AGP Executive Report

Wildfires & UXO Risk: Europe’s 2026 wildfire season is not just burning forests—it’s also heating up rusty WWI/WWII bombs and mines. In Belgium’s High Fens (Elsenborn/Bütgenbach), peat fires and underground burning have lifted old ordnance, with intermittent blasts reported and bomb-disposal teams sent to assess threats as drought, heat and winds intensify. Heat & Food Pressure: Heatwaves and prolonged drought are squeezing European agriculture hard, stalling crops and forcing earlier harvests, while driving up costs for farmers and businesses. Belgium Wildfire Fallout: Belgium’s wildfire smoke has improved air quality in Luxembourg after fires, but the broader pattern shows how extreme weather keeps escalating risks across borders. Biodiversity Watch: A call is growing to ban cherry laurel sales over biodiversity harm, citing shading and competition with native woodlands and hedgerows. Local Mobility for Kids: Dendermonde’s Bike Library marks five years, lending repaired second-hand bicycles to families who can’t afford new ones, supported by the wider Fietsbieb programme.

Heat & drought hit Europe’s farms: A week of extreme weather is withering crops and cutting harvests, while water limits and higher operating costs pile pressure on farmers across the continent. Belgium wildfire danger under the soil: In the High Fens, European blazes are exposing rusty WWI/WWII bombs and mines; some have already detonated, forcing emergency services to adapt tactics. Human toll from the heat: Provisional monitoring links the summer’s heatwaves and drought to tens of thousands of excess deaths across Europe, with Belgium among the hardest-hit countries in the AFP count. Biodiversity push in Ireland (relevant to Europe’s plant invasions): A call is growing to ban cherry laurel sales after risk work flags it as a major driver of biodiversity loss. Local action on weeds: A Belgian city debate highlights how municipalities are trying to cut chemical weed control while still keeping streets and parks under control. Energy island progress: Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Energy Island project reports a key milestone with final caisson installation.

Heat & health: Europe’s blistering summer has already logged over 30,000 excess deaths, with provisional figures from the EuroMomo monitoring platform pointing to more than 32,000 excess deaths between mid-July and mid-August, and an AFP tally of about 33,000 linked to heat across eight countries including Belgium. Wildfire danger in Belgium: In the High Fens (Hoge Venen/Hohe Venn), Belgium’s biggest recent fire has also stirred up rusty WWI/WWII bombs and mines in deep peat, with sporadic blasts reported and emergency services changing tactics as heat and drought worsen the risk. Climate pressure on food: Heatwaves and drought are squeezing European agriculture, pushing up costs and forcing earlier harvests, while farmers report major crop losses and irrigation limits. North Sea shift: Warmer seas are helping cephalopods move in—squid are now reproducing in the North Sea, marking a bigger ecological change for marine life. Local action on weeds: A Belgian-linked story highlights the push to cut chemical weed control, with steam/hydrothermal methods proposed as alternatives—though critics say it doesn’t go far enough.

Wildfire fallout in Belgium and beyond: Europe’s record summer is not only scorching people and landscapes—it’s also unearthing rusty World War I/II bombs and mines. Heat and drought can trigger blasts, forcing bomb-disposal teams to respond in countries including Belgium, while experts warn climate change is “unburying” what used to stay dormant. Heat’s human cost: Provisional monitoring links the summer’s back-to-back heatwaves and drought to at least 30,000 excess deaths across Europe, with Belgium among the affected countries. Belgium energy transition milestone: DEME and Jan De Nul have installed the final caisson for the Princess Elisabeth Energy Island, a key step for offshore wind and a future UK connection. North Sea shift: Warmer seas are helping squid establish themselves in the North Sea, with researchers reporting permanent presence and reproduction. Belgium wildfire resilience planning: Belgium is preparing a national resilience plan after its “fire of the century,” as crews continue to manage major impacts. Climate and health policy debate: In the US, Trump orders changes to childhood vaccines amid claims about autism—sparking renewed controversy over science and public health messaging.

