AGP Executive Report

EU-Ukraine Support: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says the EU will release another €3.3bn for missiles and drones after a call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as she pushes further joint defence initiatives. Belgium & Russia Assets: Russia’s central bank escalates its fight in EU courts, targeting rules tied to frozen sovereign reserves and pointing to a Belgian-linked dispute involving Euroclear. Qatargate Fallout: Greece’s parliament lifted immunity of former EU migration chief Dimitris Avramopoulos, under Belgian investigation over alleged links to the Fight Impunity NGO. Belgium in the Spotlight: A Belgian-linked Europa League night saw Union Saint-Gilloise beat Viktoria Plzeň 3-0. Public Policy & Daily Life: A new EU-wide look at pensions finds retirement can mean very different years receiving benefits across countries. Health & Safety: Research links air pollution exposure to higher suicide risk, including in studies that include Belgium. Sports (Belgium ties): Finland is deepening F-35 cooperation with other users including Belgium; and Belgium’s Kyara Linskens was listed among players missing from a Mercury-Fire game.

EU Kids Act: The European Commission is set to table the EU Kids Act in Strasbourg, proposing a single EU-wide rule that bans social media access for children under 13, allows “mini accounts” from 13 to 15, and forces platforms to prove minors are protected by design. Belgium in the spotlight: Belgium is also named among countries that have already moved toward age limits, as the EU pushes for harmonised rules across the internal market. Frozen assets legal fight: Belgium-based Euroclear is at the centre of a new legal challenge, with the Russian central bank contesting EU rules that block recovery of about €200bn in frozen Russian assets. Sports—Belgium connection: Belgium slips to sixth in the latest FIBA women’s world ranking after Spain and Germany surge into the top five. Belgian football business: Qatar Sports Investments has completed its acquisition of Belgian club KAS Eupen, formalising full ownership.

Belgium in Europe’s spotlight: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she wants to open the door for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member,” aiming to deepen cooperation with allies amid war, trade rivalry and China pressure. EU politics & tech: Von der Leyen also pushed an EU-wide social media ban for children under 13, alongside a broader push for an “European Security Council” and a Democracy Shield with real powers. Belgium sports: Axel Witsel announced his retirement from international football, ending 18 years and 140 caps with Belgium. Local life & policy: A Belgian court ruling raises a new legal problem over frozen Russian assets, while Belgium’s Charleroi Airport faces disruption from an air traffic controllers’ strike. Health & society: Belgium’s debate on electricity bills continues as opposition leader Tracy Panton rejects explanations and demands solutions. Crime & ports: A major cocaine case links a shipment seized near Dunkirk to a fugitive Dutch kingpin, with reports that part of the drugs was intended for Antwerp. Business & travel: Lidl launched a blended meat range in the UK with pea protein, while Loveholidays’ CEO argues travel is now essential for everyday life.

EU Defence Push: EU ambassadors backed five major defence projects worth up to €281bn, with Ukraine central to four of them, and ministers set to vote on Sept. 28. Security Council Idea: Ursula von der Leyen also floated a new European Security Council and a NATO-style “counter-hybrid” response mechanism as Russia ramps up hybrid threats. Charleroi Disruption: Air traffic controllers’ night strike at Brussels South Charleroi Airport will run from Sept. 16 to Oct. 10, hitting 832 flights and up to 300,000 passengers. Belgian Courts & Russian Assets: A Belgian court ruled the treasury department can’t decide on frozen Russian bank assets, adding pressure to the EU’s Ukraine funding debate. Insurance Regulation: Belgian and Dutch supervisors urged a pragmatic approach as private equity and private credit deepen their role in insurance. Local Safety: Two women died after a violent knife incident in Anderlecht, with one reportedly jumping from a window. EU Asylum Snapshot: Eurostat says first-time international protection applications in the EU fell 29% in June to 37,075. Tech & Industry: Belgium is among 19 EU states designing an AI IPCEI to build decentralised, shared AI services.

Gaza Scholarship Crisis: Belgian university rectors and Gazan students say they’re devastated after Belgium’s coalition deadlock blocked an evacuation plan for 13 scholarship holders, leaving them unable to apply for visas. Anti-Islam Vandalism: A mosque in Schelle was defaced again with an anti-Islam message, the second attack in 10 days, as police investigate whether the same person is behind both. Charleroi Disruption: A strike at Charleroi Airport threatens to disrupt hundreds of flights and affect up to 300,000 passengers. Belgium-Linked Drug Case: Belgian authorities’ probe is linked to a 37kg cocaine seizure in Albania, with cooperation involving multiple countries and Europol. Energy Push: Belgium’s government targets 120MW of solar power, while broader European energy pressures continue to hit daily life. EU Politics: EU auditors warn fruit and vegetable producer groups are losing ground despite EU support, as membership drops and rules remain complex. International Spotlight: NATO’s Baltic air patrol saw an Italian jet shoot down a drone over Lithuania.

