AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Climate Policy: Belgium plans another increase to its aviation “vliegtaks” embarkation tax, drawing fresh criticism from airlines worried about higher costs and weaker competitiveness. Heat & Extreme Weather: Europe is still sweltering after a record-breaking May, with heatwaves intensifying across the continent and forecasts pointing to storms and a gradual cooldown. Biodiversity & Land-Use: A dispute over two luxury developments on Tenerife’s protected Montaña de Guaza slopes has reached the European Commission, with groups warning of “irreversible impacts” inside Natura 2000. Solar & Industry Standards: SGS Belgium recognises Delhi Test House as an IEC CB testing lab for solar PV modules, aiming to speed up international approvals and cut duplicated testing. Circular Materials: Puratos says it has reached carbon-neutral status for core Scope 1 and 2 emissions, backed by renewable electricity and major energy-efficiency projects, including at its Lummen site. Data for Disaster Response: Cuts to US foreign aid put the EM-DAT disaster database at risk, threatening the “world’s memory of disasters” maintained in Louvain. Textile Waste Rules: TEXAID and Avery Dennison trial RFID tagging to help European textile sorting meet new waste and traceability requirements. Governance & Rights: MEPs urge the EU Commission to act over Europol and Frontex “shadow IT” governance failures, including concerns under data protection law.

EU Green Transition Enforcement: The European Commission has opened infringement procedures against 20 EU countries, including Belgium, for failing to fully transpose the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, aimed at tackling greenwashing and improving trust in green claims and sustainability labels. Urban Sustainability Education: The University of Cyprus is launching its first English-language bachelor in Urban Sustainability (starting September), with partner universities including Belgium, focusing on sustainability challenges in both cities and rural areas. Circular Reuse at Events: Belgian startup Borro raised €1.3m to expand its digital deposit system for reusable cups across the Netherlands, Germany and France, already used at Club Brugge and KV Mechelen. River Restoration Momentum: A new report says Europe removed a record 603 barriers across 21 countries in 2025, reconnecting thousands of kilometres of rivers and supporting the EU goal of restoring free-flowing rivers by 2030. Heat and Health Reminder: Tennis star Jannik Sinner’s French Open exit highlights how extreme heat can trigger dizziness and illness—another reminder for heat preparedness in daily life.

River Restoration Push: Europe removed a record 603 barriers across 21 countries in 2025, reconnecting 3,740 km of rivers and helping salmon and other wildlife move again—part of the EU’s goal to restore 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030. Climate & Methane Monitoring: A new focus on real methane (CH4) measurements is growing, with Belgium and the Netherlands funding long-term farm monitoring to better quantify emissions under real conditions. Shipping Decarbonisation: The IMO approved new safety guidelines for ammonia-fuelled gas carriers, backed by Belgian authorities and industry experience, clearing a path for cleaner marine fuels. Circular Economy in Practice: PureCycle hit ISO 9001:2015 certification for its plastic recycling quality system, signaling more scalable, reliable operations. Belgium in the Spotlight: AB InBev faces renewed scrutiny over its still-not-clean exit from Russia operations, keeping the debate on corporate responsibility in the spotlight. Health Tech (Belgium included): Philips and Disney are rolling out Disney-themed MRI environments in 87 countries, including Belgium, aiming to reduce children’s anxiety during scans.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is baking under a persistent high-pressure system, with many places above 30°C for late May and Italy issuing orange heat alerts—warning vulnerable people to avoid sun between 11:00 and 18:00. Deforestation Rules Under Pressure: The European Commission’s own research links leather to deforestation, yet Brussels moved to drop bovine hides from the EU Deforestation Regulation scope after heavy industry lobbying, raising fears of a loophole. Clean Heat Funding: The EU selected first industrial heat projects for its Innovation Fund Heat Auction, including Belgian and other sites, aiming to cut gas-based heat with clean tech and replacing billions of cubic metres of gas over five years. Renewables in Belgium: Lonza Capsugel’s Bornem site now runs on 100% renewable electricity after adding locally generated wind power via a long-term deal, boosting on-site solar and wind contributions. Circular Farming Push: The EU-funded CROPSAFE project narrowed down 24 bio-based pesticide candidates to replace synthetic actives in crops hit by nematodes and other threats. Belgium Finance (Local Impact): Belgium ends the old capital gains tax exemption for individuals with a new 10% regime (with a €10,000 yearly allowance), effective retroactively from the start of 2026. Ebola Alert: A new Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province has triggered WHO and regional response efforts as conflict strains healthcare capacity.

