(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, Finland, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Neste Corporation has again been designated a Leader in Global Child Forum’s annual The State of Children’s Rights and Business 2026 benchmark, which evaluates how major companies address children’s rights.

Neste received 8.7 points out of a possible 10 and ranked first in the Energy and Utilities sector. The 2026 assessment covered 1,802 companies worldwide, spanning eight sectors and 33 industries. According to Neste, the result reflects its continuing commitment to respecting human rights and protecting children’s rights across its business operations and value chains.

Global Child Forum is a Swedish non-profit foundation that assesses the approach of influential companies to children’s rights. It also convenes leaders from business, civil society, academia and government to encourage action on social change relating to children. Its work draws on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, and the foundation’s research and tools.

Further details are available through the benchmark methodology and the Global Child Forum 2026 report.

Further information

Neste Corporation Communications. Neste’s media service can be reached at +358 800 94025 or media@neste.com on weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET. Subscriptions to Neste releases are available at Neste’s media subscription page.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) is the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with production on three continents. Neste’s strategy focuses on growth in renewable fuels. The company’s renewables production capacity is expected to reach 6.8 million tons annually in 2027. Neste also produces high-quality oil products at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. The company has a network of nearly 1,000 fuel stations with expanding service offering, such as EV charging, in Finland and in the Baltics. Neste is included in many international indices for its sustainability performance. In 2025, Neste’s revenue stood at EUR 19.0 billion. Read more: neste.com

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, Norway, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Statkraft has outlined four potential paths for the global energy system through 2050 in its Green Transition Scenarios 2026 report, projecting sustained growth in electricity consumption as renewable generation, electrification and energy security become increasingly important to economies worldwide.

Published on 13 October 2026, the report forecasts that global electricity demand will rise by between 50 per cent and more than 100 per cent by 2050, depending on the scenario. Solar and wind power are expected to help renewable energy become the largest source of electricity by 2035, supported by wider deployment of power grids and storage technologies, including batteries.

Statkraft identifies electrification as an increasingly important factor in industrial development and economic competitiveness, particularly in countries and regions that rely on imported fossil fuels. Despite rising electricity demand, overall growth in energy consumption is expected to slow as efficient electric technologies displace fossil-fuel-based alternatives.

– In a turbulent world marked by growing geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and major regional differences, electricity is increasingly becoming the foundation for competitiveness, energy security and industrial growth, says Torjus Folsland Bolkesjø, head of Global Energy Drivers in Statkraft and co-author of the report.

While the four scenarios differ in their assumptions about geopolitical developments, costs and the speed of transition, each anticipates a greater economic role for electricity. The report argues that expanding renewable generation must be accompanied by investment in networks, storage and system flexibility to accommodate growing volumes of variable renewable power.

– The next phase of the energy transition is not only about building more renewable power generation. It is about using this clean electricity and at the same time developing the grids, storage, and flexibility needed for power systems with an ever-higher share of renewable energy to function. Countries that succeed in electrifying their economies while expanding domestic renewable energy generation will become less dependent on fossil fuel imports. This strengthens energy security and supports industrial competitiveness, says Bolkesjø.

Electric technologies can reduce overall energy requirements

The report points to electric vehicles and heat pumps as examples of technologies capable of providing the same services with substantially less energy than conventional fossil-fuel systems. Electric vehicles consume 60–90 per cent less energy than internal combustion engine vehicles, while heat pumps can lower energy requirements for heating by 50–80 per cent.

– When we replace fossil energy with efficient electric solutions, we get more transport and heat from each unit of energy. This reduces total energy use, emissions and costs, says Mari Grooss Viddal, Head Analyst and co-author of the report.

Emissions decline across scenarios, but the 1.5°C goal remains out of reach

Statkraft’s modelling suggests that global energy-related CO₂ emissions are approaching their peak and will decrease towards 2050. The extent of that decline varies considerably: depending on electrification, renewable deployment and climate policy, emissions could fall by between 20 and 56 per cent from current levels.

Even the scenario with the strongest green transition does not achieve the 1.5°C climate target on its own. At the other end of the range, the least favourable scenario indicates warming below 2.7°C with a 67 per cent probability, unless emissions reductions are strengthened after 2050.

Europe’s renewable growth increases the need for grids and flexibility

The report describes substantial progress in renewable electricity production across the European Union, alongside continuing challenges in electrifying demand, integrating energy systems and extending grid infrastructure. Renewables supplied 48 per cent of EU electricity generation in 2025, compared with 38 per cent in 2021.

Despite that progress, the EU continues to import 57 per cent of the energy it consumes, sustaining policy concerns about energy security and competitiveness. More efficient electrified technologies could reduce the amount of energy required to provide transport, heating and other services.

– The question for Europe is no longer whether renewable energy will play a greater role. The challenge is to expand power grids, electricity storage and flexibility quickly enough to support an increasingly electrified economy, says Viddal.

AI and data centres add uncertainty to future electricity demand

The expansion of artificial intelligence is expected to drive additional electricity use by data centres. Across Statkraft’s scenarios, data centres could account for 6–9 per cent of total EU electricity consumption by 2050.

The eventual outcome will depend on AI adoption, improvements in chip and software efficiency, access to electricity networks and acceptance of new facilities by local communities. Statkraft also identifies the availability of new power generation and grid connections as important determinants of where data centres can be developed.

– Artificial intelligence could become a significant new driver of global electricity demand. At the same time, more efficient technologies may moderate growth. The pace at which new power generation and grid capacity can be developed will be decisive for where and how quickly new data centres are established, says Bolkesjø.

Norway’s power surplus could narrow as demand rises

In Norway, where 98 per cent of electricity generation is renewable, relatively slow development of new capacity could constrain the future power surplus. The report projects annual output of between 176 TWh and 253 TWh in 2050, with much of the difference reflecting varying assumptions about wind power expansion.

Since 2021, Norway has installed approximately 6 GW of new generation capacity, against 13 GW in neighbouring Sweden.

– Norway’s challenge is not a lack of resources. The challenge is whether new generation and grid capacity can be developed quickly enough to meet rising demand and maintain industrial competitiveness, says Viddal.

Statkraft’s modelling indicates that onshore wind, complemented by flexible hydropower, could supply substantial volumes of competitively priced electricity in Norway and across the Nordic region. Hydropower is expected to remain the dominant source of Norwegian generation in 2050, with a projected share of 60–80 per cent depending on the scenario. Stronger domestic transmission networks and interconnectors will also be important for supply security.

About Statkraft’s Green Transition Scenarios:

The Green Transition Scenarios energy report provides forecasts for the development of the energy transition from 2026 to 2050 across four scenarios, with a focus on global, European, and Norwegian perspectives. The report is published annually and is based on insights and analyses from Statkraft experts who work with energy infrastructure, analysis, systems, and trading in more than 20 countries.

Read the complete Green Transition Scenarios report on the Statkraft website.

