The cover of this annual report features a work of art by Joana Schneider that can be admired at our recently renovated DELA Maaslanden crematorium in Nieuwkuijk. The work is made of recycled rope from the fishing industry, a material with a long history that, through bundling, knotting, and coiling, is given new form and relevance.

That idea resonates with DELA. For nearly 90 years now, we have been building on a solid basis: our cooperative heart. For nearly 90 years now, we have continued to change and adapt in the knowledge that we play an important role in society by making a thoughtful, dignified, and colourful funeral possible for everyone. Because we want to stand strong as a modern cooperative that is relevant to its members in 90 years from now as well. Funerals will be different, depending on what people want at that time. Just like the recycled rope that retains its essence but in a new form, we continue to reshape the future on the basis of our trusted values.

This course was maintained in 2025. We closed another strong financial year and passed the one million mark for the number of people we insure in Belgium. In total, we now insure 5.6 million people and provide more than 54,000 funerals and 52,000 cremations a year. Member and customer satisfaction remains high, and our reputation strong, which underlines the trust in our organisation.

Employee satisfaction remained the same in the past year after a previous decline. We can still compete with the top of the labour market, and we continue to invest in a healthy, safe, inclusive, and pleasant working environment where colleagues feel seen, heard, and supported. Only then can they remain relevant to members, policyholders, bereaved families, guests, fellow funeral directors, and our partners/suppliers.