AGP Executive Report

Circular Manufacturing: A European project involving Belgium’s CRM Group has shown that aerospace titanium chips can be turned into additive-manufacturing powder without energy-intensive remelting, potentially cutting CO₂ emissions by 85–92%. Fossil-Free Production: Danish startup Cellugy scaled its fermentation-based skincare ingredients tenfold at a pilot plant in Ghent, a step toward industrial production. Climate Research: Digitised weather records from the Congo Basin show the hottest days nearly doubled in frequency between the 1960s and 1980s; researchers from VUB and Ghent University helped analyse the data. Pollution: Brussels has launched legal action over severe PFAS contamination in Uccle, putting a local pollution hotspot under scrutiny.

Energy Costs: EU leaders left their Brussels summit divided over how to curb rising bills, with some pressing to loosen carbon-pricing rules and others warning that weakening them could stall clean-energy investment. Russian Gas: EU imports of Russian LNG rose 9.5% in the first nine months of 2026; Belgium was among the countries receiving shipments, despite the bloc’s pledge to end its dependence. Climate Research: Researchers from VUB and Ghent University helped digitise Congo Basin weather records, finding extreme-heat days nearly doubled at monitored sites between the 1960s and 1980s. Local Pollution: Brussels is taking legal action over severe PFAS pollution in Uccle, putting the focus on persistent chemical contamination close to home.

Congo Basin Warming: Researchers from Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo digitized century-old weather logs, revealing the scale of warming in the Congo Basin and the urgent need to preserve fragile climate records. Energy Costs and Climate Rules: EU leaders left Brussels divided over carbon pricing and electricity bills, with some governments seeking looser climate rules and others warning that this could weaken investment in clean energy. Russian LNG Reliance: EU imports of Russian liquefied gas rose 9.5% in the first nine months of 2026, despite plans to phase them out; Belgium remains among the destinations. PFAS Pollution: Brussels has launched legal action over severe PFAS pollution in Uccle, putting local contamination back in focus.

Congo Climate Records: A Belgian-Congolese research team has digitised thousands of handwritten weather records, revealing the scale of warming in the Congo Basin. The work also highlights the urgent need to preserve climate data in the region. Brussels Energy: EU leaders called for faster investment in renewable power, grids and storage as they weighed relief from high energy costs. Yet EU purchases of Russian liquefied gas rose 9.5% in the first nine months of 2026, with Belgium among the destinations. Zeebrugge Wind Power: Construction has begun on eight new wind turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge, adding to Belgium’s renewable energy capacity. PFAS Pollution: Brussels has launched legal action over severe PFAS pollution in Uccle, escalating the response to persistent chemical contamination. Animal Welfare: Balen criticised the lack of consultation over Flemish orders to close 16 enclosures at Pakawi Park, affecting about 150 animals.

EU Energy: Brussels leaders called for urgent relief from soaring power costs, but disagreed over carbon pricing. They also urged faster investment in electricity networks, renewables and storage. Drought: Fodder shortages in Luxembourg are forcing some farmers to cut cattle numbers, with livestock slaughter up 20–25% as reserves dwindle. PFAS in Uccle: Brussels has taken legal action over severe PFAS pollution. Offshore Wind: Construction has begun on eight new turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge.

Energy Costs: EU leaders called for coordinated relief as energy prices rise, but the Brussels summit offered no immediate bloc-wide cut to household bills. Pollution: Brussels is taking legal action over severe PFAS contamination in Uccle. Renewables: Work has begun on eight wind turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge. Climate Action: Tens of thousands marched in Brussels, urging stronger climate action and an end to fossil fuels. Food and Climate: EU tomato producers warned that climate change, adverse weather and rising production costs are adding pressure on the sector.

Energy and Climate: EU leaders are urging a coordinated response to soaring energy prices, including temporary support for households and industry and voluntary joint energy purchasing. PFAS Pollution: Brussels is taking legal action over severe PFAS contamination in Uccle, putting a local pollution case before the courts. Climate Action: Tens of thousands gathered in Brussels to demand urgent climate action, while Greenpeace protesters called on the EU to end fossil-fuel use. Warming: Rescued weather records reveal decades of rising temperatures in the Congo Basin, adding to concerns about climate impacts across the region.

PFAS Pollution: Brussels has launched legal action over severe PFAS contamination in Uccle. Clean Energy: Construction has begun on eight wind turbines at Zeebrugge, expected to generate 115 GWh a year. Climate Action: Tens of thousands rallied in Brussels urging stronger climate action, while Greenpeace protesters called on the EU to end fossil fuels. Farming: Drought has cut Belgium’s 2026 crop output, adding pressure on farmers already facing climate volatility. Local Produce: Flemish recognition for hops from Aalst, Affligem and Asse aims to boost local growers and encourage breweries to use regional ingredients.

Fossil Fuels: Greenpeace Belgium activists climbed onto the European Parliament roof in Brussels, unfurling a banner against gas dependence; around 10 were arrested for questioning. Pollution: Brussels is taking legal action over severe PFAS contamination in Uccle. Clean Energy: Construction has begun on eight wind turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge, expected to generate 115 GWh a year. Climate Impacts: Belgium confirmed drought has affected 2026 crop output, while tens of thousands recently marched in Brussels demanding urgent climate action. Climate Accountability: A Greenpeace report estimates the richest 1% in 24 EU countries are linked to €301 billion in climate debt through their assets and company ownership.

