AGP Executive Report

Smart Glasses Backlash in Belgium & NL: Dutch eyewear chain Hans Anders has suspended sales of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses in both the Netherlands and Belgium, citing privacy concerns and political debate over camera-equipped eyewear. EU Border Tech Push: The European Commission is adding €130m to border drone funding, expanding surveillance and counter-drone tech for hybrid threats, on top of a €250m call. Phage Therapy Rules: New guidelines for personalized bacteriophage therapy aim to standardize how phages are selected, tested, prepared and administered, but Europe still lacks a harmonized framework for routine use. Synthetic Data for AI: DataCebo launched SDV 2.0 to build generative relational models from a company’s own databases, generating synthetic data for training and evaluating AI agents without moving production data. Belgium in Defence Tech: GA-ASI and SoftBank completed a flight test of an MQ-9B disaster-relief communications payload, with MQ-9B operators including Belgium. Water Quality Reality Check: A study finds European rivers are improving, but only Slovenia is cleaning fast enough to meet 2030 targets.

Privacy & Retail Tech: Dutch eyewear chain Hans Anders has suspended sales of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses in the Netherlands and Belgium, citing privacy concerns and regulatory warnings about sharing recordings of identifiable people. Cybersecurity: Europol and partners launched Operation KillSwitch to dismantle the KillSec ransomware gang, seizing infrastructure and data and making arrests across multiple countries, including Belgium. AI & Data Governance: DataCebo released SDV 2.0 to generate synthetic enterprise data from a company’s own relational databases, aiming to keep sensitive production data under control while training AI agents. Health Tech: New phage-therapy guidelines highlight how personalized bacteriophage treatments could work alongside antibiotics, while also stressing Europe still lacks a harmonized legal framework for routine use. Circular Materials: Tech-Fab Europe backed the European Commission’s plan to “greenlist” nonhazardous composites waste shipments for recovery, pushing for cross-border scale-up of recycling. Belgium in the Spotlight: Unia says it will seek prosecution of Ghent University researcher Nathan Cofnas over alleged racist claims. Energy Resilience (EU): The European Commission opened infringement steps over outdated electricity risk-preparedness plans, including an additional notice to Belgium.

EU Border Tech (EES): Greece and other EU states are asking for more time to fully roll out the European Entry/Exit System, which requires many non-EU travellers (including Belgians’ Schengen partners) to register biometrics at entry instead of relying on passport stamps—after summer queues and delays. Telecom Cybersecurity: EU governments propose dropping a fixed 36‑month deadline for operators to swap out “high-risk” telecom gear, shifting replacement timing to risk and lifecycle factors—potentially affecting suppliers such as Huawei. Belgium Research & Ethics: Ghent University philosophy professor Nathan Cofnas faces a Belgian “equality” probe over alleged racism-linked claims tied to plagiarism allegations involving deceased Cambridge academic Jason Arday. Diabetes Screening (Belgium-led): A KU Leuven–coordinated European consortium reports that type 1 diabetes screening can be implemented across eight countries, supporting broader rollout in children. Health Tech (Prehospital AI): Powerful Medical and corpuls will integrate AI ECG analysis into emergency workflows across the EU, UK and Switzerland. Energy Prices: EU countries are rolling out fuel and gas price relief measures as diesel hits record highs, with Belgium among those reporting peaks. NextGenEU Funding: All EU member states have submitted final Recovery and Resilience Facility payment requests, completing the €360bn grants and €213bn loans process. Biotech Leadership (Addex): Addex Therapeutics appoints Jean‑Philippe Rocher to lead pharmaceutical development as translational science leadership changes.

Museum Security Shock: A wave of brazen European museum thefts is forcing institutions to rethink what they display and how they protect it, from missing crown jewels at the Louvre to robberies at smaller galleries. Belgian Health Tech: Powerful Medical and corpuls are partnering to bring Queen of Hearts AI ECG analysis into prehospital care across the EU, aiming to speed up heart-attack detection from the first ECG. EU Emergency Comms: The European Commission is pushing a cross-border crisis communication network to keep police, firefighters and emergency teams talking securely when normal networks fail. Belgian Cybersecurity: Microsoft warns of MSP360 phishing attacks that abuse legitimate remote-management tools to gain persistent access on Windows systems, with ConnectWise ScreenConnect used as a second remote channel. Belgium Climate Impact: New estimates put heat-related deaths across Western Europe above 34,600 this summer, with Belgium among countries seeing elevated mortality. Belgian Biotech/Clinical: Agomab reports positive long-term results for ontunisertib in fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease from a 48-week extension study. Belgian Business Tech: Apideck launches an Embedded Finance Index to map who buys from whom across the embedded finance ecosystem.

