AGP Executive Report

EU Antitrust: Belgium’s Brussels-based spotlight is on Google again as the EU’s top court upheld a €4.1B Android antitrust fine, rejecting Google’s final appeal over alleged anti-competitive rules on Android pre-installations. World Cup, Seattle: Belgium’s Round of 16 is set against the U.S. after Senegal’s late collapse, and the build-up is dominated by Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension for a controversial red card—he insists it should’ve been yellow and says he’ll support from the sidelines. Belgium Football Mood: Belgium coach Rudi Garcia called the Senegal comeback a “remontada,” while defenders say they’re now focused on the tougher test ahead versus a U.S. team that’s grown into the tournament. Heatwave Toll: In Belgium, officials report 39% more deaths than normal during the late-June heatwave, with 1,222 excess deaths—described as unprecedented. NATO & Ukraine: NATO leaders, including Trump, are set to reaffirm “ironclad” collective defence in Ankara and pledge major military aid for Ukraine as U.S. support shifts. Belgian Diamonds & Diplomacy: Antwerp’s diamond community gifted a lavish “Freedom 250” ring to the U.S. ambassador for Trump, tying Belgium’s trade clout to the U.S. 250th celebrations. Sports Culture: Fans are debating steep U.S.-Belgium ticket prices, with some planning to watch in bars instead.

Heatwave Toll: Belgium’s death rate jumped 39% during the late-June heatwave, with 1,222 excess deaths recorded between Jun. 18 and Jun. 29, as France and the Netherlands reported thousands more across Europe. Air Defence Upgrade: Belgium is set to buy 20 Skyranger 30 air-defence systems plus 10 NASAMS launchers to protect key sites from drone attacks, with the deal expected to be announced at NATO’s Ankara summit. Congo Archives Open Up: Belgium is digitizing and opening colonial-era Congo geological records from the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, aiming to make data public within five years amid a global rush for critical minerals. NATO Commitments: NATO leaders, including Trump, are expected to reaffirm an “ironclad” Article 5 pledge and back Ukraine with €70bn in military aid for 2026. EU Trade/Politics: The Commission is pushing legal options to block trade with illegal Israeli settlements, while the European Parliament prepares votes including passenger-rights and support for the automotive sector. World Cup Belgium-US: The USMNT will wear a blue kit and Belgium a turquoise away jersey for the Round of 16 on July 6, and fans are already lining up for watch parties.

World Cup Shock for Belgium: Belgium’s Rudi Garcia praised captain Youri Tielemans after the midfielder’s 125th-minute penalty sealed a 3-2 extra-time comeback over Senegal, sending the Red Devils into the Round of 16 in Seattle. USMNT Blow: Folarin Balogun’s red card means the US has no route to appeal at this tournament, so he will miss the Monday clash with Belgium. Matchday Politics: King County says neither Donald Trump nor JD Vance will attend the USA–Belgium match, easing fears of a security lockdown. Belgium in the EU Spotlight: The EU Council backed an interim push letting online platforms voluntarily detect and remove child sexual abuse material while a longer framework is negotiated. Tech & Telecom: Proximus is modernising Belgium’s optical network with Ekinops under a 10-year deal. Business Ties: Sharjah Chamber and Belgium discussed stronger economic cooperation. Heat Warnings: Scientists warn that extreme heat is becoming a major adaptation challenge for humans.

World Cup Shock: Belgium completed a stunning 3-2 extra-time comeback over Senegal in Seattle, overturning a 2-0 lead with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, then sealing it with a VAR-awarded penalty in the 125th minute—the latest goal in World Cup history. USMNT Fallout: The United States also advanced, but top scorer Folarin Balogun will miss the Round of 16 vs Belgium after a straight red against Bosnia, with FIFA blocking any appeal. EU Policy Watch: Brussels warned airports and airlines that new EU border checks are causing “severe” summer disruption, with queues reported up to five hours. Housing Push: The EIB plans €6bn this year for affordable housing—double 2024—after EU regions urged faster delivery. Green Industry: MEPs backed rules to make cars easier to dismantle for reuse and recycling, shifting responsibility for end-of-life handling.

World Cup Shock in Seattle: Belgium staged a stunning comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in the Round of 32, after trailing 2-0 with minutes left. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back, Youri Tielemans equalised, then Tielemans converted a VAR-awarded penalty in the 125th minute for the latest winning goal in World Cup history, sending Belgium into the last 16. Next Up in Belgium’s Knockout Run: Belgium will face the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 16 after the US beat Bosnia 2-0, but the big storyline for the US is that striker Folarin Balogun was sent off and will miss the match. EU Court Watch: The EU’s top court is set to rule on whether to uphold a record €4.1bn Google antitrust fine tied to Android practices.

