1. Though completely understandable, that's not what he said and nor do I think it's the case.
2. If I was flying within Belgium, without a flight plan, he'd also have no prior warning of my departure - but would just fit me in between departing traffic.
3. Equally, I can arrive at the airport (non-international VFR) and the very first he knows is a call to TWR "approaching the CTR..."