Podcast Summary: De 7 (De Tijd)

Episode Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Bert Rymen

Episode Overview

In this episode of De Tijd's daily news podcast De 7, host Bert Rymen dives into the seven key topics to jumpstart your day with insight. Major points include the decision on a new nuclear power plant location in Belgium, the landmark EU-India trade agreement, and the debut of Belgian VR treadmill company on the Nasdaq. The episode balances national business news with global economic shifts, tech innovation, and industry implications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Location Decision for New Nuclear Plant

• Engineers Bureau Tractable releases a report announcing the shortlist for Belgium's new nuclear power plant: either Liège or Doel.
• This step is critical for the energy security and decarbonization plans of Belgium.
• (No direct segment or quote—short mention in the news roundup)

2. Boosts in the Luxury Sector

• Good news for the luxury sector is linked to ALP and remarks from LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault on December 27th about strong results and expectations for continued growth in the short term.
• The sector is seen as resilient amid fluctuating global markets.

3. The Landmark EU-India Trade Deal

• Host Bert Rymen notes India’s growing importance and the mutual celebration of the trade agreement:

  "India has risen and Europe is truly glad about it. We did it. We delivered the mother of all deals." ([04:42])

• The deal will impact several industries, especially through favorable tariffs and improved market access for both parties.
• European exporters—especially Belgian chocolate, beer, and alcohol producers—are expected to benefit from reduced tariffs on their products for the Indian market.
• "Impact for European for Jowen May journalist et u politik en economy here paradise." ([04:42])
  Overall tone: enthusiastic optimism for the "mother of all deals," suggesting historic significance.

Sectoral Impact:

• Automotive: Opens further access but comes with Indian competitiveness.
• Agro-food (including chocolate/beer): Belgian exporters will be more competitive with lowered tariffs.

  "Brought Cuckoo chocolate Blanc for Belgies exporters awarding the tariff beer and alcohol Vrebir oak for Verlacht." ([07:33])

• Textiles: Some European textile industries are concerned about increased Indian competition in the European market.

  "The textile sector wants India's textile Zel Optermentary Frey European Warden." ([07:33])

• Tech: No direct reference, but the implication is broader market access opportunities.

4. Tech Rally: Microsoft, Meta, Tesla

• Continued rally driven by AI advancements, especially with Tesla's latest updates in self-driving and robotaxi software.
• Host highlights the transformation of industries through AI, referencing growth and innovation cycles.

  "The AI rally impulse. Tesla Comstrux, Metzifers, Darworth Ruiverbacht Blecherskaevrolite Nar updates round self Reine the software and the Tesla Robo taxi." ([09:24])

5. Belgian VR Treadmill Company Omni Debuts on Nasdaq

• Introduction:

  "Virtual reality lob bande belevn a$ipo tes wundstag akten 20 januari welco." ([00:31])

• Omni's CEO, Jan Hutch, on innovation:

  "The Omni Coupland met newer AI driven 3D reconstruction technique as well as Gaussian splatting. Military specific for training simulation, mission planning, mission rehearsal. There's nothing like it." ([11:43])

• De Tijd notes that Omni is a unique, omnidirectional VR treadmill maker whose technology combines advanced 3D techniques and is being applied not just in gaming, but also in defense and military simulation.
• On growth and future plans:

  "Year over year. We are ready to scale in the Konzimentumacht met only one on the gaming system. Also Kennevo Machten Zwal's defense is also net bespoker met on the virtual train walk system. This we're only getting started and we are ready to scale and is that." ([12:35])

• Investors responded enthusiastically, with Omni's stock experiencing impressive gains:

  "...well truss en redlick dollar run the course scored initial 350%." ([12:55])

• The IPO is considered historic for Belgian tech firms on the Nasdaq.

6. Taxation and Corporate Finance Developments

• Brief mention of tax incentives and corporate financing related to stock market debuts. Details are light, but focus is on capital-raising opportunities for Belgian firms in US markets.

7. Urban Development and Infrastructure

• The episode wraps with a quick look at Belgian architecture and stadium projects encountering delays over building permits.
• Reflections on the need for streamlined infrastructure approval processes for both traditional and digital economy players.

Notable Quotes

• Bert Rymen on the EU-India trade deal:

  "India has risen and Europe is truly glad about it. We did it. We delivered the mother of all deals." ([04:42])

• Omni CEO Jan Hutch on the uniqueness of their technology:

  "There's nothing like it." ([11:43])

• On the VR company's historic Nasdaq moment:

  "...well truss en redlick dollar run the course scored initial 350%." ([12:55])

• On readiness for market expansion:

  "We are ready to scale... This we're only getting started and we are ready to scale and is that." ([12:35])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:31] – Introduction of Omni VR treadmill and context of Belgian tech innovation
• [04:42] – Celebration and significance of the EU-India trade deal
• [07:33] – Deep dive into sectoral impacts of the trade deal
• [09:24] – AI rally and highlights of Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla's innovations
• [11:02] – Introduction of Omni CEO and technological differentiation
• [11:43] – CEO Jan Hutch on VR treadmill and 3D techniques
• [12:35] – Discussion of scaling and market plans for Omni
• [12:55] – Market response and historic performance on the Nasdaq

Conclusion

This episode captures a pivotal moment for Belgian industry—at home and abroad: a once-in-a-generation EU-India trade accord, the intersection of AI and mobility, and a leap for Belgian VR tech into the American financial mainstream. Bert Rymen and his guests keep the tone pragmatic yet forward-looking, focusing on how today’s headlines could shape tomorrow’s economy.