Belgium Politics & Courts: Belgium’s telecom giants blocked about 103 million suspicious calls in H1 2026, alongside millions of fraudulent SMS and hundreds of millions of suspicious emails, according to regulator Bipt. EU Borders & Travel: Holiday Extras says the EES biometric checks are effectively being kept on ice: nine countries, including Belgium, have been allowed to delay full rollout with no new deadline, raising fresh questions about whether the system is ready. Local Disruption: Charleroi Airport faces a 24-night air traffic controllers strike starting Wednesday, with night-shift pay disputes blamed and major delays expected. Ukraine & EU Money: A Brussels event is set to debate how the EU could use €210bn in immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine, including a proposal to shift custody to the EU—explicitly weighing Belgium’s concerns. Sports & National Team: Mark van Bommel’s Belgium rebuild hits a snag: goalkeeper Matz Sels says he won’t return to the national team. International Spotlight: Russia welcomed Trump’s idea of an “energy ceasefire,” while insisting any deal must allow unhindered Russian oil exports.

EU Diplomacy: The EU’s new ambassador to Venezuela, Gilles Bertrand, arrived in Caracas, while Venezuela named Raúl Li Causi as its ambassador to the EU and concurrently accredited him to Belgium and Luxembourg. Belgium & EU Security: Belgium is among countries backing France’s “Forward Deterrence” nuclear cooperation initiative, as Finland formally joins the framework with a nuclear steering group planned. Belgium & Gaza Education: Belgian university rectors condemned the government deadlock over Gaza scholarship students, adding pressure on Brussels. Belgium & Trade Policy: Belgium is listed among EU states that have already imposed restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as more countries move toward bans. Belgium Business: Antwerp-based Agomab reported positive Phase 1 results for AGMB-447 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with a Phase 2 INSPIRIA CTA planned before year-end. Belgian Sports: Jelle Geens won bronze at Ironman 70.3 Worlds in Nice, while Union Saint-Gilloise’s momentum continues with Belgian talent highlighted across recent coverage.

Nuclear Deterrence: Finland will join France’s “forward” nuclear deterrent initiative, setting up a nuclear steering group as Europe reassesses security after NATO shake-ups. Ukraine War: NATO chief Mark Rutte said a Russian strike on a Warsaw-bound train near Ukraine’s border shows Putin is “desperate,” and vowed to boost support for Kyiv. Belgium Politics & Gaza: Belgian university rectors denounced the government’s refusal to evacuate 13 Gazan scholarship students, calling it “political horse-trading” and urging they be treated as students, not bargaining chips. EU Border Rules: Germany extended land-border checks through March 2027, while the EU also allowed nine Schengen states to delay full EES rollout amid travel disruption. E-commerce Crackdown: Belgium and the Netherlands saw sharp drops in low-value parcels after the EU’s €3 levy, with concerns that traders are shifting to bulk imports inside the bloc. Belgium Deportations: Belgium repatriated 1,239 undocumented criminals this year so far, surpassing earlier records. Sports & Local Life: Genk’s Rafiu Durosinmi celebrated after scoring in a 1-1 draw with Gent; and Brussels’ Hotel Amigo unveiled new Grand Place suites.

Belgium in EU politics: Belgium is among countries allowed to delay the EU’s entry-exit system (EES) after airport chaos and border queues, with Brussels informally permitting the pause while tech is fixed. Middle East trade: The UK, France and Canada are moving to ban trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion. Belgium crime probe: Europol-backed authorities have uncovered a Europe-wide horse meat fraud network, using falsified documents and manipulated microchips, with operations including Belgium. Sports (Belgium spotlight): At the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup in Antwerp, Latvia won the men’s title and Netherlands the women’s; Belgium’s Emma Meesseman was named to the Women’s World Cup All-Second Team. Tech & policy: A new modelling study in The Lancet warns US Medicare pricing changes could raise global drug prices and delay launches. Local culture: A Brussels mosque in Laeken was defaced with a swastika; police are investigating.

EU Foreign Policy: The UK says it will ban trade and arms licenses tied to Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, and France has confirmed it will end trade with settlements alongside 11 other countries. Border Tech: The EU has reportedly shelved the entry-exit system (EES) in at least nine countries, including Belgium, after months of airport delays. Belgium Infrastructure: Brussels opened the first phase of the C223 cycle highway, adding a dedicated cycling link along railway line L28 with new street layouts and green zones. Environment & Safety: Belgium’s wildfire risk is under scrutiny after the High Fens peatland disaster, with experts pointing to drainage and “zombie fires.” Sports (Belgium-linked): DR Congo added several European-based players, including Belgium-based Noah Mbamba, as it prepares for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Food Fraud: Belgian prosecutors lead a cross-border probe into horse passport and microchip fraud, with medicated horse meat allegedly entering the food chain.