For further information:

Torbjørn Steen
Vice President External Communications
Telephone: +47 911 66 888
E-mail: torbjorn.steen@statkraft.com

Lars Magnus Günther
Corporate media relations lead
Telephone: +47 912 41 636
E-mail: larsmagnus.gunther@statkraft.com

Marte Lerberg Kopstad
International Media Relations Lead
Telephone: +47 995 22 026
E-mail: martelerberg.kopstad@statkraft.com

Renew the way the world is powered​

Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, and gas-fired power. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has around 6,200 employees in 20 countries.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Eckert & Ziegler Brazil, the Brazilian subsidiary of nuclear medicine group Eckert & Ziegler SE (ISIN DE0005659700, TecDAX), and Netherlands-based TerThera have signed a strategic agreement to supply GMP-compliant Terbium-161 (Tb-161) for radiopharmaceutical applications in Brazil. Announced on 13 October 2026, the arrangement is intended to establish a dependable South American supply chain for the isotope and support access to the next generation of radioligand therapies.

Under the agreement, TerThera will provide its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant non-carrier-added (n.c.a.) Terbium-161 precursor to Eckert & Ziegler Brazil. The partners expect this supply arrangement to support the availability of advanced radioligand therapies for Brazilian patients and give domestic pharmaceutical developers and clinical institutions access to GMP-grade Tb-161 for further investigation.

Researchers and developers in Brazil will be able to explore pairing the isotope with new peptides, antibodies and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitors to address a range of oncological indications. The collaboration links isotope production with local radiopharmaceutical development and distribution, with the aim of broadening therapeutic possibilities in cancer care.

Terbium-161 is a carrier-free lanthanide radionuclide produced through neutron activation. Its chemical properties are comparable to those of established radiolanthanides, while its additional Auger electron emissions and associated higher linear energy transfer may strengthen tumour-targeting effects, including against primary tumours and micrometastases. According to the companies, recent clinical results suggest promising antitumour responses, including in cases following the discontinuation of conventional treatment. They point to the potential to deliver a highly localised radiation dose to tumours while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Strengthening Brazil’s theranostic capabilities

“It is a great milestone that after six years of absence we are back in Brazil with a potentially better radionuclide,” said Philippe van Overeem, CEO of TerThera. “Having supplied Lutetium-177 to Brazil for almost two decades, I know firsthand the passion and capability of the local nuclear medicine community. Returning to this market with GMP-grade Terbium-161 allows us to build on that legacy and give Brazilian doctors and researchers a powerful, next-generation tool to treat micro-metastases and complex tumors more effectively.”

The partnership brings together TerThera’s isotope production capabilities and Eckert & Ziegler’s established manufacturing and distribution network across Latin America. The companies intend to use this combination to improve local access to Tb-161 and support the development of targeted treatments in the region.

“We are proud to partner with TerThera to bring this highly promising isotope to South America,” stated Fabrício Diel, the Managing Director of Eckert & Ziegler Brazil. “Integrating Terbium-161 into our portfolio perfectly aligns with our mission of “Contributing to saving lives” and our goal to expand local access to strategic theranostic solutions. By combining this premium radionuclide with advanced targeting agents here in Brazil, we are shortening the supply chain and opening new clinical horizons for oncology patients across the region.”

About Eckert & Ziegler

Eckert & Ziegler SE, with more than 1,100 employees, is THE leading independent radioisotope supplier and a specialist in isotope-related components for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. The company offers a broad range of services and products for the radiopharmaceutical industry, from early development work to contract manufacturing and distribution. Eckert & Ziegler shares (ISIN DE0005659700) are listed in the TecDAX index of Deutsche Börse.

http://www.ezag.com

About TerThera BV

TerThera is a radionuclide production focused company based in The Netherlands. The founders and the staff of TerThera have decades of experience in the nuclear medicine industry and are giving their full focus on the production of the innovative radionuclide Terbium-161 (Tb-161). TerThera is building a global platform to meet the growing demand for radionuclides in oncology and nuclear medicine.

http://www.terthera.com

Contact

Eckert & Ziegler SE, Karolin Riehle, Investor Relations
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 30 / 94 10 84-138, karolin.riehle@ezag.de, http://www.ezag.com

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Voith has been selected by Statkraft Energi AS to modernize the Sima hydropower plant in Eidfjord, Norway, a significant asset within the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. The facility, commissioned in 1980 and described as Norway’s second-largest hydropower plant, will undergo extensive upgrades to its electrical power and automation systems. The project aims to extend its operating life, maintain long-term availability and reduce failures and unplanned downtime.

Voith will undertake the comprehensive modernization while the plant remains operational, helping avoid costly production interruptions. New components will be integrated with existing infrastructure in carefully managed phases. This step-by-step replacement of control and electrical systems is intended to maintain reliable operation during the transition and limit the risk of unscheduled shutdowns.

Voith takes responsibility for the modernization

The Sima hydropower plant comprises two waterways and four generating units, with total installed capacity of 1,120 MW and annual renewable electricity generation of approximately 3,100 GWh. Under the agreement, Voith will assume responsibility for modernizing the existing control system.

Voith’s scope includes electrical and balance-of-plant equipment as well as software developed and maintained by its in-house specialists. The plant will receive new automation systems, electrical protection systems and AC/DC systems, along with various medium-voltage components and associated cabling.

Statkraft is Norway’s and Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy. Its hydropower plants account for approximately one-third of Norway’s electricity output. The company continues to invest in its hydropower fleet to support reliable renewable generation, building on a working relationship with Voith that has lasted more than 20 years.

“We have partnered with Statkraft for more than twenty years, which gives us in-depth knowledge of their requirements and a clear perspective on the complexities involved in the modernization of the Sima plant. By taking full responsibility for this project, we are able to streamline processes, minimize risks, and ensure a smooth and rewarding experience for everyone involved. We are proud to support Statkraft’s commitment to ensuring reliable hydropower generation for the long term.”

Oeyvind Holm, Head of Sales Norway at Voith Hydro, said.

“The Sima hydropower plant is an impressive example of engineering excellence that has been generating electricity since 1980,” added Kristin Lindvik, Power Plant Manager at Statkraft. “Our goal is to extend its lifetime in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible. It is crucial that modernizing of such a critical plant is performed safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to our operations and production of renewable power.”

About Statkraft

Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, and gas-fired power. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has around 6,200 employees in 20 countries.

About the Voith Group

The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.8 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

Read more about the Voith Group.

About Voith Hydro

The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.

More about Voith Hydro.

Media contacts

Tamara Lemm, Manager Regional Communications – EMEA: +49 7321 37 9940.

Katharina Agüera, Senior Vice President Group Communications: +49 152 27438662.

Florian Otto, Vice President, Head of Global Media Relations & Public Affairs: +49 173 7509681.

(PRESS RELEASE) SINGAPORE, Singapore, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — SINGAPORE, 13 October 2026 – De Nora has received the ICCS Business Award – Best Italian MNC in Singapore for 2026 from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (ICCS), recognising its industrial development in Singapore and its wider operations across Southeast Asia.