Heat & Health: Europe is baking in unusual late-May warmth, with many countries above 30°C and Italy’s health authorities issuing orange heatwave alerts, warning vulnerable people to avoid sun during peak hours. Clean Heat Push (EU): The European Commission picked the first industrial heat projects for its Innovation Fund Heat Auction, including Belgian-backed efforts, aiming to cut gas use by scaling decarbonised heat across sectors. Biomethane Funding (EU): The EIF committed €200m to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners to expand biomethane and advanced bioenergy, with projects planned in Belgium among other countries. Biodiversity for Resilience: A new study argues that restoring wetlands and forests can also strengthen security by making terrain harder to cross. Belgium Environment Watch: Brussels Environment is requiring a study and bird-protection measures for nesting common swifts ahead of fireworks at the US embassy’s Cinquantenaire event. Circular Plastics (Belgium): A Belgian-led system is turning used disposable baby diapers into pyrolysis oils for new plastics, with industrial runs already happening in Oostende. River Rewilding: Across Europe, countries removed hundreds of dams and barriers, helping fish return and reducing water risks. Belgian Coast Tourism: The long Whitsun weekend brought record crowds to the Belgian coast, with tens of thousands of day-trippers and hundreds of thousands of overnight stays.

Belgium Train Tragedy: An investigation is under way after four people were killed, including two children, when a school minibus/van was hit by a train at a level crossing in Buggenhout on May 26—Belgian public broadcaster VRT reports the deaths, while a viral “AI-looking” crash photo circulating online has been flagged as fake. Public Safety & Security: Belgium’s Jewish community remained the most targeted group in the country’s 2025 extremist threat landscape, according to OCAD’s annual report, even as total reports fell. Climate & Industry: Belgian deep-tech D-CRBN raised €17.5M to scale CO₂ recycling from pilots to first commercial sites. Energy Transition: Axpo completed Naples’ first LNG bunkering for a cruise ship, while Belgium-linked hydrogen infrastructure momentum continues across the region. Sports & Culture: From K9 drills at Exercise PRAGATI 2026 to a Belgian ambassador sighting at Nami Island’s illustration showcase, the week mixed hard security with soft diplomacy.

Belgium Logistics & Trade: De Jong Shipping takes its first formal step into Belgium by buying a minority stake in inland operator TransMatch, aiming to boost coverage along the ARA corridor and combine push-barge and motor-vessel services across Belgium, Northern France and the Rhine/Moselle. Ukraine-Russia Diplomacy: EU leaders and several European states have summoned Russian ambassadors after Moscow’s warnings over Kyiv, while the EU’s top officials warn of a push to “destabilise” Europe. Transport Tragedy: Four people died, including two children, after a train collided with a school bus at a level crossing in northern Belgium. Hydrogen Build-Out: Dutch and German energy firms sign up for a cross-border hydrogen pipeline targeted for 2031, with plans to reuse parts of existing gas lines. Tech & Data Storage: Belgian startup Capsyra partners with Ewigbyte on long-term, tamper-resistant data storage using photonic glass. Security Tech: Belgian firm Septentrio unveils a tiny anti-jamming receiver module for drones and other assets in contested GNSS areas.