World Cup Knockout Focus: Belgium kick off their Round of 32 campaign in Seattle against Senegal, after topping Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand and a fully fit squad under Rudi Garcia—while Senegal arrive after a 5-0 surge past Iraq to reach the last 16 and will be aiming to end Belgium’s run. Local Emergency: Antwerp is reeling after a “raging fire” in a 10-storey apartment tower in Linkeroever killed at least five people, with more than 200 residents evacuated and others injured; police say the cause is still under investigation. Tech & Regulation: Brussels is pushing for progress on Siri AI for EU iPhone and iPad users after talks described as “constructive,” as Apple faces Digital Markets Act-related delays. Energy Snapshot: Eurostat reports renewable electricity in the EU rose to 45.5% of total generation in Q1 2026, led by wind. Belgian Football Transfer Watch: Orlando Pirates confirmed an agreement to sign Relebohile Mofokeng from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, pending a medical and contract terms.

World Cup Round of 32 (Belgium): Belgium kick off their knockout campaign in Seattle tonight against Senegal, with coach Rudy Garcia saying the squad is fully fit and warning Senegal are “very fast” and “very strong.” Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw calls it a “new competition” after a rough group stage, and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku insists the match is one of their toughest tests. World Cup Round of 32 (other key games): France thrashed Sweden 3-0 with a Kylian Mbappé brace, setting up a last-16 date with Paraguay, while Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and will meet Brazil next. EU trade policy: Brussels moves to curb cheap online imports by imposing a €3 fee on low-value parcels from China that previously entered duty-free, a blow aimed at Shein, Temu and AliExpress. EU diplomacy: Ireland’s EU presidency begins as Taoiseach and EU leaders meet Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Dublin to push talks on Ukraine’s EU membership and pressure on Russia. Belgium business/health: Belgium-based WHC launches its UnoCardio 1000 omega-3 supplement in Singapore, marking a push into Southeast Asia.

World Cup Focus: Belgium’s golden generation face Senegal in the Round of 32 in Seattle on July 1, with Romelu Lukaku warning it’ll be a “50/50” battle against a technically strong, physically tough side after Belgium’s 5-1 rout of New Zealand and earlier draws with Egypt and Iran. Transport Disruption: Eurostar cancels direct UK–Netherlands services after fire damage near Rotterdam, with London–Brussels running while Amsterdam and Rotterdam stops are suspended and travel times likely to rise. Belgium in the Spotlight Abroad: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot begins a three-day visit to the Philippines, marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties and aiming to push trade, investment, tech and maritime cooperation. Security Watch: A Belgian-linked warning highlights the “normalization” of foreign drones around European airports and military bases, alongside rising GPS/Galileo interference. Culture & Local Life: Mons’ UNESCO-listed Ducasse de Mons (“the Doudou”) returns with a week of procession, carnival and the famous dragon tail hunt for luck. Sports Business: Arsenal reportedly accept a €20m bid from Besiktas for Leandro Trossard, with any decision expected after the World Cup.

World Cup Shock in Houston: Brazil edged Japan 2-1 with Gabriel Martinelli scoring in stoppage time, keeping the five-time champions on track for the knockout rounds. Belgium Football Buzz: Belgium’s World Cup run continues after a 5-1 group-stage rout of New Zealand, setting up a Round of 16 clash in the coming days. EU–China Trade Talks: Brussels and Beijing agreed to keep talking to avoid a trade fight, with “tangible results” targeted by October as the EU warns the status quo isn’t sustainable. Brussels–Türkiye Diplomacy: A senior EU delegation is set to visit Ankara to discuss accession, visas, the customs union, migration and cooperation ahead of the NATO summit. Consumer Safety Watch: EU anti-fraud chief Olaf says Europe is being flooded with cheap, often non-compliant vapes from Asia, after a crackdown seized 94 million products. Belgium in the Spotlight: Reports say Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng is close to a move to Union St-Gilloise.

Belgium World Cup Focus: Belgium’s golden generation is chasing one last run at glory as the Red Devils head into the Round of 32 against Senegal in Seattle, after topping Group G with a late surge capped by a 5-1 win over New Zealand. EU Humanitarian Aid: The EU has approved €5m plus 50 tons of emergency supplies for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Belgium among the experts joining response operations. Brussels Tech & Rights: A Brussels CPDP panel warns that concentrated cloud infrastructure can weaken media freedom and democratic accountability, pushing for stronger protection at the “infrastructure layer.” Diplomatic Row in Cyprus: Cyprus says Turkey excluded it from COP31-related events; the EU calls the treatment “unacceptable” and backs equal access for member states. Business/Industry: CMB.Tech sold two suezmax tankers for a reported $100m gain, while the EIB commits €3bn to Airbus to support aerospace investment through 2030. Heatwave Reality Check: France faces long-term economic losses after a record June heatwave, with agriculture and construction hit and excess deaths reported.

Heatwave Toll: The WHO says Europe’s extreme heat has been linked to more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, with Belgium among the countries setting records and authorities urging heat-health action plans. World Cup Knockout Set: The Round of 32 is underway after Canada beat South Africa 1-0 on a stoppage-time goal, while Belgium’s next match is set against Senegal as the bracket takes shape. Belgium Festival Disruption: Katy Perry cancelled her Werchter Boutique set after a government-mandated stop over incoming thunderstorms and crowd-safety concerns. EU–China Trade Tension: In Brussels, EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovic meets China’s Wang Wentao as both sides test whether frictions can be eased amid fears of retaliation and pressure on European industries. Lightning Chaos in the Region: The Netherlands recorded over 300,000 lightning strikes during weekend storms, with severe weather also disrupting events in Belgium. Sports & Tech Glance: Belgium’s Jérémy Doku returned to camp after his child’s birth, while Chinese electric fan exports to Belgium and other EU markets surged amid the heat.

