AGP Executive Report

Belgium’s Airbnb crackdown: Flanders has approved new rules that block tourist accommodation from appearing on platforms like Airbnb unless it has an official registration number, with faster local enforcement against non-compliant listings. EV push in Belgium: New data shows EVs taking 37.3% of Belgium’s new car market in May, up from 33.3% a year earlier, as electrification accelerates across Europe. Clean energy finance: The EIB signed a €75 million loan with Spain’s Ingeteam to boost R&D in renewable energy, including PV inverters, energy storage, grid cybersecurity and transport electrification. Circular materials agenda: CFREP published the draft programme for its 2026 Contact-Sensitive Plastics Conference in Brussels, focusing on recycled plastics for food contact, PPWR, reuse and PFAS-related design-for-recycling issues. Food and weather impacts: Belgian apple exports to China are set to expand thanks to a new phytosanitary protocol, while growers report hail damage risks and stress the need for protection like hail nets. Nature & wildlife: Endangered Wildlife Trust is appealing for support for working conservation dogs used to detect poaching threats and protect endangered species. Tech security alert (Belgium): Belgium’s cybersecurity centre warns that attackers are actively exploiting the Windows Netlogon flaw CVE-2026-41089.

Climate Watch (Belgium): Belgium just logged its third warmest spring on record, with Uccle hitting -1.3°C on 27 March and soaring to 30.5°C on 29 May, plus two tropical days and 644 hours of sunshine. Hydrogen Push (Rotterdam): Gasunie opened a 32-km hydrogen pipeline section in the Port of Rotterdam, linking Maasvlakte to Pernis and setting up direct low-carbon hydrogen offtake for industry. Plastic-Free Events (Sweden): Duni Group will supply 125,000 plastic-free paper beverage cups for Vätternrundan and trial composting solutions to handle food and packaging waste on site. Health & Costs (Belgium-linked study): Research across 19 Dutch and Belgian hospitals finds many psoriasis patients can safely cut IL-17/IL-23 biologics to two-thirds or even half dose, saving up to €8,500 per year. Security Alert (Belgium): Belgium’s Centre for Cybersecurity warns Windows Netlogon CVE-2026-41089 is being exploited in the wild; Microsoft patches are out. Maritime Safety (EU/IMO): The 2010 HNS Convention is set to enter into force on 29 Nov 2027, creating a global compensation framework for hazardous sea cargo accidents. Policy & Dialogue (Somalia): UN and partners, including Belgium, urge Somali leaders to agree on election framework and timetable through urgent dialogue.

Maritime Sanctions, Environment Risk: France seized the sanctioned Russian crude tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with UK support, saying the shadow-fleet move violates sanctions and poses “threat[s] to the environment and safety,” while Russia calls it “borderline piracy.” EU Consumer Greenwashing Crackdown: The European Commission opened infringement procedures against 20 EU countries, including Belgium, for not fully transposing the green-claims and sustainability-label rules that aim to curb misleading eco-marketing from 27 September 2026. Cybersecurity for Belgium: Belgium’s Centre for Cybersecurity warned that Windows Netlogon flaw CVE-2026-41089 is being exploited in the wild, urging patching after Microsoft fixes. Public Health Watch: Brazil is monitoring two possible Ebola cases in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro amid the DR Congo outbreak. EV Transition Incentives: Transport & Environment says only 9 of 27 EU states clearly incentivise company EV uptake via tax systems, arguing Europe is moving too slowly on electrifying fleets. Belgian Business & Tech: Cegeka acquired Swiss Lean Projects, expanding its Microsoft Dynamics 365 expertise for print and packaging firms.

Health & Research: UCB and Biogen say The Lancet has published full Phase 3 PHOENYCS GO results for dapirolizumab pegol in moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus, reporting statistically significant improvements at Week 48 versus placebo plus standard care, with ongoing Phase 3 PHOENYCS FLY recruitment. Climate & Nature: A study in Nature Communications highlights how the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption may have helped destroy methane in the atmosphere, pointing to new ways to think about slowing warming. Energy Transition: Reuters reports only nine EU states clearly incentivise companies to choose electric cars, with Belgium among those offering strong tax discounts—while many countries lag. Extreme Heat & Food: UK grid vulnerability to heat is flagged as a blackout risk, while across Europe heatwaves are already hitting agriculture and food quality, from egg shell strength to smaller fruit. Circular Economy: A Brussels-based Textiles Recycling Expo is expanding to the US, pushing textile circularity and recycling partnerships. Policy & Media: Belgium’s Netflix local-content rules have moved toward the European Court of Justice after a constitutional court decision. Wildlife & Habitats: UK scientists report a “killer fungus” that targets invasive heath-star moss, raising hopes for restoring damaged habitats.

Extreme Heat & Power Risks: A UK government-commissioned report warns the electricity grid is vulnerable to overheating during heatwaves, with past outages affecting thousands and more days above 30°C expected as warming accelerates. Food & Farming Under Pressure: Successive European heatwaves are already hitting agriculture and food quality—more fragile eggshells, smaller fruit, and livestock stress—while water scarcity worsens losses and threatens supply chains. Climate Science Twist: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption suggests volcanic ash can help destroy methane in the atmosphere, offering fresh clues for how natural processes might inform climate solutions. Belgium Context: Belgium’s potato market is strained by a glut tied to weather and geopolitics, leaving farmers with unsold, sprouting crops and major financial hits. Local Dialogue in Brussels: Nepal’s embassy held a climate-change discussion on the Himalayas at the EEAS in Brussels, linking Everest Day to the urgency of protecting mountain ecosystems. Biodiversity Angle: UK scientists say a “killer fungus” targeting invasive heath-star moss could help restore damaged habitats by slowing an aggressive spread.

Climate & Sport: A group of current and former players has urged FIFA to better protect athletes and fans as the 2026 World Cup is set to be played in North American summer heat and humidity, warning of safety risks and the climate cost of the tournament. Food & Farming: Belgium’s frozen-fries industry is caught in a potato shock: a record harvest meets weak demand and price collapse, leaving farmers with unsold, sprouting crops and major losses. Diplomacy & Climate: Nepal’s embassy in Brussels held a dialogue on climate change’s impact on the Himalayas, stressing adaptation needs and EU cooperation with mountain countries. Health in Crisis: Ebola continues to spread in eastern DR Congo amid conflict and access problems, with new funding and supplies aimed at border screening, tracing and diagnostics. Belgium Spotlight: SGS Belgium is linked to solar PV testing recognition via a lab in Kundli, supporting faster international approvals for manufacturers. EU Trade Tensions: China says it will take “necessary measures” in response to EU moves to shield industry from Chinese competition, framing the dispute as protectionism.

Belgium Water Upgrade: BESIX Environment and Socogetra will modernise the wastewater treatment plant in Spiennes (Hainaut), starting 1 June 2026 and aiming for full commissioning by March 2028, with upgrades designed to meet tighter discharge standards and cut energy and chemical use. Heat & Health Risk: At Roland Garros, top seed Jannik Sinner’s shock loss was linked to dizziness during a Paris heatwave, a reminder of how extreme temperatures can hit people fast. EU Border Friction: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is drawing criticism after reports of long queues and travel disruptions, including in Belgium, as first-time biometric enrolment strains airports. Solar Testing Boost: SGS Belgium’s IEC CB Scheme recognition helps Delhi Test House run internationally accepted solar PV module tests, potentially speeding up approvals for manufacturers exporting to multiple markets. EU-China Trade Tension: China says it will take “necessary” measures after EU moves expected to shield industry from Chinese competition, escalating a protectionism debate.

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.