The distinction was presented at the Business Awards Lunch, attended by H.E. the Ambassador of Italy to Singapore. The award highlights De Nora’s established presence in Singapore, which serves as the Group’s Southeast Asian hub and plays a strategic role in its international expansion.

De Nora further expanded its regional activities in July with the acquisition of BW Water, now De Nora Singapore Pte. Ltd. The acquired water treatment business has an engineering hub in the Philippines and a manufacturing facility in Malaysia. The transaction led to the formation of the Group’s new Integrated Water Solutions (IWS) product line.

Additional commercial momentum in Southeast Asia comes from recently concluded partnerships and market agreements. Through De Nora Singapore, the Group has secured a contract worth approximately €30 million to provide a wastewater treatment plant for a new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, commissioned by a leading international player.

ICCS stands for Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (Camera di Commercio Italiana a Singapore). MNC means multinational company.

De Nora

Industrie De Nora S.p.A. is an Italian multinational company founded in 1923 and listed on the Euronext Milan stock exchange. A global leader in electrochemical processes and technologies for water management, it provides products and services that enable industrial processes in the chlor-alkali, electronics, battery, water treatment (both municipal and industrial), and green hydrogen sectors. With an operational presence across multiple regions—including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia—De Nora delivers customized solutions, effectively and reliably meeting market demands. Committed to ESG principles, the company integrates environmental sustainability and social responsibility into all its activities.

For further information and to access the Media Kit: Media Kit | De Nora

Investor Relations

Chiara Locati
+39 02 2129 2124
ir@denora.com
Investor Relations | De Nora

Media Relations | Barabino & Partners

Office: +39 02 72.02.35.35
Sabrina Ragone – s.ragone@barabino.it +39 338 25 19 534
Elena Magni – e.magni@barabino.it +39 348 478 7490

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, England, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Burberry has unveiled its latest collection developed with Highgrove Gardens, which surround the private residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Gardens are managed by The King’s Foundation, His Majesty’s flagship nature and sustainability charity.

For the partners’ fifth creative collaboration, the collection incorporates a watercolour painted by His Majesty The King. The artwork depicts Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate and provides the central motif for the capsule’s prints, while also informing its green-toned colour palette.

Reflecting a mutual appreciation of the British countryside, the Highgrove x Burberry collection offers new interpretations of Burberry signatures, including the Waterloo trench coat, Mayfair trench jacket, a car coat, a quilted jacket and an intarsia-knit sweater. Burberry’s House Check appears in an exclusive bay green palette across outerwear, cashmere scarves, garment linings and silk accessories.

The collection

The capsule’s signature trench and car coats are made in England using cotton gabardine and feature detachable wool cashmere warmers. Additional layering pieces include a lightweight nylon quilted jacket finished with corduroy trims, and a wool sweater intarsia-knitted with His Majesty’s watercolour artwork.

The seasonal bay green House Check is woven into a cashmere scarf crafted in Scotland and also features on cotton poplin linings and wool cashmere warmers throughout the outerwear range. A printed silk scarf presents the collection’s artwork surrounded by the check pattern.

The collaboration emphasises British craftsmanship and material sourcing: both the main fabric and lining of the trench and car coats are made in England from 100% organically grown cotton gabardine.

Notes to Editors

About Burberry

Burberry is a global luxury brand founded in Britain in 1856 by Thomas Burberry. Built on a heritage of innovation, craftsmanship and exploration, the house continues to create outerwear, ready-to-wear, accessories and experiences that celebrate British creativity and design.

About Highgrove

The Highgrove x Burberry collection is inspired by Highgrove Gardens. The Gardens are under the custodianship of The King’s Foundation, the charity founded by His Majesty.

Highgrove Gardens cover around 15 acres and are beautifully landscaped with a variety of themed areas. Highgrove is renowned for its organic gardening principles and emphasis on sustainability, reflecting King Charles III’s long-standing interest in environmental conservation.

The Gardens are considered among the most inspiring and innovative in the United Kingdom and are now home to The King’s Foundation’s educational workshops, which teach young people traditional heritage skills.

Burberry PR
Horseferry House
Horseferry Road
London SW1P 2AW

Press.office@burberry.com

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — TEKEVER, a European provider of AI-driven autonomous systems, has launched TEKEVER Germany, establishing a new national operation headquartered in Munich. The move forms part of the company’s expansion across Europe and underlines its stated long-term commitment to Germany’s defence, security and industrial sectors.

The launch follows TEKEVER’s recently announced Series D funding round of up to $580 million at a $6.4 billion valuation. It also builds on the company’s major investment plans in the United Kingdom (£400 million) and France (€200 million), with significant investment planned for the new German operation.

TEKEVER is already collaborating with the Bundeswehr on potential applications of autonomous systems across different missions, including logistics and force support. Germany’s armed forces have received their first TEKEVER uncrewed aerial system, a heavy-lift platform intended to help assess the operational benefits of long-endurance autonomous capabilities and inform future concepts of operation in complex mission environments. TEKEVER has also reported successful participation in military exercises as Germany explores the integration of autonomy into defence structures.

As TEKEVER’s headquarters for the DACH region, the Munich operation will bring together engineering, business development and customer engagement activities. It will also support collaboration over the longer term with German industrial, research and technology partners.

Ricardo Mendes, TEKEVER, CEO, said:

“TEKEVER Germany represents an important milestone in our European growth strategy and reflects our long-term commitment to Germany.

“Germany is one of Europe’s foremost centres of engineering excellence, innovation and industrial capability. By establishing TEKEVER Germany, we are creating a long-term foundation for regional growth, collaboration and investment.

“Our collaboration with the Bundeswehr has already demonstrated the value advanced autonomy can bring across multiple mission areas, including logistics and force support. By combining Germany’s engineering talent and industrial strength with our autonomous technology, we can help strengthen both Germany’s technological capabilities and Europe’s strategic autonomy.”

TEKEVER Germany is part of the company’s wider approach to establishing national operations in strategically important European markets. The new presence complements TEKEVER’s existing activities in Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, Ukraine and Estonia. Through local investment, engineering expertise and long-term industrial relationships, TEKEVER aims to develop a pan-European autonomy ecosystem supporting defence, security and critical-infrastructure missions for Europe and its allies.

Contact

info@tekever.com | media@tekever.com

Website: TEKEVER

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, Austria, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) is expanding its insurance support for businesses in Ukraine as its Ukrainian non-life insurer USG joins the Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Guarantee Facility (URGF), established by Aon and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The arrangement provides additional reinsurance capacity for war-related exposures, helping to maintain the availability of insurance protection for Ukrainian businesses.

Expanded war risk insurance capacity for Ukrainian businesses

The Aon-structured URGF is increasing in size from EUR 110 million to EUR 150 million. It has already facilitated more than EUR 500 million of reinsurance coverage for goods and vehicles through nearly 10,000 policies. The increase comes as intensified attacks place further strain on companies and the Ukrainian economy. Access to adequate war risk cover is important for businesses seeking to manage exposures, keep operating and support investment during the continuing conflict.