Heat & Health: Europe’s scorching summer is linked to over 32,000 excess deaths in mid-July to mid-August, with EuroMomo flagging the last week of June as the deadliest and Germany recording a heatwave death toll of about 14,000 (a record since 2016). Belgium Wildfire Fallout: Smoke from Belgium’s High Fens fires reached Luxembourg, prompting health advice like keeping windows closed and limiting outdoor activity, while MPs questioned how clearly and how fast alerts were communicated. Belgium Climate Record: Belgium could see its hottest summer since 1833, with the Royal Meteorological Institute expecting an average around 20.2–20.3°C. Wildfire Risk Ahead: Studies warn climate change could triple the area hit by European wildfires by 2100, and wildfires across Europe keep spreading despite rain. Nature & Loss: In the Swiss Alps, melting glaciers exposed the bodies of two Belgian climbers missing since 1992, underscoring how retreating ice is reshaping safety and recovery. Policy Push Against Damage: Croatia is moving to introduce “ecocide” as a criminal offence, with life imprisonment possible for the most serious environmental harm.

Offshore Wind Milestone: Final caisson work is complete for Belgium’s 3.5GW Princess Elisabeth Energy Island, a key step to expand offshore wind and strengthen energy links with the UK. Wildfire Preparedness: Belgium will draw up a national resilience plan after its biggest recorded blaze in the High Fens, aiming to boost civil protection and adapt to climate-driven wildfire risks. Heat & Health Pressure: New reporting shows Europe’s deadly summer heatwaves pushed above 40°C across areas home to 80 million people, with drought, wildfires, crop impacts and excess deaths. Wildfire Outlook: A study warns climate change could nearly triple the burned area in Europe by the end of the century, with fires becoming more unpredictable. Local Climate Impact: Belgium’s wildfire smoke situation is improving in Luxembourg, but drought alerts remain as low water levels threaten supplies. Circular Economy Move: Bpost orders 19 double-deck trailers with solar panels to cut CO2 per parcel and reduce transport kilometres. Solar Protection: Guidance highlights how wildfire risk is forcing photovoltaic owners to adapt fire-prevention measures. Belgium in the Alps: Two Belgian climbers missing since 1992 are identified after remains were revealed by a retreating Swiss glacier.

Wildfire Response in Belgium: Belgium will draw up a national action plan after its biggest recorded blaze in the High Fens, where a seven-day fire burned about 3,000 hectares; Interior Minister Bernard Quintin says the provincial response worked, but resources must be scaled progressively, including aircraft and helicopters, as climate risks grow. Heatwave Toll Across Europe: New AFP figures show Europe’s record summer heatwaves pushed temperatures above 40°C for tens of millions, driving drought, wildfires and more than 25,000 excess deaths. Wildfire Forecasts: Research warns the area affected by European wildfires could triple by 2100 under high emissions, even as firefighters struggle with extreme heat and dry conditions. Glacier Melt, Human Remains Found: In Switzerland, melting ice revealed the bodies of two Belgian hikers missing since 1992, underlining how warming is exposing long-buried losses. Air Quality in Luxembourg: Luxembourg reported improving air quality after smoke from Belgian fires, with monitoring and advice to close doors and windows if smoke is detected.

Belgium Wildfires: Firefighters in the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) have managed to encircle Belgium’s biggest wildfire on record, burning about 3,000 hectares, but flare-ups keep crews on alert and aerial support has been hampered by low clouds. Climate Impact: A new study warns wildfires across Europe could burn 39% more land by century’s end even under best-case warming limits, with better fire management helping but not replacing climate action. Air Quality & Communication: Belgium’s environment minister admits official messaging about smoke pollution during the High Fens crisis was “not optimal,” with plans to improve public air-quality updates. Glacier Melt, Human Remains: In Switzerland, the melting Trift glacier has revealed the bodies of two Belgian mountaineers missing since 1992, underlining how warming accelerates glacier retreat. Marine Heat: The North Sea hit a record average temperature of 21.5°C, raising concerns for marine life and future heat-and-drought extremes. Biodiversity & Wildlife Tech: Belgian nonprofit APOPO’s trained “HeroRATs” are helping detect landmines and trafficked wildlife products in a new zoo exhibit.