EU Middle East Policy: The UK, France and other partners are moving to ban trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion. Climate & Forestry: Belgium is ramping up resilience after devastating wildfires, with workers harvesting pine cones to boost forest diversity and future seed planting. Transport Disruption: Brussels Airport briefly halted runway traffic after a drone sighting, while the Brussels–Antwerp corridor faces major weekend roadworks and lane closures. Belgium-Ukraine Defence: A Ukrainian drone operator died in Belgium after being flown in for burns treatment. Tech & Mobility: Italo plans major high-speed rail expansion, with services into Belgium and the Netherlands slated for 2030-31. Sports (Belgium spotlight): Belgium’s presence at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup continues in Antwerp, with Serbia and other top teams advancing as the knockout phase nears.

Belgium in EU Russia-asset row: Belgium is being flagged as a key blocker to using frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine, with Brussels-based Euroclear revenues at the centre of the dispute over who carries legal and financial risk. UK-France-Israel settlements: The UK and France announced bans on goods and services tied to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with sanctions aimed at specific companies and individuals. Hockey governance shake-up: Hockey India stripped DG Cdr R K Srivastava of all powers after a show-cause notice, citing the World Cup jersey change and unauthorised travel. Women’s basketball World Cup: France beat host Germany 86-64 to reach the final, led by Gabby Williams, setting up a title game vs the US or Spain. Belgium-linked sport: Monaco winger Stanis Idumbo is reportedly set to switch to DR Congo, while Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains in the spotlight for his national-team future.

EU Middle East Policy: UK and France move to ban goods tied to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with sanctions aimed at companies and individuals involved in settlement expansion. Belgium Health: Belgium reports its first probable locally acquired West Nile virus cases in Flanders, with five infections under confirmation and officials stressing the overall risk remains low. Belgium Sports: Germany thrashed Belgium 93-74 to reach the FIBA Women’s World Cup semifinals in Berlin, while Belgium’s Boris Mbarga Atangana prepares for a PFL Lyon clash with Bryan Battle. Belgium Business & Trade: Coffee traders plan big shipments to ICE warehouses; about 70% of low stocks are held in Antwerp, helping keep prices elevated. Belgium Crime: France seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from a Ghana-linked plastic-waste container reportedly headed partly to Antwerp, with investigations underway. Belgium Industry: Hydro joins a Train2Train pilot recycling aluminium from decommissioned trains at its Ghlin facility.

EU-Russia Assets for Ukraine: The European Commission played down fresh momentum to use frozen Russian reserves, saying it’s “not the primary focus” and prioritising the €90bn Ukraine loan disbursements plus work with Ukraine and the IMF to pin down the 2026 budget gap. Frozen-asset Plan Pressure: Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain (with the Baltics) want new legal options, including an EU custodian structure to address Belgium’s legal concerns. Israel Settlements Trade Ban: The UK says it will sanction specific firms and individuals tied to illegal Israeli settlement expansion, and France confirmed it will end trade with settlements alongside a wider coalition. Belgium Courts & Prisons: A Belgian court ruled Ghent Prison conditions amount to “humiliating treatment,” ordering the state to move nearly 200 detainees within six months. Belgium Business Tech: RIB Software named Teamservices as its Belgian implementation partner for RIB 4.0, aiming to close the gap between construction software and consistent use. Sports (Belgium in focus): Germany beat Belgium 93-74 to reach the FIBA Women’s World Cup semis in Berlin.

Women’s Basketball World Cup: Host Germany stunned Belgium 93-74 to reach the semifinals in Berlin, with Leonie Fiebich (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Nyara Sabally (16, 12) leading the turnaround. Belgium’s Emma Meesseman still posted 29 points, but it wasn’t enough. Semifinal Line-Up: France beat China 90-61 to set up a France-Germany semifinal, while the U.S. routed Hungary 108-56 and will face Spain next. Belgium in the Spotlight: The loss ends Belgium’s run as the tournament’s EuroBasket champions, while Germany prepares for its first-ever World Cup semifinal. Public Health: In the UK, a Salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs appears to be easing, with investigations ongoing into cross-contamination at implicated businesses. Justice & Safety: Europol-backed raids across Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Belgium targeted an illegal horse meat network using forged documents and manipulated microchips.

FIBA Women’s World Cup: France booked a first-ever semifinal after beating China 90-61, with Marine Johannès and Janelle Salaün each scoring 15, while the U.S. crushed Hungary 108-56 to reach the semis; Belgium’s quarterfinal is set against host Germany. EU Child Safety Online: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says she’ll outline next week a “delay” approach to protect children from social media harms, with debate over limits under 13 versus a possible under-15 rule. Belgium-Linked Crime Crackdown: Belgian authorities are at the center of an international horse-trafficking probe, with searches across Belgium and other countries targeting forged horse passports and altered microchips that could divert animals into the food chain. Royal News: Belgium was among the foreign monarchs and leaders attending Norway’s state funeral for King Harald V in Oslo. Business & Investment: Gimv Anchor Investments (Antwerp-based) bought a stake in Dutch tech firm Batenburg Techniek, backing electrification and automation to cut CO2. Climate Watch: August was the world’s joint-hottest month on record, underscoring heat risks across Europe, including Belgium.