Podcast Summary: De 7 – 19/02/2026

Host: Bert Rymen (De Tijd)
Main Topics:

• Telenet’s return to the stock market
• Carrefour’s openness to selling Belgian stores
• Next year’s possibility for wage growth above the index

Episode Overview

In this episode of De 7, host Bert Rymen discusses the seven key news items to know on February 19, 2026. The main themes include Telenet’s comeback to the Amsterdam stock exchange, Carrefour possibly selling its Belgian operations, prospects for wage increases in Belgium next year, and other notable international business topics (including Donald Trump’s views on the UN, Warren Buffett's reading habits, and Apple’s new wearable tech strategy).

1. Telenet’s Comeback to the Beurs (Stock Market)

Discussion Begins: [01:01]

Key Points

• Telenet is returning to the Amsterdam stock exchange, a decision driven by parent company Liberty Global, the American telecom and media conglomerate.
• Liberty Global also owns stakes in Vodafone (in the Netherlands) via a joint venture, operating under the Ziggo brand.
• The move underscores Liberty Global’s strategy to consolidate their telecom holdings and possibly divest some assets.

Insights

• Proximus and Orange Belgium remain major telecom players in the Belgian market, maintaining competition for both investors and consumers ([03:29]).
• Telenet’s re-entrance to Amsterdam may offer new opportunities for investors, especially with Liberty Global’s history of reorganizing telecom assets in Europe ([01:47], [02:49]).

Notable Quote

“Liberty Global is active in the Netherlands via Vodafone Ziggo, that's a joint venture between Liberty Global and British telecom group Vodafone. The fact that Telenet is returning to the Amsterdam exchange is part of their broader strategy.”
— Telecom Industry Expert, [01:47]

2. Carrefour Considers Selling Belgian Stores

Discussion Begins: [04:37]

Key Points

• Carrefour may sell its Belgian supermarkets, opening the door to possible market reshuffling in the Belgian retail sector.
• The supermarket giant is now active primarily in France, Spain, and Brazil, and is reassessing the importance of its presence in smaller markets, including Belgium.

Insights

• Carrefour faces significant competition in Belgium from local and international chains like Colruyt, Delhaize, Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Aldi ([06:52]).
• The company’s potential departure could trigger a wave of consolidation or new entrants in the market.

Notable Quote

“Carrefour is considering its place in meerdan Verdigland, but for now, it's focusing mainly on its core markets in France, Spain, and Brazil. That’s why it might let go of its Belgian shops.”
— Moderator, [04:37]

3. Wage Margin Above Index Likely Next Year

Discussion Begins: [10:47]

Key Points

• Belgian employees might expect wages to outpace indexation next year.
• This follows government automation of indexation and a positive economic outlook, potentially allowing additional wage growth after a period of stagnation.

Notable Quote

“That’s good news for our wallet: next year, there could finally be margin for wage growth above the index.”
— Moderator, [10:47]

4. U.S. Politics: Donald Trump, the UN, and International Relations

Discussion Begins: [08:35]

Key Points

• There’s analysis of Donald Trump’s activities and criticisms related to the United Nations.
• Trump’s skepticism about the UN’s effectiveness is discussed, noting the perception that it hasn't lived up to its potential.

Notable Quote

“Well, Mike, I mean the UN just hasn't been very helpful. I'm a big fan of the UN potential but it has never lived up to its potential.”
— Political Commentator, [09:50]

5. Warren Buffett’s Media Habits and Berkshire Hathaway Moves

Discussion Begins: [12:39]

Key Points

• Warren Buffett is again in the news for his investment choices and personal habits, notably his voracious reading.
• Buffett’s approach: “I probably read five to six hours a day.” ([13:13])
• He’s invested in major news outlets, exemplifying his belief in informed investing and steady media consumption.

Notable Quote

“I just read and read and read. I probably read five to six hours a day.”
— Warren Buffett (quoted), [13:13]

6. Apple’s Next Generation of Wearable AI Devices

Discussion Begins: [14:22]

Key Points

• Apple is accelerating the development of three smart devices: AR glasses, a pendant, and camera-embedded AirPods.
• The strategy is to ensure their AI is present wherever consumers want: on the face, neck, or in the ears.

Insights

• Apple is aggressively expanding its wearable ecosystem, seeking to close the AI gap with competitors like OpenAI, Meta, and Google.
• The focus will be on smart integration, usability, and AI-powered personal assistants.

Notable Quote

“Apple’s been working on these devices for quite a while. The strategy is to hit consumers wherever they want their AI—on their face, their body, their neck, or in their ears.”
— Tech Analyst, [14:22]

7. Other News & Closing Thoughts

Includes:

• The impact of Instagram on youth mental health ([04:37])
• Potential market changes in Belgian and European supermarkets
• Brief mention of automatization in Belgium ([10:47])

Memorable Moments & Segments

• [01:47] Telecom market consolidation in the Benelux and insight on Liberty Global’s strategy.
• [04:37] The future of Carrefour in Belgium and retail sector shake-ups.
• [10:47] The hopeful prospect of wage increases for Belgian employees above inflation indexation.
• [13:13] Warren Buffett’s daily reading habits and investment philosophy in media.
• [14:22] Apple’s multi-pronged wearable device strategy to lead in AI-enhanced hardware.

Overall Tone:
Factual, accessible, and engaging—fitting De Tijd’s mission to provide actionable, business-focused news each morning.

Recommended For:
Listeners who want a rapid, informed overview of the day’s most pressing business, tech, and economic news, with a focus on Belgium and global implications.