Peter Höfinger, Deputy CEO of Vienna Insurance Group, said:

“The renewed and intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy, transport and civilian infrastructure underpins the importance of functioning insurance solutions right now. Businesses need the ability to protect their assets and maintain operations even under these extremely difficult circumstances. Together with our strong partners Aon and EBRD, we are helping to provide additional insurance capacity where it is urgently needed and, at the same time, supporting the resilience of the Ukrainian economy.”

Broader reinsurance access and additional types of cover for USG

Participation in URGF gives USG access to further reinsurance capacity for war-related risks. The facility’s coverage has also broadened to include the transportation and storage of gas-related assets. An additional line of business provides protection for inventory goods held temporarily in warehouses, alongside the inland cargo, motor vehicle damage and railway rolling stock risks previously covered by the scheme.

Liane Hirner, CFRO of Vienna Insurance Group and responsible Board Member for Ukraine, said:

“Ukraine is an important core market for VIG, and we are committed to supporting our companies and their customers there for the long term. The additional reinsurance capacity gives USG greater scope to provide cover for risks that are particularly challenging under current conditions. Providing insurance in a war environment requires sufficient risk-​bearing capacity and strong international partnerships”.

International donors support the facility, while the additional capacity is backed by the European Union through its Ukraine Investment Framework.

Greg Case, President and CEO of Aon, said:

“We are proud to continue our cooperation with Vienna Insurance Group and welcome USG to this facility, which is helping to enable investment in Ukraine during wartime, while strengthening the foundations for the country’s future recovery and reconstruction.”

Continuing cooperation between VIG and Aon in Ukraine

VIG has remained active in Ukraine throughout the war and continues to take a long-term view of the market. Its work with international institutions and partners is intended to reinforce the resilience and capabilities of its Ukrainian businesses and help sustain the conditions for commercial activity, investment and eventual reconstruction.

USG’s participation builds on existing cooperation between VIG and Aon in the country. In February 2026, VIG company Kniazha entered into a USD 25 million reinsurance facility agreement with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), working with Aon. That arrangement allows Kniazha to provide war risk insurance solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises and private individuals throughout Ukraine.

About Vienna Insurance Group

Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) is the leading insurance group in the entire Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. More than 50 insurance companies and pension funds in 30 countries form a Group with a long-standing tradition, strong brands and close customer relations. Around 34,000 employees in VIG take care of the day-today needs of approximately 36 million customers. VIG shares have been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1994, on the Prague Stock Exchange since 2008 and on the Budapest Stock Exchange since 2022. VIG Group has an A+ rating with positive outlook by the internationally recognised rating agency Standard & Poor’s. VIG cooperates closely with the Erste Group, the largest retail bank in Central and Eastern Europe.

Press contact

Wolfgang Haas, Internal & External Communication | CO³

+43 50 390-21029 · wolfgang.haas@vig.com

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Kingfisher plc has appointed Sebastian Gundel Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2027. He will also join Kingfisher’s Board of Directors on that date, as the home improvement retailer prepares for its next phase of growth.

Gundel brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in home improvement. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of European retailer OBI, where he led its development from a traditional retailer into a digitally enabled, customer-centric omnichannel business.

Previously, as Chief Customer & Digital Officer, Gundel oversaw OBI’s omnichannel transformation and digital innovation programme, including loyalty, marketplaces, ecosystem development and expanded trade offerings. His earlier positions encompassed operational leadership and strategic responsibilities across marketing, customer propositions and corporate development.

Claudia Arney, Chair, said: “Following a thorough selection process, the Board is delighted to appoint Sebastian as Chief Executive Officer. Sebastian combines deep experience in home improvement retail and clear expertise in Kingfisher’s strategic growth drivers with a strong track record of innovation and operational delivery. He will build on the significant progress made under Thierry’s leadership while bringing fresh perspectives as we continue to evolve the business. Sebastian has the Board’s full support as he leads Kingfisher through its next phase of growth and value creation.”

Sebastian Gundel, CEO Designate, said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kingfisher. I have long admired the strength and diversity of Kingfisher’s retail banners, its scale and its strategic ambition. The industry is evolving rapidly, creating significant opportunities across trade, digital, marketplaces, services and new customer propositions. I am much looking forward to working with the team to build on those opportunities and create sustainable long-term value.”

Thierry Garnier, CEO, said: “It has been an honour to lead Kingfisher, and I am proud of what our teams have achieved together. Sebastian brings deep sector expertise, a strong customer focus and a proven track record of performance. I am confident that he will successfully lead Kingfisher through its next chapter.”

Thierry Garnier will continue as CEO until 31 December 2026, when he will also leave the Board. Bhavesh Mistry, Chief Financial Officer, will act as interim CEO during January 2027 to support the transition. Claudia Arney will remain Chair until Kingfisher’s 2029 Annual General Meeting.

Kingfisher said Gundel’s biography is available on its website. His remuneration package is consistent with the company’s Remuneration Policy, with further details to be disclosed in its 2026/27 Annual Report. The company stated that there are no additional details requiring disclosure under Listing Rule 6.4.

Notes to editors — Sebastian Gundel

Gundel has more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement industry. He most recently led OBI, which operates over 660 stores with 40,000 colleagues in ten countries, including Germany, its home market. As CEO, he led the retailer’s transition into a digitally enabled, customer-centric omnichannel business.

Before becoming CEO in 2022, he held senior roles in strategy, marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and international operations. From 2020, he was Chief Customer & Digital Officer, directing OBI’s digital growth strategy and the launch of the heyOBI ecosystem, which has attracted more than 10 million registered users.

In 2017, he became Country Manager for Austria, integrating the acquired Baumax business and increasing OBI’s Austrian network from around 15 stores to 70. In 2015, he became Managing Director for Customer Officer and Marketing, and subsequently set up and led OBI Next, its innovation hub. These positions involved building growth platforms in loyalty, retail media, marketplaces and home services. The work was positively received by suppliers and benefited OBI’s employer brand.

Gundel joined OBI as Head of Corporate Development in 2012. Before that, he spent three years with OC&C Strategy Consultants advising consumer and retail businesses on growth and transformation. He holds a doctorate in business administration and economics from the University of Münster.

Appointment announced: October 2026. Appointment effective: 1 February 2027.

Enquiries

Investor Relations: +44 (0) 20 7644 1082; investorenquiries@kingfisher.com.

Media Relations: +44 (0) 20 7644 1030; corpcomms@kingfisher.com.

Company Secretary: +44 (0) 20 7644 1082; secretariat@kingfisher.com.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EDF has allocated £30 million to supporting vulnerable customers through winter 2026/27, including £6 million in debt relief and debt-matching support from its Customer Support Fund and £24 million across existing support services.

The £6 million funding is intended to help customers reduce arrears, maintain affordable ongoing payments and establish a sustainable way out of debt. EDF says the investment comes as energy debt across the UK continues to rise, affecting both household bills and energy suppliers’ resilience.