PFAS Pollution: Brussels has joined legal action over severe PFAS contamination at a former fire-extinguisher site in Uccle, seeking to ensure the bankrupt company’s trustees meet their environmental duties. Climate Action: Tens of thousands marched in Brussels urging stronger climate measures; Greenpeace activists also protested fossil-fuel dependence outside the European Parliament. Offshore Wind: Construction is under way on eight new turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge, expected to generate 115 GWh of electricity a year. Climate Risks: Brussels has confirmed drought’s full impact on 2026 crop output, while a new global climate report warns warming is accelerating and several planetary indicators have reached record extremes. Climate Records: Researchers from Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo digitised nearly 9,900 handwritten weather records, helping reveal how the Congo Basin’s climate has changed.

Low-carbon Shipping: Belgian group CMB.TECH’s ammonia-powered vessel received 1,000 tonnes of green ammonia in China in the first commercial ship-to-ship bunkering of the fuel, and is set to sail to Australia. Climate Action: Greenpeace activists scaled the European Parliament, urging EU leaders to end reliance on gas as they meet over energy prices; the group estimates high energy costs added €61.5 billion to EU household bills from March to August. Renewable Energy: Construction has begun on eight new wind turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge, expected to generate 115 GWh a year. Walloon Roads: The region plans a compulsory motorway vignette from May 2027 to fund road and bridge upgrades, with prices varying by vehicle emissions. Brussels March: Tens of thousands took to the streets in Brussels, calling for urgent climate action.

Renewable Power: Groundwork has started on eight wind turbines at the Port of Zeebrugge. The 42.6 MW project is expected to generate enough electricity for about 33,000 homes a year from 2028. Climate Action: Tens of thousands marched in Brussels, urging urgent action and condemning climate inaction. The EU is also pushing for a stronger global climate agreement ahead of COP31. Farming: Belgium has confirmed the drought’s full impact on 2026 crop output, underscoring the pressure climate extremes are putting on agriculture.

Energy Policy: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever joined Italy and Germany in urging the EU to cut energy costs and ease regulatory burdens, including sustainability reporting requirements for smaller firms. Packaging Waste: The EU’s environment commissioner wants changes to packaging rules before the holiday shopping season; the regulation aims to reduce waste and improve recyclability, but small businesses warn compliance costs are steep. Climate Action: Tens of thousands marched in Brussels, calling for urgent action on climate change. Clean Energy: Zeebrugge’s eight new wind turbines are expected to generate 115 GWh of electricity a year. Climate Diplomacy: The EU is pressing for a stronger global climate agreement ahead of COP31.

Climate Action: An estimated 45,000 people, or 60,000 according to organisers, marched in Brussels demanding an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and a fair transition. The Climate Coalition says Belgium spent more than €15 billion on fossil-fuel subsidies in 2024. EU Climate Policy: The European Commission has proposed delaying fossil-fuel importers’ methane reporting rules by a year, pending approval from lawmakers and member states, as the EU prepares for COP31. Cleaner Shipping: Belgian group CMB.TECH says its ammonia-capable bulk carrier has begun its maiden voyage to Australia, a step toward a planned fleet of 21 ammonia-powered vessels by 2029. Renewable Energy: Eight new wind turbines at Zeebrugge are expected to generate 115 GWh a year. Climate Research: Digitised weather records from Belgian and Congolese archives show rising temperatures and more hot days in the Congo Basin, helping fill a major gap in long-term climate data.

Climate Pressure: An estimated 45,000 people, according to police, marched in Brussels demanding urgent climate action; organisers put turnout at 60,000. Protesters called for fossil-fuel subsidies to end, higher taxes on the industry and a fair transition. EU environment ministers are also setting priorities for COP31, with Brussels pushing for stronger emissions cuts and practical delivery of climate commitments. Cleaner Shipping: Belgian group CMB.TECH has sent what it calls the world’s first ammonia-powered bulk carrier on its maiden voyage to Australia. The company plans 21 ammonia-powered vessels by 2029, but has not provided verified emissions data or savings from this voyage. Fossil Fuel Contradiction: The EU imported a record 12.18 million tonnes of Russian Arctic LNG in the first nine months of 2026, up 9.5% year on year, despite its planned phase-out. Belgian Wind Power: Eight new turbines at Zeebrugge are expected to generate 115 GWh of electricity annually.

Climate Action: Around 45,000 people marched in Brussels on Sunday, urging EU leaders to step up climate measures ahead of COP31. Protesters pointed to deadly heat, wildfires and climate goals slipping down the political agenda. Drought and Farming: The European Commission says this summer’s heat and rainfall shortages cut yields of several crops, including maize, potatoes and sugar beet, and left livestock farmers facing tighter forage supplies. Clean Energy: Zeebrugge is adding eight wind turbines expected to generate 115 GWh a year. Water Use: Estée Lauder is investing €5.7 million to reduce water consumption at its Belgian plant. Public Health: A report on air pollution around Brussels schools warns of health risks for children.