EU Emergency Comms: The European Commission proposed an EU Critical Communication System to link secure broadband emergency communications across borders, with rollout starting in 2030 and full coverage targeted by 2036. Belgium Defence: Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy says Belgium will deliver the first three operational F-16s by Dec 31, 2026, as maintenance delays in Belgium reportedly leave over half of Ukraine’s F-16 fleet unable to fly combat missions. Telecom in Belgium: Orange Belgium and Nokia showcased 50G-PON in a lab setting and deployed Nokia’s Altiplano automation controller, aiming for 50 Gbps connectivity. Cybersecurity: Apple fixed an exploited vulnerability in iOS 26/iPadOS 26/macOS 26, warning it could enable sophisticated targeted attacks. AI Policy: The EU reopened debate on AI copyright rules via a targeted consultation on generative AI, online piracy, performer remuneration and research. Space Science: ESA’s SMILE satellite delivered first auroral-ring images, while its X-ray magnetosphere imaging is expected in mid-October. Climate & Food: EU-backed research suggests “plant-based” messaging may backfire, with taste/seasonality/locality seen as more persuasive. Mobility Batteries: BYD plans solid-state batteries for European-bound EVs starting in 2027.

EU Emergency Comms: The European Commission unveiled the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) to link police, firefighters and civil protection across borders, shifting from radio to secure broadband (including 5G) with satellite backup for blackouts and major crises. Belgian Defence & Hybrid Threats: Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken warned “a dark winter” as hybrid attacks rise, pushing faster air-defence stockpiles and production, including Ukrainian drone-counter tech. Ukraine F-16 Readiness: The Wall Street Journal reports more than half of Ukraine’s F-16s are grounded in Belgium due to maintenance delays, raising fears of shrinking operational capacity. Belgian Tech & Industry: Orange Belgium trialled Nokia 50G PON with Altiplano automation, while Zymofix picked Deinze for a €6m flagship microbial manufacturing plant scaling solid-state fermentation. EU AI Copyright: The Commission reopened the AI copyright debate via a targeted consultation on generative AI use of protected content. Belgium in Global Rankings: KU Leuven climbed to 45th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with 10 Belgian universities listed overall.

Industrial Automation Interop: Avnu Alliance and OPC Foundation teamed up to align testing, certification and integration for OPC UA FX over TSN, aiming for multi-vendor, deployable industrial networks. Energy & Heating: Heat pump sales in 12 European countries jumped 11% in H1 2026 (about 1.16M units), as gas-price shocks and EU moves to cut electricity taxes boost demand—Belgium is included in the data. AI Logistics: Flexport launched a Model Context Protocol server so freight-shipping AI agents can track, quote and book via one interface, with customs tools added. Quantum for Defence: NATO published a quantum roadmap summary to speed adoption of quantum computing, communication and sensing, and to reduce disruption risks for allied forces. Belgian Fintech Win: Venly Finance won the Mastercard For Fintechs Belux semifinal, building stablecoin payment infrastructure for fintechs through a single API. Space Health Research: A new preprint proposes using controlled hypoxic environments as an active health parameter for deep-space radiation protection, with Belgian Nuclear Research Center and Ghent University among collaborators. Belgium in the Spotlight: Zelenskyy says Belgium will deliver three F-16s to Ukraine by year-end, alongside prototypes to counter jet-powered “Shaheds.”

Medtech & Radiation Oncology: Penn Medicine and Belgian proton-therapy tech firm IBA are teaming up in a new joint venture, Noventra Oncology Alliance, to help hospitals plan, launch and run proton therapy and advanced radiation oncology programs. Quantum for Defence: NATO published a quantum roadmap summary to speed adoption of quantum computing, communication and sensing across allied forces, with links to AI, space and next-gen networks. Space Health Research: A new preprint from an international team (including Belgian nuclear research and Ghent University) proposes using controlled hypoxic/hyperoxic living conditions as an active health parameter for deep-space radiation protection. AI & Cybersecurity: Apple patched an iOS 26/iPadOS 26/macOS 26 graphics-engine flaw that could enable highly targeted attacks, while Google formally appealed EU orders on Android AI access and search data sharing. Belgian Startup & Construction Tech: Ghent’s Spotable raised €4M seed funding to expand its software that helps roofing firms measure buildings and produce quotes faster. EU Border Security: The Commission unveiled a five-point plan to prevent and respond to sudden mass arrivals at external borders, including stronger Frontex powers and early-warning systems. Health & Ethics: Human-animal chimera research continues to raise big questions as scientists report progress toward transplantable organ potential.

