Podcast Summary: De 7

Episode: 05/12 | Duizenden Cowboy-investeerders zien geld in rook opgaan | Nieuw cruciaal overleg over Euroclear-miljarden | Spaarboekjes op record: wat zijn de betere alternatieven?
Host: Bert Rymen
Date: December 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "De 7" by De Tijd provides listeners with the seven crucial business and financial news points they need to start their day ahead. Host Bert Rymen guides listeners through the main events shaping the markets and political landscape, with special attention to the fallout for investors in Cowboy, crucial talks over the frozen Euroclear Russian assets, and the surge in Belgian savings accounts—addressing what alternatives might now be better.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cowboy-investors zien geld in rook opgaan

[00:24–06:24]

• The Belgian e-bike startup Cowboy is facing significant turmoil, leaving thousands of crowdfunders and small investors in the cold after its recent acquisition.
• Many saw their investments vaporize as the company struggled and was eventually taken over by a French buyer, highlighting the risks tied to crowdfunded ventures in the high-tech mobility sector.
• The episode comments on the fate of these "cowboy-investors," remarking on lessons not just for investors but also for the broader startup ecosystem in Belgium.
• Quote:
  "The savers and de belboy obk taken toward the Frans overnemer... de kansen op rebirth zijn bijzonder klein." (Paraphrased, 01:08)

2. Toekomst van Cowboy en de Belgische startup-scene

[04:18–06:24]

• Despite promising beginnings, Cowboy's journey accentuates how fragile startup futures can be if profitability and sustainable growth are not prioritized.
• There’s reflection on how such high-profile collapses can impact broader public confidence in investing in innovative companies.

3. Euroclear-miljarden: Politiek en diplomatie in actie

[07:38–10:15]

• Diplomatic efforts ramp up as international leaders debate the fate of billions in frozen Russian assets held in the Belgian clearinghouse Euroclear, destined possibly for Ukraine's reconstruction.
• Notable political figures involved in the dialogue include Russia’s Dimitry Medvedev, Belgian premier Alexander De Croo, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, and Ursula von der Leyen.
• The complexity and high stakes of the negotiations are underlined, as European unity is tested regarding the legal, financial, and political risks of using the assets.
• Quote:
  "Merz is nu in Brussel om met Premier De Croo en Commissievoorzitter von der Leyen te overleggen over deze uiterst gevoelige kwestie." (Summarized, 09:09)

4. Minimumwinstbelasting voor multinationals

[10:26–13:38]

• New developments around the international negotiations for a global minimum tax for multinationals, with opposition from significant non-EU economies such as the United States and India.
• The debate exposes how some European countries are pushing ahead, risking economic competitiveness, while the global implementation remains stalled.

5. Belgische spaarboekjes op recordhoogte – maar wat zijn de alternatieven?

[13:38–15:27]

• Belgian savings accounts have reached new record levels, but returns remain minimal (maximum €500–€600 per year for most savers).
• The host and financial experts debate whether it’s time for Belgians to seek better alternatives—hinting at stocks, bonds, or other investment vehicles and underscoring the need for financial literacy.

6. Licht intermezzo: Donald Trump over voetbal

[15:27–15:38]

• Humoristic aside as Donald Trump jokes about joining soccer for the lucrative salaries:
  • Quote:
    "I may try and play. I'm a very good athlete... I look extremely good in shorts." (Donald Trump, 15:27)

7. FIFA en kleinere voetbalnaties: De weg naar het WK

[16:08–17:26]

• Recent FIFA reforms give smaller nations (like Albania, Kosovo, Suriname) new opportunities to qualify for the World Cup.
• Host highlights how these changes lead to increased engagement and commercial opportunities, but also raise questions about ticket prices and organizers' motives.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cowboy collapse:
  "De kansen op een rebirth voor Cowboy zijn bijzonder klein." [01:08]
• On multinationals & taxation:
  "The worldwide minimum ballasting for multinationals... wordt niet universeel gedragen." [10:26]
• Donald Trump’s humor:
  "I see the money that these soccer players are making... I look extremely good in shorts." (15:27–15:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Cowboy-investors in de problemen: 00:24–06:24
• Euroclear-miljarden – internationaal overleg: 07:38–10:15
• Multinational minimum tax: 10:26–13:38
• Spaarboekjes & investeringsalternatieven: 13:38–15:27
• Donald Trump over voetbal: 15:27–15:38
• FIFA & kleinere voetbalnaties: 16:08–17:26

Tone & Speaker Style

• The episode maintains a factual, insightful, yet approachable tone. Bert Rymen mixes analytical commentary with occasional light-hearted moments, making financial and political complexity clear without jargon overload.
• Humor is used sparingly, helping to break up dense topics and keep listeners engaged.

This summary is designed to provide a comprehensive, engaging overview for listeners who may have missed the episode but want to stay abreast of the day's vital news in business and finance.