World Cup Knockouts Set: Belgium top Group G and book their Round of 32 spot, with Leandro Trossard’s brace and Kevin De Bruyne’s record-setting form driving a 5-1 rout of New Zealand; Belgium now face Senegal in Seattle as the tournament flips to win-or-go-home. Katy Perry Cancellation in Belgium: Werchter Boutique festival headliner Katy Perry’s set was cancelled at the last minute after Belgian authorities ordered it off due to severe weather and crowd-safety concerns. Belgium Aid for Venezuela Quakes: Belgium is sending shelter supplies and crisis experts via B-FAST after deadly 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit Venezuela, working with Luxembourg on transport. EU Online Shopping Surcharge: From July 1, EU consumers may pay a new 3-euro fixed tariff on certain low-value imports from outside the bloc, potentially raising costs for some online orders. Heatwave Impact: A record-breaking European heatwave continues, with hundreds of millions affected and deaths reported, including incidents near Brussels.

Belgium World Cup Surge: Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to win Group G and reach the Round of 32, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also on the scoresheet; coach Rudi Garcia brushed off “ugly” criticism and said the team is finally building momentum. Group G Ripple Effects: Egypt advanced after a 1-1 draw with Iran, while Iran’s fate hinged on other results after a late VAR decision; New Zealand’s first-ever knockout dream ended with the heavy defeat. Next Up for the Red Devils: Belgium will face a third-placed opponent in the Round of 32, with the bracket now set across the 32-team knockout field. EU Sanctions in Practice: A new look at how EU sanctions work in real life says Brussels writes the rules, but member states decide whether assets get frozen and cases actually stick. Belgium Road Rules: Traffic fines rise by 10% from July, and drink-driving brings a temporary 12-hour driving ban. Culture & Travel: Katy Perry’s Werchter Boutique set in Belgium was cancelled hours before showtime due to government-mandated weather and crowd-safety concerns.

World Cup Knockouts (Belgium): Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver to top Group G and book a Round of 32 spot. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net, after Belgium had drawn their first two games. Belgium will now face an as-yet unknown third-place finisher in Seattle. Group G Drama (Egypt & Iran): In the other match, Egypt and Iran drew 1-1 in Seattle, with VAR ruling out a late Iran winner for offside. Egypt finished second, Iran third and now must wait on other results to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Belgium Coach Response: Rudi Garcia pushed back on “ugly” criticism of the squad, saying the team’s performance showed they’re gaining momentum. Local Policy (Road Safety): Belgium is raising traffic fines by 10% from July, including higher immediate-collection amounts and a temporary 12-hour driving ban for drivers caught over the alcohol limit. EU Spotlight (Budapest Pride): EU commissioner Hadja Lahbib is set to attend Budapest Pride 2026 and meet Hungarian officials as part of equality policy talks. Heatwave Fallout (EU HQ): The European Commission shut off air-conditioning in most of its Brussels HQ during extreme heat, affecting lower floors but not von der Leyen’s office.

World Cup Knockouts: Belgium roared to life in Group G, beating New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver as Leandro Trossard scored twice, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also on the scoresheet, sending the Red Devils through as group winners and setting up a Round of 32 clash with a third-placed team in Seattle. Group G Twist: In the other match, Egypt and Iran played out a 1-1 draw in Seattle, leaving Egypt second and Iran waiting on their fate after a late goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. Next Up for Belgium: Belgium’s big test now comes Wednesday in Seattle, while New Zealand head home after a tournament that ended without a win. Belgium in the Spotlight: The win caps a turnaround from Belgium’s earlier draws and puts Trossard’s breakout at the centre of the story as Belgium chase a deeper run.

Heatwave Hits Belgium Hard: Belgium recorded its hottest day of the year as red heat alerts covered parts of the country, with public health warnings, smog alerts, and disruptions including a Eurostar breakdown near Leuven and cancellations like Waterloo’s Napoleon reenactment. World Cup Pressure on Belgium: Belgium’s must-win Group G clash with New Zealand is in focus after star winger Jeremy Doku rejoined the squad following the birth of his son, though coach Rudi Garcia signalled he may not play a full 90 minutes. EU Accession “Membership-lite” Plan: The European Commission is preparing a “membership-lite” approach to give candidate countries partial benefits while reforms continue, aiming to keep enlargement on track. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Belgian and EU-linked organisations including MSF, UNICEF Belgium and Oxfam are mobilising emergency support after major earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela. Belgium Business Watch: Sequana Medical in Ghent has resolved to file for bankruptcy, while Brussels also faces scrutiny over an EPPO fraud probe into InnoEnergy. Football Transfers: Hull City are in talks with Belgium defender Thomas Meunier as his Lille contract nears expiry.