Digital Safety & AI Governance: A UN panel hosted by Türkiye at UN HQ urged stronger international standards to protect children online, with Belgium’s Queen Mathilde warning kids shouldn’t be “guinea pigs” for AI-driven business models. Belgium Tech & Society: Orange Belgium brought ~250 parents and children together at #ForGoodConnections Day to tackle cyberbullying, screen time and fake news. Streaming Rights Clash: Disney removed 4K/HDR10 (plus Dolby Vision and 3D) from Disney+ across multiple European countries after a UPC injunction tied to InterDigital licensing. Autonomous Driving Scrutiny (Belgium): A Belgian mobility NGO says Tesla Full Self-Driving repeatedly breaks local rules in 30 km/h zones and tries to overtake cyclists on Belgian bicycle streets. Medical Tech (Belgium): Nyxoah appointed Liam Kelly as CEO, strengthening its US commercial push after FDA approval and the Genio launch. Health Research: Belgian-linked researchers tested a Mediterranean rockrose extract and found antifungal activity against skin-infecting dermatophytes. Space & Trade: Belgium–Kazakhstan talks highlighted cooperation in digital tech, AI, smart cities and logistics, while Africa’s space ambitions are shifting from policy to deployment.

Autonomous Driving Watch: A Belgian mobility NGO study says Tesla’s Full Self-Driving repeatedly breaks Belgian rules in 30 km/h zones and even tries to overtake cyclists on bicycle streets, with the system often “locking” onto the wrong speed limit. Health Tech in Belgium: Azalea Vision has enrolled the first patient in a Belgian-led proof-of-concept for a smart contact lens aimed at keratoconus and presbyopia. Digital Rights: Belgium faces a complaint over digital exclusion, with rights groups arguing online-only access is blocking healthcare, banking, transport and public services for people who can’t use digital systems well. EU Defence Industry: The EU has endorsed five joint defence projects of common interest, covering drones, maritime defence, space security, air/missile defence and Eastern Flank protection. Public Health Screening: The European Commission launches the first EU Screening Week, pushing citizens to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Energy Tech: Heat pump sales keep climbing across Europe as electricity-tax changes make electric heating more competitive. AI & Kids Safety: Belgium’s Queen Mathilde joined a UN panel calling for stronger international standards to protect children from online risks as AI advances.

Belgium & EU Industry: A new Oxford Economics study says the EU tyre sector is a huge jobs and GDP engine, but it’s increasingly exposed to imported tyres and imported inputs (including full dependence on natural rubber). Belgium Defence Tech: Belgium ordered three TRIDENT boats for Ukraine to deploy Exail’s K-STER C mine-clearing drones, with a €9.9m budget and a 24-month contract. Autonomous Mobility in Antwerp: Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ second Autonomous Summit spotlights scaling up real-world autonomy, including an autonomous truck authorised for public roads in Belgium. AI Governance Debate: EU leaders are pushing for stronger multilateral oversight of AI, warning that governance can’t be left to a few big tech firms. Public Health Leadership: WHO’s race for a new director-general has six candidates, including Belgium’s Hans Kluge, as funding and US ties remain contentious. Climate & Risk: The Met Office warns El Niño is strengthening toward a very strong event, raising odds of extreme heat, drought and flooding. Energy Prices: EU energy officials warn Europe’s gas crisis has shifted from supply problems to a sharp price crisis hitting households and industry. Tech in Logistics: Skechers is building a major automated distribution centre in Liège with KNAPP, aiming to supply Europe from 2028.

Industrial Heat Policy: The EU published final terms for its €1bn IF26 industrial heat auction, backed by ETS revenues, with support for electrification, direct renewables and (newly) nuclear tech; bids open in December 2026. Belgian Defence Tech: Belgium ordered three TRIDENT boats for Ukraine to deploy Exail’s K-STER C mine-clearing drones, funded with €9.9m and set for 24 months. Climate Risk: El Niño is strengthening to “very strong” levels, with forecasts warning of extreme heat, drought, flooding and disrupted weather patterns. AI & Society: A Belgian professor at the University of Liège was assaulted by Antifa radicals over military AI research, highlighting tensions around tech and defence. Logistics Automation in Wallonia: Skechers picked KNAPP for a major automated footwear logistics centre in Liège, aiming to supply Europe from 2028 and scale through mid-2030. Energy Storage: Construction is starting on a 2.8 GWh Belgian BESS project, part of the push for grid-scale storage. End-of-Life Debate: Pope Leo XIV condemned euthanasia and assisted suicide in Lourdes, calling it “false compassion” and urging care over killing. Local Governance: Federation Wallonia-Brussels budget cuts face fresh backlash as leaders defend €500m savings targets.