Heat & fire pressure on Europe: Europe is bracing for another brutal heatwave and a wildfire season that’s arriving early again, with Brussels pushing preparedness after last year’s record blazes—yet warning that coordination and prevention gaps still leave the bloc exposed. Security & governance: A new arrest tied to Iran-linked decentralized terrorism highlights how harder “lone” networks are to stop than centralized plots. Public health crackdown: France has banned nicotine pouches (like Zyn), making possession and sale punishable by jail and heavy fines. Belgium energy build-out: Belgian co-ops are developing a 100-MW/250-MWh battery storage project in Ruien, aiming for grid support from autumn 2027. EU climate funding: The Commission awarded €400m to 65 industrial heat decarbonisation projects, including Belgium. Sports (Paris): Thanasi Kokkinakis roared back from the brink to win a five-set thriller at the French Open; Amanda Anisimova also advanced after a wrist-injury layoff.

Roland Garros Shockwaves: Day two at Paris delivered a clean sweep for several top women, with Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Amanda Anisimova advancing in straight sets, while Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen was crushed 6-4 6-0 by qualifier Maja Chwalinska and Elina Svitolina fought back to beat Anna Bondar 3-6 6-1 7-6. Belgium in the Spotlight: Belgian Raphael Collignon is two sets up in the men’s draw, and FN Herstal unveiled an upgraded FN MAG Tactical Long Rail machine gun aimed at modern day/night, optics-ready combat roles. EU Diplomacy: EU ambassadors landed in Nepal for a two-day mission with meetings planned with Prime Minister Balendra Shah and other ministers. Green Tech & Energy: PerPlant raised €1M to add AI “eyes” on tractors to cut herbicide use, while Belgian co-ops are building a major Ruien battery storage project. Heat & Health: A Europe-wide “heat dome” is pushing record May temperatures, and France has banned nicotine pouches like Zyn with harsh penalties.

Pan-African Expansion: Davis & Shirtliff marks 80 years by plotting growth into West and North Africa, building on its water, energy and digital infrastructure footprint across 11 countries. Sovereign Cloud Push: Microsoft and Proximus NXT expand their Belgium–Luxembourg partnership to deliver “sovereign cloud” options with stronger data control and compliance. Heat Dome Alert: Europe braces for a record late-May heatwave as a “heat dome” traps hot air over Western and Central Europe, with temperatures already smashing May records. Nicotine Crackdown: France bans Zyn and other nicotine pouches, with serious criminal penalties for violators. Maritime Safety Update: Belgian authorities help approve IMO ammonia-as-fuel safety guidelines, moving the fuel from concept toward real-world rules. Autonomous Logistics: Port of Antwerp-Bruges is positioning itself as a testbed for autonomous trucks, betting on safer, smarter night logistics. World Cup Buzz: Seattle is ranked best U.S. host city for the tournament, while Group D looks wide open. Belgium Angle on Migration: Reports say Channel smugglers are shifting activity toward the Belgian coast as crossings surge in the heat.

Channel Pressure: Hundreds of small-boat migrants are landing in the UK again as record May heat fuels crossings, with reports of 220 arrivals today and warnings that “many hundreds” more could follow. NATO Watch: Foreign ministers are lining up the July Ankara summit around a credible path to the 5% defence target, more defence industry output, continued Ukraine support, and new concerns from Russia, drones and Hormuz security. World Cup Logistics: Iran has moved its 2026 training base from the US to Mexico (Tijuana) after visa and security worries, while Ebola fears keep reshaping preparations for other teams. Belgium Angle: Belgian physicists report a new way to sculpt water surfaces using tiny structures—potentially useful for guiding micro-scale particles and tackling microplastic pollution. Sports & Culture: Brighton’s flat 3-0 loss to Man United, plus Paris Men’s Fashion Week’s bigger SS27 calendar, with 74 labels and more presentations.

