Laatste nieuws in hardware
BMW Negotiates Minimum Pricing to Replace EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs
Brussels, Wednesday 25 February 2026
BMW is reportedly negotiating a minimum import price with Brussels to bypass tariffs on its Chinese-made EVs, a strategic pivot coinciding with Chancellor Merz’s high-stakes trade visit to Beijing today.
Fujikura Signals Major Restructuring with Liquidation of European Subsidiary
Amersfoort, Wednesday 25 February 2026
The Japanese manufacturer’s exit from its European entity unlocks 10.5 billion yen in tax assets, a strategic move likely to impact telecommunications supply chains across the Benelux region.
Dutch Coalition Secures Long-Term Ukraine Defence Funding as EU Consensus Fractures
The Hague, Monday 23 February 2026
As the new D66-led government takes office today, 23 February 2026, it has moved decisively to ringfence over €3 billion in military assistance for Ukraine through 2029. This strategic financial commitment arrives at a critical juncture; while Hungary blocks a €90 billion EU loan days before the war’s fourth anniversary, the Netherlands is unilaterally solidifying its long-term defence posture. Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has explicitly framed this as a necessity to counter Russian ambitions that extend beyond Ukrainian borders. Most significantly, this funding underpins a shift toward active European security integration, evidenced by simultaneous Dutch-French operational planning for a future ‘Coalition of the Willing’. By guaranteeing support years in advance, The Hague is effectively insulating its defence strategy from short-term political volatility, ensuring that procurement for dual-use technology and hardware continues uninterrupted despite diplomatic stalemates in Brussels.
Quantonation Ventures Closes €220 Million Fund to Propel Deep Tech Innovation
Paris, Monday 23 February 2026
Quantonation Ventures has successfully closed its second early-stage fund at €220 million as of 18 February 2026, significantly exceeding its initial target and doubling the size of its 2021 vintage. This substantial capital injection defies market scepticism regarding a potential ‘quantum winter’, signaling profound investor confidence in the European deep tech ecosystem. Backed by institutional heavyweights such as the European Investment Fund and Bpifrance, the fund targets physics-based startups, having already invested in 12 ventures including Pasqal and Quandela. This development underscores a pivotal moment for the sector, aligning with recent industry assessments that quantum computing is reaching a critical inflection point for commercial viability.
German Lawmakers Propose 'Buy European' Rules to Protect High-Skilled Jobs
Berlin, Saturday 21 February 2026
Amid reports of major corporations shifting R&D and administrative roles to India, German policymakers are pushing for ‘Buy European’ mandates in public procurement to safeguard industrial resilience.
Major European Powers Fast-Track Autonomous Drone Production
Krakow, Saturday 21 February 2026
In a significant shift towards strategic autonomy, Europe’s five largest military powers have agreed to mass-produce autonomous air defence systems within just twelve months. This rapid-reaction initiative, forged in Krakow, directly addresses the cost-asymmetry of modern drone warfare exposed in Ukraine. By prioritising low-cost, scalable ‘hunter’ drones over traditional expensive interceptors, the ‘E5’ nations aim to close the continent’s security gap and demonstrate the resolve demanded by Washington.
Independent experts appointed to steer Dutch energy transition strategy
The Hague, Thursday 19 February 2026
The Dutch government has formally appointed six independent experts to the newly established Council for Energy, effective 1 March 2026. Chaired by Ir. G.Ch.F.M. Depla, this advisory body is mandated to guide the Cabinet and Parliament through the complex transition toward a climate-neutral, reliable, and affordable energy system. Crucially, the Council will focus on bolstering the Netherlands’ strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and raw materials. Their remit includes advising on the National Energy System Plan, which outlines the long-term vision for infrastructure and regulation up to 2050. This development is particularly significant for the economic landscape, as the Council’s guidance will likely shape future investment priorities and regulatory frameworks essential for securing a resilient energy infrastructure.
Netherlands and Belgium Fast-Track Rail Integration to Boost Brainport Corridor
Antwerp, Thursday 19 February 2026
In a strategic move to fortify the European semiconductor supply chain, the Netherlands and Belgium signed a joint declaration on 18 February 2026 to accelerate critical cross-border rail projects. State Secretary Thierry Aartsen and Minister Jean-Luc Crucke have prioritised the ‘Brainport-Brussels’ passenger corridor, aiming to reduce travel time between these economic hubs from over three hours to just 2.5 hours. The agreement also fast-tracks the 3RX and Ghent-Terneuzen freight links, underscoring a shift towards integrated deeptech labour markets and enhanced military mobility in the region.