According to EDF, energy debt has doubled over the past three years and more than five million customers are now in debt. Around 75% of unpaid energy debt has no repayment arrangement in place, leaving many households without a clear route to clearing their balances, even as they try to meet current payments.

Alongside the debt relief programme, EDF’s £24 million in existing assistance includes the provision of electrical items such as heaters, free gas safety checks, assistance for partially sighted customers and partnerships with charities including Scope and Age UK. The company says the winter package is intended to help customers move towards lasting financial stability.

EDF reports that its Customer Support Fund cleared approximately £2.5 million of debt last year for vulnerable households. More than 85% of customers who received debt relief through its schemes remained debt-free 12 months later.

In one example, Citizens Advice Plymouth (CABP) referred a customer living with paralysis who had accumulated more than £4,000 in energy debt because of higher energy costs linked to their disability. CABP helped the customer obtain assistance from EDF’s Customer Support Fund, administered by the charity Charis. The customer increased ongoing payments, began reducing the outstanding balance and is on track to become debt-free within nine months.

Another customer, experiencing mental health difficulties, had stopped engaging with their energy account and fallen into arrears. Support from EDF’s fund helped the customer re-engage, establish a Direct Debit and clear the outstanding balance. They continue to make regular payments and remain debt-free.

The customer said: “I will remain eternally grateful for their assistance in helping me out at this time of need. It does feel shameful to need to apply for help, but EDF provided reassurance throughout the process and never made me feel guilty at all.”

EDF also called for coordinated action from government, energy suppliers and Ofgem to address the broader debt problem. The company says debt costs currently add an average of £60 to the domestic bills of paying customers, while a Baringa forecast suggests the figure could reach £100 if total debt rises to £7 billion by the end of the year. EDF also notes that average bills are expected to rise again in January because of the outlook for gas prices.

The company proposes a targeted social discount to help the most at-risk households, building on the Warm Home Discount scheme. It also advocates changes to the energy-debt regulatory framework to encourage smart prepayment, improve data sharing and use verification more effectively to target support.

Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive of Charis, said: “Winter is already a difficult time for households struggling with energy costs, and this year brings further pressure. The energy price cap rose in October, just as people begin to use more energy to heat their homes, with further rises expected from January.”

She added: “For people already facing financial difficulty or living in vulnerable circumstances, even relatively small increases can make an already stretched household budget much harder to manage. That is why accessible, timely support is so important. Helping people with their energy costs can provide immediate financial relief, but it can also help them stay warm and well, reduce anxiety about bills and prevent difficulties escalating into crisis.

We are delighted to support EDF’s initiatives that identify people who may be struggling and make it as simple as possible for them to access practical help when they need it most.”

Chris Larkin, Executive Director of Dementia Support and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We know that financial difficulties can create stress and anxiety, and we recognise EDF’s commitment to supporting their vulnerable customers with measures designed to reduce debt and improve financial resilience.

As we approach Winter, we want to encourage anyone affected by dementia who may be struggling with their energy costs to speak to their energy provider. They can explain what support may be available and help ensure you’re accessing the help you’re entitled to.”

Joe Souto, Director of Retail at EDF, said: “Our experience shows that targeted support can make a real difference, which is why we’re directing our efforts towards helping customers reduce debt, regain control of their finances and build greater financial stability for the future.”

“While measures such as the Warm Home Discount provide valuable support for millions of households, the scale of today’s energy debt challenge means more action is needed. A targeted social discount could help households most at risk by reducing bills at source, making it easier for customers to keep up with payments and less likely that they fall into arrears in the first place.”

Statistics taken from Energy UK’s latest data on household energy debt, August 2026.

About EDF

EDF is driving the transition towards An Electric Britain – a secure, affordable, low-carbon future for everyone. As Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, we are investing more than £100 million weekly in Britain’s electricity infrastructure. We supply millions of customers with electricity and help homes and businesses switch to electricity for heating, transport and industrial processes.

We operate five nuclear power stations and more than 35 onshore wind farms and three offshore wind farms. Since 2009, EDF has invested almost £9 billion in the nuclear fleet to improve reliability and extend station lifetimes. The five generating stations currently supply about 12% of the UK’s electricity demand.

EDF is building the UK’s nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. We are a minority investor (12.5%) in and major supplier to a replica plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes. EDF Group companies Framatome and Arabelle Solutions have a presence in the UK and manufacture critical equipment such as reactor pressure vessels and turbines.

EDF is enabling its 5 million customers, both in business and at home, to choose electric solutions that save cash and carbon, whether it is buying an electric car, generating and storing electricity, selling energy back to the grid or installing solar panels or a heat pump. In 2025, EDF’s Customers business was ranked as one of the Sunday Times’s Best Place to Work.

It is also one of the UK’s leading developers of renewable energy through EDF power solutions UK and Ireland. We have more than 2GW of renewable generation in operation and over 10GW in construction, planning and development across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery storage.

We are one of the largest suppliers to British business and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. In addition, the company’s energy services business, Dalkia, is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest technical service providers.

Press office: media@edfenergy.com

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Uniper has refinanced its €3 billion syndicated credit facility agreed in 2024 ahead of schedule. The replacement facility, also worth €3 billion, will continue to provide a liquidity reserve and has been secured on improved terms, with a five-year maturity and two options to extend the agreement by one year each.

Christian Barr, CFO of Uniper, said:

“The strong interest from banks in the early refinancing of our credit facility is a clear vote of confidence and underscores our strong banking relationships. It demonstrates the strength of our credit profile and Uniper’s importance to Europe’s energy supply. We are now entering a phase of targeted investment in growth. We are investing in security of supply and the transformation of the energy system. With our solid balance sheet and the support of our strong banking consortium, we are well positioned to deliver on our strategic plans.”

The new agreement remains a sustainability-linked facility. As with the 2024 credit facility, its financing terms are linked to the achievement of Uniper’s CO₂ reduction targets, reflecting the place of sustainability in the company’s financing strategy.

Uniper said that successful completion of the refinancing reflects the confidence of participating banks in its business model and financial position. ING and UniCredit acted as coordinators of the syndicated facility and also served as sustainability coordinators.

Further information is available from Uniper’s announcement.

About Uniper

Düsseldorf-based Uniper is a European energy company with global reach. It has about 7,000 employees and plays a key role in ensuring a secure energy supply in Europe, particularly in its core markets of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Uniper’s 18.5 gigawatts of power generating capacity make it a mainstay of reliable power production. Uniper is a leading gas trader and one of Northwestern Europe’s most important LNG importers, and its broad procurement portfolio enhances supply security. Uniper’s investments in renewables, hydrogen, and other low-carbon energy carriers propel the transformation of the energy system.

Uniper provides energy and services to about 1,000 municipalities and industrial companies in its home market, Germany. Uniper is also Germany’s largest operator of gas storage facilities and hydropower plants.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Brenntag, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, has signed a strategic distribution agreement with Cassava Pharma across the American Personal Care market.

