Podcast Summary: De 7 (De Tijd)

Episode Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Bert Rymen

Overview

This episode of De 7 covers seven key news items to kickstart your day, with highlights including the suspension of the demolition permit for the Tihange nuclear cooling towers, the government's setback on VAT reform, and Bpost's pilot for reusable delivery packages. The host, Bert Rymen, also delves into shifts in the coffee market and celebrates notable winners from a bus rally event.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Suspension of Tihange Cooling Tower Demolition Permit

Timestamp: 01:07

• The demolition (“sloopvergunning”) for the cooling towers at the Tihange nuclear site, previously greenlit for decommissioning, has been suspended by the authorities.
• This move delays deconstruction and introduces new uncertainties for the energy sector.
• The suspension is labeled as “serious” by the host and guests, particularly given Europe’s evolving energy landscape and regulatory norms regarding nuclear decommissioning.
• Bert Rymen notes:

  “De energie sector hier ber tet de sloopvergunning, David is geschorst. Dat claimen als ‘un serious’...wel onder nieuwe Europese aardnorm.”
  (01:07)

2. VAT Reform Setback for the Government

Timestamp: 00:35

• The government’s plans for VAT (BTW) restructuring have hit complications, sending policymakers “back to the drawing board.”
• The reforms were intended to simplify the system and adjust the key tariff from 21%.
• The failure to reach consensus means expected changes and economic impacts are postponed.

3. Bpost’s Pilot Project for Reusable Packages

Timestamp: 00:35, 01:04

• Bpost has launched a pilot project introducing reusable packaging (“herbruikbare pakjes”), in collaboration with partners and tech company Twintech.
• The pilot aims to reduce waste and make parcel logistics more sustainable, with CEO Alexander Carpentier at the technological helm.
• Bert Rymen explains:

  “B Post lanceert un prof project met herbruikbare pakjes, die terugsturen en real for wat stasi heldat technis me moragmakt.”
  (00:35)

• Alexander Carpentier’s involvement underscores the technical innovation behind the initiative.

4. Challenging Dynamics in the Coffee Market

Timestamp: 01:07

• In-depth focus on how major coffee chains like Costa (now under Coca-Cola’s ownership) are struggling in markets such as Belgium and Germany, facing stiff competition from strong local brands.
• Local chains (e.g. Black Sheep, Mad Mum, Izzy Coffee) have captured significant market share, outpacing global giants, including Starbucks.
• The host observes:

  “Dat wilde markte heeft met succes van kleinere locale…Costa concurreert Starbucks heeft met dat probleem te maken.”
  (01:07)

• In China, Starbucks faces rising competition from local challenger Luckin Coffee.

5. Financial Markets: Performance Recap

Timestamp: 12:20

• Quick update on financial trends and company results:
  • Financial sector’s performance wraps up with analysts noting a 13% year-over-year decrease in a given metric, attributed to reduced advertising revenues.
  • There’s a noted “winner from the beurs rally” called the “black wed Strat from the dead.”
  • Recognition is given to a golden duo, Kathleen Koels and Geert Messemann, victorious at the Palsendale bus rally.

6. Shoutouts & Winners

Timestamp: 12:24

• Beyond the economic updates, the podcast recognizes individual achievements:
  • Kathleen Koels and Geert Messemann as winners of the bus rally.
  • A shoutout for Astoki and Roberta Baj, who contributed to the production’s audio and video quality.
• Bert Rymen exclaims:

  “And we have a winner and well from the Burs rally…the black wed Strat from the dead. Gouden duo couple at Palsendale Kathleen Koels and Geert Messemann.”
  (12:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Tihange cooling tower permit suspension:

  “De energie sector hier ber tet de sloopvergunning, David is geschorst. Dat claimen als ‘un serious’.”
  (01:07, Bert Rymen)

• On local coffee chain success:

  “Dat wilde markte heeft met succes van kleinere locale…Costa concurreert Starbucks heeft met dat probleem te maken.”
  (01:07, Bert Rymen)

• On reusable packaging initiative:

  “B Post lanceert un prof project met herbruikbare pakjes, die terugsturen en real for wat stasi heldat technis me moragmakt.”
  (00:35, Bert Rymen)

Important Timestamps

• 00:35 – First mention of VAT reform and reusable packaging
• 01:07 – Discussion on Tihange’s demolition permit, coffee market analysis
• 12:20 – Recap on financial performances and bus rally winners
• 12:24 – More shout-outs and recognitions

Tone

The episode maintains a brisk, informative, yet slightly informal tone, providing listeners concise yet in-depth coverage of significant events, practical economic insights, and an appreciation for both business and community accomplishments.