Fashion Shock: Chanel’s “barely there” cruise 2027 sandal—basically a near-heel—went viral fast, sparking a debate over whether ultra-minimal footwear is chic or just impractical. EU Debt Warning: The IMF says EU public debt could climb to 130% of GDP by 2040 unless governments push deeper reforms on pensions, labour and energy/defence spending. Belgium Science Spotlight: Belgian physicists helped advance a new way to sculpt water surfaces, using tiny structures to guide micro-objects—potentially useful for precision work and even microplastic cleanup. Gaza Flotilla Fallout: Israel intercepted another Gaza-bound flotilla, with international legal arguments and outrage over how detainees were treated. World Cup & Ebola: Congo’s World Cup plans hinge on strict “bubble” rules in Belgium amid Ebola fears, while Iran moved its 2026 training camp from the US to Mexico to dodge visa problems. Migration Pressure: UK officials brace for more Channel crossings as warm weather boosts smugglers’ timing.

NATO on the move: Poland has received its first F-35A jets, a big step for deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank. Channel pressure: With a UK heatwave boosting smugglers’ plans, a former border chief warns “many hundreds” of migrants could cross the English Channel soon, as fresh arrivals bring daily totals into the hundreds. Ebola meets sport logistics: DR Congo’s World Cup team must isolate for 21 days in a controlled “bubble” in Belgium before travelling, with participation tied to health protocols. Science rewrites Europe’s past: New ancient-DNA results complicate the simple “three migrations” story of how Europe was settled. Green hydrogen momentum: Oman is pushing green hydrogen partnerships at Rotterdam’s World Hydrogen Summit, while the Netherlands and Germany advance a hydrogen corridor. Food & drink culture: Fruit-forward beer trends keep rolling—plus a UK pub reopens with a refreshed beer garden and Belgian chocolate brownie on the menu.

LGBTQ+ Travel Snapshot: Belgium lands in the top tier of the 2026 Gay Travel Index, ranked joint fourth with a score of 12 (behind Iceland, Malta and Spain), while Afghanistan, Chechnya, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Yemen sit at the bottom. Cybersecurity: A new China-aligned backdoor, GraphWorm, is reported to use Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Graph to hide command traffic—another reminder that cloud services are becoming the new battleground. Belgium Logistics: Brussels Airport, Liège Airport and Ostend-Bruges are teaming up to digitally exchange customs declarations, aiming for smoother import/export handling and a stronger logistics hub role. Energy & Climate Finance: The EIF backs Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners with €200m to scale biomethane and advanced bioenergy across Europe, including Belgium. Food & Farming: French recycling firm Capillum turns discarded salon hair into biodegradable mulch mats to protect young trees—now spreading benefits across France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

World Cup Rules Tighten: US officials say Congo’s squad, currently training in Belgium, must stay in a “bubble” and isolate for 21 days or be denied entry—another reminder that health and travel rules are shaping the 2026 tournament from day one. EU Competition Watch: The European Commission has formally accused synthetic turf firms in the Netherlands and Germany (including a Belgian player) of possible cartel behaviour tied to recycling and pricing—environmental schemes won’t get a free pass. Belgium Logistics Upgrade: Brussels, Liège and Ostend-Bruges are linking customs declarations digitally to speed up import/export for cargo, with a portal expected to be live before end-2026. Energy Transition: EIF backs a €200m push to scale biomethane production across Europe, including Belgium, with a focus on industry and maritime fuel use. Belgian Culture Spotlight: Lukas Dhont’s Cannes entry “Coward” returns the spotlight to a Belgian war-time love story.

EU Funds Unlock Talks: EU Commission officials say prospects are “good” for releasing frozen funds to Hungary under the new Péter Magyar government, though deadlines mean Hungary may still miss parts of the billions at stake. Maritime Tensions: Turkey is set to turn its “Blue Homeland” maritime claims into law, escalating disputes over islands and sea zones that worry Greece and Brussels. Smart, Greener Tourism: Paphos is pushing a smart-destination agenda through an EU project meeting in France, linking digital tools with sustainability goals. Academic Freedom: Top EU officials reaffirm academic freedom as a democracy cornerstone and urge researchers to “Choose Europe.” Antitrust Crackdown: The Commission has issued preliminary views of synthetic turf cartel behaviour involving firms in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Biodiversity Focus: As May 22 approaches, global attention turns to biodiversity loss and the need to protect ecosystems.