Through the exclusive agreement, Brenntag customers in the United States will gain access to Cassava Pharma’s patented tapioca starch technology. For end consumers, the technology is designed to deliver a smooth, silky skin feel while helping control oil and shine, creating lighter, more elegant formulations with a natural origin story.

The agreement expands Brenntag’s Beauty & Personal Care portfolio in the American market, giving customers access to Cassava Pharma’s high-quality and versatile ingredients with broad formulation functionality, enhanced supply security, and technical support for product selection and application development. Cassava Pharma is recognised for its vertically integrated tapioca (cassava) supply chain, consistent product quality, and focus on sustainable, plant-based starch solutions that support clean-label and renewable material trends.

“Cassava Pharma’s patented, differentiated tapioca starch technology is an exciting addition to Brenntag’s Beauty & Personal Care portfolio, further strengthening our position in sustainable, high-performance sensory powders. This partnership expands our ability to offer innovative, naturally derived solutions to customers across the American market, supporting applications ranging from deodorants and dry shampoos to skincare and color cosmetics. We are proud to represent Cassava Pharma in this market and look forward to helping brands leverage these unique ingredients to develop the next generation of clean, effective and high-performing beauty products.”

Maia Navarrete, Senior Director Beauty & Care for Brenntag Specialties North America, commented.

“The partnership is built on strong foundation between a global leader in personal care ingredients distribution and a specialty ingredient manufacturer, with unique purpose to deliver quality and high-performance ingredients to the personal care industry, and recognizing the boundless growth and opportunities for the application of patented technologies,” added Patrick Okoye, Cassava Pharma Founder and CEO.

About Cassava Pharma

Cassava Pharma produces high-quality patented specialty cassava [tapioca] starch for pharma, cosmetic, food, veterinary and nutritional applications worldwide. Cassava Pharma’s patented tapioca starch technology provides unique platforms of clean label tapioca ingredients that are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, natural, allergen-free for multipurpose applications, including color cosmetic and skincare. For more information, visit http://www.cassavapharma.com.

For media enquiries, contact Raquel Sheppard at raquel.sheppard@brenntag.com or +1 832-547-8342, or Robert Reitze at Robert.Reitze@brenntag.com or +49 201 6496 2128.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, Belgium, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced during its World Sustainability Symposium in Brussels that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has joined the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA EEU Supply.

The Alliance brings together more than 80 stakeholders involved in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) to address obstacles restricting supplies of Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs). It provides practical assistance with implementation, particularly the procedures needed to authorise emissions units for CORSIA while preventing double counting.

This work supports countries in aligning the authorisation of CORSIA emissions units with their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. It also helps participating countries obtain technical expertise and resources to engage in carbon markets and implement Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

Although the issuance of eligible units is increasing ahead of CORSIA’s 2027 compliance deadline, IATA said more work is required to secure adequate supply.

• As of August 2026, 42 CORSIA-compatible Letters of Authorization covered 72 million EEUs, up from 40 million at the beginning of 2026.
• The initial compliance cycle is estimated to require 200–250 million EEUs, leaving a substantial supply gap.

“The growth in EEU supply is encouraging, but the pace must accelerate. ICAO’s participation strengthens the cooperation needed among all stakeholders to unlock the needed supply. This is essential for CORSIA to deliver on its promise as it is the only globally agreed framework for addressing international air transport emissions,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.

“ICAO is working to ensure the successful implementation of CORSIA by governments, the aviation industry, and carbon market stakeholders. Through close collaboration, we are ensuring that sufficient CORSIA EEUs will be available, and our participation in the CORSIA Supporting Alliance will strengthen the pathway to carbon-neutral growth,” said Tetsuya Tanaka, Deputy Director, Environment at ICAO.

Further details are available from IATA on the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA EEU Supply.

Notes for Editors

• IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents over 370 airlines accounting for some 85% of global air traffic.
• You can follow us on X for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information.
• Fly Net Zero

For more information

Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — AMSTERDAM – Stellantis N.V. has published its estimated consolidated vehicle shipments for the third quarter of 2026, reporting approximately 1.3 million units for the three months ended September 30, 2026. The total represents a year-on-year decline of 1%, as higher battery electric vehicle (BEV) shipments in Enlarged Europe were outweighed by reductions in North America and Middle East & Africa.

The company defines shipments as vehicles delivered to dealers and distributors, or supplied directly to retail and fleet customers. These deliveries generally determine when revenue is recognised.

Consolidated shipments by region

North America

Shipments in North America fell by approximately 47 thousand vehicles, a 12% decrease compared with the same quarter of 2025. Planned production downtime during the summer was the principal factor, particularly for certain Jeep models. Shipments of both the Grand Cherokee and Compass declined by approximately 25 thousand units year on year.

The reduction was partly balanced by improved results for Ram, whose shipments increased by approximately 17 thousand units. Stellantis attributed that performance to demand for new and updated models and a wider choice of powertrains, including the Ram 1500 light-duty HEMI® V8 and the new Ram 1500 TRX.

Enlarged Europe

Enlarged Europe recorded approximately 588 thousand shipments, an increase of 54 thousand units, or 10%, over Q3 2025. Higher BEV volumes supported growth across both Stellantis brands and Leapmotor-branded vehicles.

Within Stellantis’ own portfolio, vehicles based on the Smart Car platform accounted for approximately 26 thousand additional shipments. These included the Citroën C3 and C3 Aircross, Opel/Vauxhall Frontera and Fiat Grande Panda. The new Fiat 500 Hybrid contributed approximately 6 thousand additional units, while the new Jeep Compass added approximately 5 thousand.

Light Commercial Vehicle deliveries were also approximately 7 thousand units higher, with BEV variants leading the increase. Those gains were partly offset by approximately 28 thousand fewer shipments of other models, including the Opel Corsa, Opel Mokka, Citroën C4, Alfa Romeo Junior and Peugeot 2008.

Leapmotor-branded shipments rose by approximately 34 thousand vehicles to 44 thousand, supported by the introduction of the B10 and B03X models.

Middle East & Africa

Shipments in the Middle East & Africa decreased by around 20 thousand units, or 21%, to 75 thousand. The main driver was a decline of approximately 21 thousand vehicles in Türkiye, reflecting softer market conditions and fewer imported-vehicle shipments ahead of the planned October 2026 start of local small-van production.

Increased deliveries in Algeria and Morocco more than offset lower volumes in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where shipments were affected by the regional conflict.

South America

South American shipments were broadly unchanged, easing by approximately 1 thousand units from the prior-year quarter. Brazil delivered an increase of around 13 thousand vehicles amid favourable industry conditions, but this was more than offset by weaker performance elsewhere. In Argentina, shipments dropped by approximately 11 thousand units as market conditions softened.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific shipments totalled approximately 15 thousand vehicles, down around 6% year on year. The decline was primarily attributable to Japan, where weaker market conditions coincided with a challenging comparison against the previous year’s higher launch-related volumes. Growth in India, including Smart Car platform vehicles, partially mitigated that reduction.