High Fens Wildfire Update: Belgium’s biggest recorded wildfire in the High Fens has been fully “encircled” after firefighters hacked through boggy terrain, with officials saying it should no longer spread—though flare-ups keep crews busy and aerial support has been hit by low clouds. Emergency Response & Air Support: Water-bombing aircraft from Norway, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands were grounded at times, while Belgium and partners coordinate helicopters and fixed-wing drops; authorities are weighing whether to scale back ground deployment as the situation improves. Wildfire Preparedness Debate: MPs and local observers are asking whether Belgium has enough specialist wildfire crews and training for peatland, heath and forest terrain where fires can smoulder underground and reignite. Recycling & Circular Economy: Domino is expanding a reverse-logistics recycling route for thermal inkjet (TIJ) cartridges via its Circular Planet programme, sending eligible cartridges to a Belgian recycling facility. Food Safety: Belgium is dealing with a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to contaminated eggs from Laerco BV, with around 300 reported cases and recalls across multiple European countries. Climate Impacts Beyond Belgium: Melting Swiss glaciers have revealed the remains of two Belgian climbers missing since 1992, underscoring how warming ice is exposing long-buried losses. Wildlife & Nature Tourism Angle: A separate travel piece highlights a shift toward more ethical wildlife tourism—less caging, more responsible observation.

Wildfire Update (High Fens): Belgium’s biggest wildfire in a century has been fully encircled in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border, but crews say the situation is still “complicated” due to fresh flare-ups and a hard-to-access front near Germany; the blaze has already scorched about 3,000 hectares, with rain helping slow spread while low clouds have repeatedly grounded aircraft. Drought Watch (Brussels): Brussels remains on a yellow drought alert despite forecast showers, with authorities saying the expected rain won’t be enough to normalise water stress; residents are urged to use tap water sensibly as the Meuse flow and drinking-water supply remain key concerns. Climate Impact (Glaciers): Two Belgian climbers missing for 34 years were found on Switzerland’s melting Trift Glacier, a stark reminder of how climate change is accelerating glacier retreat and exposing long-buried remains. Marine Heat (Europe): Scientists warn that human-caused climate change drove record sea temperatures around Europe, raising risks for marine life and coastal communities.

Wildfire Crisis in the High Fens: Belgian firefighters are in a “crucial” all-night push to fully encircle the country’s largest wildfire in a century in the Hautes Fagnes/High Fens nature reserve. The blaze has burned about 3,000 hectares, with a hard-to-access front near the German border still worrying crews as gusty easterly winds and peatland terrain complicate work. Rain has slowed spread, but low clouds have repeatedly grounded aircraft from several countries, leaving ground teams to close a gap of just a few kilometres. Local Mobility Upgrade: In Sint-Truiden-Gingelom-Nieuwerkerken, the police zone has added three new fully electric Hyundai Inster cars for neighbourhood patrols, replacing older vehicles under a public procurement framework. Biosecurity Alert: The Netherlands’ food safety authority warns of Japanese beetles hitching rides from Italy, with recent alerts also linked to Belgium—an EU quarantine pest that can devastate gardens and crops.

Wildfire Crisis in Belgium’s High Fens: Firefighters in Wallonia launched a push to “definitively encircle” Belgium’s biggest-ever wildfire, burning about 3,000 hectares in the High Fens near the German border; officials say parts are contained, but a hard-to-access front toward Germany remains a concern, with Monschau residents still facing evacuation orders due to smoke and lingering peat smoulders. Cross-border Response: Rain and cooler air helped, but low cloud repeatedly grounded air support; helicopters and water-bombing aircraft from Belgium and multiple European countries were deployed, and the operation is expected to continue for weeks. Public Health & Communication: Luxembourg deputies questioned whether residents were warned early enough about air quality impacts from the smoke, after an initial alert mentioned only an “unpleasant smell,” followed by advice to keep doors and windows closed. Climate Cost Warning: A new analysis flags that Europe’s extreme weather is becoming a recurring fiscal burden as many losses go uninsured, pushing reconstruction and support costs onto public budgets.

