate over how many homes and trains lack cooling; the knock-on effects are already showing up in transport disruption and pressure on energy systems. Industrial decarbonisation push: Utility Global, a US decarbonisation firm, has appointed Robert Nijssen to drive European business development for low-carbon hydrogen and CCUS, targeting hard-to-abate sectors like steel and refining. Food safety recall: Ferrero UK is withdrawing frozen Nutella Croissants in specific batch codes after reports of possible metal fragments, urging consumers not to eat affected packs. Belgium-linked business and tech: Boeing hosted a Belgian delegation in Renton, Washington, after the Red Devils chose the city as their base camp—another example of aviation and sport strengthening cross-border ties. Coffee branding in Belgium’s orbit: Uganda launched its first national coffee brand at World of Coffee Brussels 2026, aiming to boost EU-facing trade and compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation.

Heatwave Impact on Belgian Farming: Belgium issued a rare “red alert” as extreme heat threatens livestock output, with farmers reporting lower milk yields and slower pig growth despite cooling efforts. EU–US Trade Update: The EU has adopted regulations to implement its US trade framework, cutting tariffs on industrial goods and easing entry for US seafood and some agricultural products. Space Cooperation: South Korea will send a public-private delegation to Europe for “Space Day” events in Brussels, Romania and Poland, aiming to deepen ties with EU and NATO partners. Healthcare & MedTech: IBA has signed a contract to supply a Proteus®ONE proton therapy system for Brazil’s first national proton therapy centre in Rio, targeting pediatric cancer care from 2030. Defence Industry: Belgian firm Seyntex won a major contract to supply combat uniforms to Denmark’s armed forces and civil defence, with deliveries running 2026-2027. Construction Labour Crunch: Holcim warns Europe’s construction recovery is being slowed by labour shortages, with Asian contractors increasingly stepping in, including in Belgium. Food Safety Recall: Ferrero recalled specific batches of frozen Nutella croissants and muffins in several countries including Belgium due to possible metal fragments.

Climate Diplomacy: Belgium’s MoCA10 climate push got a spotlight as Minister Julie Dabrusin co-convened talks in Brussels and joined London Climate Action Week, aiming to speed Paris Agreement delivery and clean growth. Extreme Heat & Power: A record-breaking heatwave is battering Western Europe, with Spain warning of heat-death spikes and France dealing with power-grid strain and outages; Belgium is also seeing very high peak-hour electricity prices. Healthcare Finance: French insurtech Alan raised €480M at a €5.5bn valuation in a Prosus-led Series G, betting AI-driven “prevention insurance” can reshape health coverage. AI Business Software: Priority Software is buying Obol to add AI-powered cash-flow management into its AI-native cloud ERP suite. Food Industry: Lactalis is challenging France’s Nutri-Score changes at the EU’s top court, arguing the updated algorithm unfairly penalises dairy. Belgium Retail & Consumer: Sephora opened its first Belgian store at Docks Bruxsel, with more openings planned across the country. Food Safety: A multi-country Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds has hit Belgium and other EU/EEA states, prompting recalls and production shutdowns.