Notes

(1) Consolidated shipments only include shipments by the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, which represent new vehicles invoiced to third parties (dealers/importers or final customers). Consolidated shipment volumes for Q3 2026 presented here are unaudited and may be adjusted.

With effect from January 1, 2026, our Maserati reportable segment has been eliminated, and its shipments are reported consistently with our other brands, in that transactions are treated on a “where sold” basis. Comparative information has been restated.

Consolidated shipments include shipments for Leapmotor International, which is a jointly established, Stellantis-controlled company created in 2024 and owned 51 percent by Stellantis and 49 percent by Leapmotor, to distribute Leapmotor-branded vehicles outside of China.

About Stellantis

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. For more information, visit http://www.stellantis.com.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, France, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — PARIS, France, 12 October 2026 — A new study by the Capgemini Research Institute, Rewiring automotive product development: how organizations can pull ahead in the AI race, finds that agentic artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimental use and into automotive product development. Some 33% of automotive organizations are already using agentic AI and another 35% are piloting it. Adoption in non-core engineering activities is expected to rise from 26% to 68% in the next two to three years, while 83% of executives believe the technology will allow engineers to devote more time to core engineering tasks instead of administrative and coordination work. Despite this momentum, only 5% of organizations describe their AI governance as fully mature, with persistent challenges concerning data quality, traceability, accountability and collaboration across the ecosystem.

The report finds that organizations deriving the greatest value from AI are achieving up to three times faster gains in time-to-market and engineering productivity than lower-performing peers. More than seven in ten executives believe agentic AI can enhance engineering decisions, although confidence weakens as applications approach safety-critical activities. Only 10% of organizations have adopted shared lifecycle accountability across their wider development ecosystem.

Differences in AI performance emerge across the automotive industry

Drawing on a global survey of 800 senior automotive executives in 12 countries across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, the research identifies agentic AI as an emerging frontier in vehicle product development. Investment in AI is widespread, but the benefits are not distributed equally across the industry.

Organizations identified as high-value realizers report development cycles that are 17% faster, engineering productivity gains of 19%, and a 19% reduction in time-to-market. The report links these outcomes less to adopting AI in isolation than to sound data foundations, defined business cases, effective governance and disciplined operating models. These capabilities are distinguishing companies that can demonstrate measurable benefits from those experiencing difficulties scaling AI.

Progress also differs by geography. Survey participants in the United States and Europe report the strongest execution of AI strategies and cross-functional planning. Among automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), 53% in the US and 46% in Europe are implementing AI initiatives, while 18% and 16%, respectively, have established a comprehensive cross-functional AI strategy, vision and roadmap. In China, 40% of respondents report being at the implementation stage, but only 7% have achieved comparable strategic maturity. Implementation maturity is lower elsewhere in Asia-Pacific.

“Over the past decade, the automotive industry has undergone a profound transformation with the shift to software-defined vehicles, establishing the digital foundations that are now enabling the next wave of innovation. Agentic AI is creating a new performance divide in the automotive industry,” said Laurence Noël, Global Head of Automotive at Capgemini. “The organizations generating the most value are not simply adopting AI faster, they are redesigning workflows, strengthening ecosystem collaboration, building trusted data foundations and establishing clear accountability for AI-enabled decisions. The leaders of tomorrow will be those that successfully embed AI into the engineering processes at scale.”

Trust and traceability remain obstacles to wider adoption

Confidence in agentic AI depends heavily on its position in the development process. Trust is highest, at 59%, for its use in early-stage research and concept work. This falls to 40% for development activities, where AI-produced outputs can have more immediate consequences for engineering decisions, vehicle quality and safety.

The findings indicate that many companies still lack the evidence, traceability and accountability mechanisms needed for trusted, large-scale implementation. Consequently, confidence in AI-enabled decisions is becoming an important consideration as automotive organizations seek to progress from pilot projects to broader operational transformation.

Vehicle usage data is not yet consistently feeding back into existing products

The study identifies another obstacle in how manufacturers and their partners turn operational data from connected vehicles into improvements. Although vehicles produce substantial volumes of information about their use in the real world, many companies have yet to convert that information into continuous engineering action.

Nearly two-thirds of organizations (64%) say information gathered from vehicles in operation mainly influences subsequent vehicle programs rather than enhancements to vehicles already on the road. Over-the-air software updates are still primarily directed at functions such as navigation and cybersecurity. Updates affecting driving functions and assisted-driving capabilities are less common. The report therefore highlights the importance of reducing the gap between insights collected from vehicles and changes implemented by engineering teams.

Organizational barriers and shared responsibility

Scaling agentic AI will require changes extending beyond technology, the report suggests. Six in ten executives say delays are driven primarily by process inefficiencies instead of technical constraints. Meanwhile, 45% of organizations have not yet defined an AI strategy and roadmap for product development.

Effective coordination between OEMs, suppliers and technology providers is also becoming more important as software-defined vehicles increase in complexity and engineering work is distributed across organizations. Yet just 30% of surveyed organizations have co-development arrangements based on shared outcome measures, and only 10% report shared lifecycle accountability with their ecosystem partners. The findings highlight the limited alignment that currently exists over common goals and responsibility for product outcomes.

Methodology of the report

The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 800 senior executives from the automotive industry, comprising 400 automotive OEMs, 160 tier-1 suppliers, and 240 technology providers. Respondents represented organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, and included leaders from product development, engineering, technology, data and AI strategy, and related functions. The Institute also conducted in-depth interviews with 24 automotive industry executives and technology providers to the automotive industry.The survey was conducted in July 2026.

The report infographic and original press release are available from Capgemini.

About Capgemini

Capgemini is the business transformation partner for enterprises in the age of AI. We help organizations imagine and build an intelligent, sustainable future, combining AI, technology and human ingenuity to transform how they operate, innovate and grow. With unique end-to-end capabilities spanning strategy, technology, engineering and intelligent operations, we bring together deep industry expertise and market-leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data to turn ambition into measurable business outcomes at scale. Supported by a robust ecosystem of partners and nearly 60 years of expertise, Capgemini is a responsible and diverse global organization of over 410,000 team members in more than 50 countries. The Group reported 2025 revenues of €22.5 billion.

Make it real | http://www.capgemini.com

About the Capgemini Research Institute

The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.

Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

Press contact: Florence Lievre | Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 71 | E-mail: florence.lievre@capgemini.com

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Deutsche Telekom is making the Meta Ray-Ban Display available to customers in Germany from 13 October 2026, following Meta’s announcement of the product’s German launch. The smart glasses can be purchased from Telekom for €899 without taking out a mobile plan, while instalment options are offered with selected new or renewed Telekom mobile contracts.

Under the MagentaMobil M plan, the device requires an upfront payment of €1 followed by 36 monthly payments of €22.10, bringing the total device cost under that plan to €796.60. Details on available models, colours and participating shops are provided on Telekom’s German-language AI glasses page.