Wildfire Update (High Fens): Rain in eastern Belgium (5–9 mm forecast) is giving firefighters a breather as the Hautes Fagnes/High Fens blaze—Belgium’s worst on record—holds around 3,000 hectares and has stopped pushing toward the German border, though officials warn conditions can change fast. Cross-Border Response: Germany’s Monschau ordered precautionary evacuations near the border as smoke drifted, while aircraft and crews from multiple countries keep supporting local teams. Climate Context: The wider European heat-and-drought pattern is driving a record wildfire season, with Europe-wide burn figures reported at about 1.4 million acres since the start of the year. Water & AI Pressure (Wallonia): Wallonia blocked Google’s permit to draw more Sambre River water for an AI data centre cooling system, citing drought and the precautionary principle. Cultivated Protein (Belgium): Ever After Foods acquired Belgium-based Fishway to expand cultivated protein know-how, keeping Belgium as a key aquatic biology and media development hub. Legal/Press Freedom (Hungary): Journalists’ groups urged Hungary to strengthen its draft anti-SLAPP law to better protect public-interest reporting.

Wildfire Crisis (High Fens): Belgium’s worst modern wildfire in the Hautes Fagnes/High Fens has burned about 3,000 hectares, with several hotspots still smouldering in peat and pine terrain. Cross-Border Evacuations (Monschau): Germany’s Monschau ordered a precautionary partial evacuation of streets near the border as smoke and changing conditions raised fears; officials say rain and a wind shift slowed the fire but it’s far from out. Weather Relief (Belgium & Germany): Light rain and higher humidity helped firefighters contain the blaze, while Germany’s heatwave eased with showers—still, crews remain on high alert. EU Support & Firefighting Scale: Belgium has mobilised hundreds of responders, including Belgian and German firefighters, helicopters and EU civil protection aircraft, with investigations underway into the cause. Wildfires Beyond Belgium (Greece): On Salamina near Athens, two people died and hundreds were evacuated after twin fast-moving fires driven by strong winds. Forest Management Shift: Germany’s forestry council is urging urgent conversion toward mixed forests to reduce future wildfire risk.

Wildfire Crisis in Belgium (High Fens): Belgium is fighting its biggest-ever wildfire in the High Fens nature reserve, with flames burning about 3,000 hectares and still active as crews focus on the eastern flank near the German border. Evacuations & Public Safety: Around 600 residents in Waimes and Bütgenbach (Liège province) were ordered to evacuate after shifting winds and heavy smoke; tourists were also told to leave, and a gymnasium was opened as a shelter. Cross-Border Response: More than 250 emergency personnel are deployed, including over 100 Belgian and German firefighters, plus police, military and civil protection teams; Belgium activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism with helicopters and water-bombing aircraft joining the fight. Health Guidance (Luxembourg): Luxembourg authorities issued precautionary advice due to smoke and smell, urging people to limit exposure and protect vulnerable groups. Heatwave Context: The blaze follows weeks of extreme heat and drought across Europe, turning peat bogs and heathland into hard-to-control fuel.

Wildfire Emergency in Belgium: Firefighters are battling Belgium’s biggest wildfire on record in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border, with flames spreading through peatlands and pine forest and forcing evacuations of about 600 residents in nearby towns like Waimes and Bütgenbach; by Sunday morning it had burned roughly 2,700–3,000 hectares, and the EU has sent three helicopters and two water bombers to help. Heat & Fire Risk Across Europe: The blaze is part of a wider wave of extreme heat and drought driving evacuations and emergency responses in multiple countries, while France has arrested nearly 500 people suspected of starting wildfires. EU Climate Impact in Focus: A new analysis links Europe’s June heatwave to around 16,000 excess deaths, highlighting how preparedness gaps can make northern countries hit harder. Green Tech for Farming: A Horizon Europe project, SUSTAINCrop, is bringing together partners including Belgium to build a digital tool to assess the environmental footprint of crops used for bio-based materials.