AI & Society: A Belgian university professor at Liège was assaulted by Antifa-linked activists over his research into military AI, reigniting debate on how far activism should go when it targets scientific work. Digital Policy: Spain pushes a new rule to block social networks for minors under 16, with platforms required to prove they avoid addictive designs and harmful content. EU Tech Regulation: The US DOJ is asking to intervene in court cases against an EU €120M fine for X under the Digital Services Act, as Brussels prepares to defend its enforcement. Autonomous Driving: The EU postponed a vote on Tesla Full Self-Driving (supervised) to December at the earliest, after a planned October decision slipped. Industry & Energy: EU ministers met on competitiveness, focusing on energy costs, AI integration, and Chips Act 2.0, while Belgium also weighs defence-industrial options after ASWF program delays. Health & Medtech: A new review highlights the XEN gel stent for glaucoma as a less invasive alternative to trabeculectomy. Belgium in the spotlight: Belgian brewers fight a proposed alcohol warning wording change in Brussels, arguing it blurs “abuse” and moderate drinking.

Digital Sovereignty & Sustainability: Europe’s push to keep data in-house is colliding with real-world resource use, as reports flag major electricity and cooling water demands for data centers. EU Tech Regulation Clash: The US has asked to intervene in court over the EU’s €120m X fine under the Digital Services Act, arguing extraterritorial overreach while Brussels says it has a solid case. AI & Youth Safety: Spain’s Congress is set to debate rules that would block social networks for minors under 16, with platforms required to prove they don’t use addictive designs or expose children to harmful content. Belgium Defence Tech: Belgium ordered three TRIDENT vessels for launching K-STER C mine-countermeasure drones for Ukraine, with Exail Robotics Belgium winning a €9.9m contract. Belgian Industry Policy: EU ministers in Brussels tackled industrial competitiveness, energy costs, AI integration, and Chips Act 2.0, alongside merger-control and economic security priorities. Health Tech (Glaucoma): A review highlights the XEN gel stent as a minimally invasive alternative to trabeculectomy for lowering eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Energy & Batteries: EnerVenue says it has started high-volume production of its aqueous metal cell, aiming for large-scale output.

Belgium Defence & Robotics: Belgium ordered three TRIDENT vessels to launch K-STER C underwater mine-countermeasure drones for Ukraine, with Exail Robotics Belgium winning a €9.9m contract. EU Industrial Decarbonisation: The European Commission published final terms for a €1bn industrial heat auction (IF26), set to open in early December, with fixed premiums tied to CO2 cuts. Belgian Space: Space Applications Services confirmed its LUVMI-M lunar rover will head to the Moon’s south pole in early 2029 on Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1. Health Research: A Lancet study finds radiotherapy after complete resection can significantly reduce recurrence risk for atypical meningiomas, with Belgian hospitals involved. AI & Youth Mental Health: A JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in young people. Ocean Monitoring: OceanEye International Alliance launched with pledges of over €211m (EU €92m) to expand global ocean observing. Cyber/Policy Watch: EU delays Tesla “Full Self-Driving” EU-wide vote to December at the earliest, after a Dutch request. Belgian Science in Action: Belgian-French-American researchers used genomic surveillance to track the chikungunya epidemic on Réunion and its spread beyond the island.

Belgium–Rwanda Reset: Belgium and Rwanda restored diplomatic ties after an 18-month rift tied to the DRC conflict, with analysts saying Brussels wants to stay in the room as Congo talks ramp up. Cancer Care Evidence: A new international trial led by MedUni Vienna found radiotherapy after complete surgery can cut recurrence risk for atypical meningiomas, with results set to feed into guidelines. PFAS Cleanup in Europe: IBA will coordinate LIFEDESTINY, a new EU LIFE project aiming to permanently degrade “forever chemicals” using a more sustainable, scalable treatment chain. Belgian Space Milestone: Space Applications Services plans Belgium’s first lunar rover mission (LUVMI-M) to the Moon’s south pole in early 2029, targeting ice/helium-3 and testing navigation and comms. Industrial AI Push: The European Commission is gearing up for an “Apply AI” summit in Brussels to speed AI deployment across manufacturing, healthcare, energy, mobility and defence. Grid-Scale Storage in Belgium: Giga Storage has started building a 700 MW / 2.8 GWh battery project in Limburg, aiming to boost grid balancing and congestion management. Cybersecurity Services Trend: A new roundup highlights Pentest as a Service options for European enterprises, stressing continuous validation over periodic checks. Auto Safety Watch: A Belgian road-safety group reports Tesla FSD misreads speed limits and attempts illegal cyclist overtakes in Belgium tests. Lunar Rover + Cargo Links: Brussels Airport signed an MoU with Hyderabad Airport to strengthen pharma and life-sciences cargo links between Belgium and India.