Happy December!
Lots of changes this month in Belgium, as we detail in our usual beginning-of-the-month explainer.
One of the more interesting ones will be very apparent to you if you work for the Belgian Federal Government. From today, you will not be able to use the Chinese AI tool DeepSeek on your work devices.
Belgium is not alone in this. Many governments around the world, including Belgium's next-door neighbour the Netherlands, have already done so or are looking into it.
The issue is, of course, the perceived security threat from a Chinese company, and what may be done with your or any official data. It's the same argument that came to a head over 5G infrastructure, even though there is still no absolute certainty that China has harvested or is harvesting sensitive information for state use.
But AI apps won't be the last technology to come under scrutiny and potential restrictions or outright bans because they are considered a security risk.
Because of the interconnected technological world we now live and work in, it's safe to assume pretty much anything could be designated "critical infrastructure" as subject to scrutiny.
Take, for example, electric vehicles – where China dominates. They are full of chips and connected devices. Likewise, security cameras and surveillance equipment. Even solar panels and their inverters (which turn solar rays into electrical current) are now up for debate, as the most widely used and cheapest are all Chinese.
Anything could be classified as a security risk if we so deem it to be. And here we get back to the same old crux of the matter.
Europe is not at the forefront of either the latest hardware or software innovations that are being adopted at pace for the world we live in. It has no autonomy, or "sovereignty." It is reliant on other global tech powers for its future, and as things stand always will be. So Europe will continue to do what it does best instead: wring its hands and ask how this has come to pass, whilst expending thousands of hours and millions of euros talking about enacting regulation and safeguards to combat each new threat.
Europe leads the world in this. It's a shame we did not spend as much effort, money and brain power investing in the skills and innovation that have put other regions in first place in the tech race.
Anyway, I'm off to make sure my fridge is not currently selling my weekly shopping list to a hostile foreign power for millions of bitcoin.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. No more DeepSeek, cheaper credit, nuclear guards: What changes in Belgium on 1 December?
As the last month of 2025 is on its way, so are some new rules in Belgium. The most important changes and how they will impact you can be found here. Read more.
2. ‘Difficult, and even dangerous’: Belgium may simplify visa applications
The requirement to submit a visa application at a Belgian diplomatic mission in person can be difficult, and even dangerous. Read more.
3. Big shake-up for Belgian firms as e-invoicing becomes law in 2026
Belgian businesses are facing major changes in 2026 as traditional paper and PDF invoices are scrapped in favour of a new international network system. Read more.
4. Why Europe is ‘upping its game’ in Africa after years of taking the backseat
Andrew McDowell, a senior figure at the European Investment Bank, told The Brussels Times why he believes the EU needs to move its relationship with Africa to a new level. Read more.
5. Malala to present her newest memoir in Brussels this week
A unique event this Thursday gives the chance to provide audiences with a rare chance to engage directly with the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. Read more.
6. Dutch-far right politician targets Gaza protest at Brussels Winter Wonders
The opening ceremony of Brussels 'Winter Wonders' took place in the city centre on Friday evening. At a same time, a protest for Gaza was also held. Read more.
7. Rubens’ work ‘The Miraculous Catch of Fish’ is joined by modern painting in Mechelen
Rubens' historic triptych "The Miraculous Draught of Fishes" in Mechelen is now joined by a modern, enamel-on-steel interpretation by German artist Götze. Read more.