Colour display and Meta AI functions

Combining Ray-Ban styling with Meta AI, the Meta Ray-Ban Display incorporates a 600 × 600-pixel colour screen in its right lens. Users can view messages, photographs, video, notifications and text or image answers to questions without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket.

Meta AI can interpret information from the wearer’s surroundings and present visual responses. Other capabilities include live captions, real-time translation, map-based directions, guided instructions, weather information, reminders and calendar access.

Voice and wrist-gesture controls

Alongside voice commands, the glasses can be operated through hand gestures detected by the accompanying Meta Neural Band. Using electromyography (EMG), the wrist-worn band recognises muscle signals and translates them into controls for the display, with haptic feedback. The system allows wearers to read messages, respond to calls and activate Meta AI. The Neural Band comes with the glasses and is not available separately.

Meta states that the glasses provide up to six hours of battery life, with a folding charging case offering up to another 24 hours of use. The Neural Band has a stated battery life of up to 18 hours. Both the eyewear and the band are offered in different sizes, and selected certified opticians can fit prescription lenses. Supported single-vision prescriptions range from -4.00 to +4.00 dioptres.

To use the product, customers need a compatible smartphone, the Meta AI mobile application, a Meta account and an active internet connection.

Camera, communications and recording indicator

A 12-megapixel camera with 3× zoom is paired with a viewfinder in the glasses’ display. Video calling is supported through WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, while open-ear audio enables telephone calls, music listening and live interactions with Meta AI.

A visible LED indicates when the glasses are taking photographs, recording video or live-streaming. The camera is automatically disabled if the glasses detect that the indicator has been obscured, damaged or tampered with.

About Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom Group Profile

Media Inquiries

medien@telekom.de

+49 228 181 49494

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Rolls-Royce today announced that it has won an order for 70 Trent 7000 engines from Avolon to power 35 Airbus A330neo aircraft.

The Trent 7000 is the exclusive engine for the A330neo.

Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce, said:

“We welcome Avolon’s continued trust and partnership in the Trent 7000 programme with its latest order of Airbus A330-900s. Avolon is an important customer and long-standing supporter of this aircraft/ engine combination, which forms a large part of its widebody fleet.”

Will Pitcher, Head of Powerplant Strategy & Asset Solutions, Avolon, said:

“The A330neo remains one of the most capable and efficient widebody aircraft in the market today. Powered by the Trent 7000, it offers our airline customers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, operational reliability and range. This order strengthens our ability to support customers’ fleet renewal and growth plans over the coming decade.”

The A330neo / Trent 7000 combination delivers a 14% better fuel burn per seat than the previous generation, whilst significantly lowering emissions.

With more than five million flying hours, the Trent 7000 draws on the technology and experience of the most advanced family of engines in the world. As the latest member of the Trent family, the Trent 7000 is based on Trent XWB technology and has delivered exceptional reliability since its entry into service.

The Trent 7000 is certified to operate on a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend today and has been proven to be compatible with up to 100% SAF for the future.

About Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Its products and service packages help its customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.

1. Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
2. Through its multi-year transformation programme, Rolls-Royce is building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing business. It is building the financial capacity and agility to allow it to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support its customers through the energy transition.
3. Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
4. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

For more information, visit http://www.rolls-royce.com.

Media contact

Jacqueline Casini
Senior Vice President Brand, Marketing and Communications
LinkedIn profile
jacqueline.casini@ps.rolls-royce.com

(PRESS RELEASE) SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, France, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) among male strength athletes was associated with changes in heart structure and function, while stopping use was linked to improvements, according to a follow-up study of weightlifters published in European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging.

The research, which followed participants from an earlier investigation conducted between 2017 and 2019, found persistent thickening of the left ventricular wall in men who continued taking AAS, alongside reduced ability of the heart to contract and relax normally. The researchers report that 17% of continuing users developed severely reduced heart function.

Leading investigator Dr Vibeke M. Almaas, senior consultant at the ProCardio Center for Research Based Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Norway, said:

“We found that continued use of anabolic steroids among adult and middle-aged male strength athletes, even at lower dosages, was associated with a persistent thickening of the heart muscle, impaired contractions and worsening of the heart’s ability to relax. As many as 17% of those who continued using AAS had severely reduced heart function. However, this could be reversed if the men stopped using anabolic steroids and continued to abstain from them over the long term.”

The findings add to evidence linking non-medical AAS use to dependence, metabolic, hormonal and liver damage, as well as risks affecting other organs, particularly the cardiovascular system. Few previous studies had followed users over an extended period.

“It was still unclear whether the cardiac abnormalities demonstrated in previous studies, including increased heart muscle thickness and reduced cardiac function, progress with continued exposure or whether they improve with dose reduction or after cessation,” said Dr Almaas. “To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a follow-up of our previously published group of male AAS users engaged in recreational strength training.”

The research team invited 101 AAS users and 71 non-users from the earlier study to participate. Seventy users and 35 non-users returned for the follow-up. Of those previously using steroids, 35 continued, 15 discontinued, 14 maintained abstinence and six relapsed.

Through questionnaires and clinical interviews, the researchers collected medical histories, cardiac symptoms, information about cardiac arrest or coronary artery disease, strength and endurance training, AAS type, dosage, duration and cessation, as well as participants’ heaviest successful lifts. They also assessed alcohol use, smoking and illicit drug use, collected blood and urine samples for hormone testing, and performed echocardiography.

Although many users had reduced their dosages, the investigators found no corresponding benefit for heart health. Their analysis instead associated full discontinuation of AAS with improvement, and antihypertensive treatment among continuing users with improved systolic function.

Among the 15 men who stopped using AAS, left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVMI) decreased from 112 g/m² to 91 g/m², a 19% reduction, reaching the level found in the non-user control group. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 48% to 54%, a reported 13% improvement, but remained below the control group’s follow-up figure of 60%.

Among continuing AAS users, those without hypertension treatment experienced an 8% decline in left ventricular systolic function between baseline and follow-up. Those receiving treatment for high blood pressure experienced an 11% improvement in LVEF, although heart muscle thickness did not improve.

“Discontinuation of AAS use was associated with a reduction in heart muscle thickening and improvements in cardiac function, suggesting that at least some of these adverse effects may be reversible after stopping, and may even become comparable with the non-users in the control group,” said Dr Almaas. “Antihypertensive therapy among ongoing AAS-users was associated with improved LV systolic function.”

Co-author Dr Astrid Bjørnebekk, head of the Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group at Oslo University Hospital, said:

“Our findings underline the importance of continuing both preventive work and harm reduction efforts. Anabolic steroids have been prohibited in competitive sports for decades, and since 2013, non-medical use and possession have also been illegal in Norway. Despite this, national reports indicate continued use of performance- and appearance-enhancing drugs, and increasing interest in them.”

The authors noted several limitations: a relatively small sample, incomplete follow-up participation and possible selection bias; reliance on self-reported AAS exposure and possible recall bias; availability of antihypertensive treatment information only at follow-up; and potential effects from lifestyle, stimulant use, hypertension and other health conditions.

Note to editors

Funding: This research was funded by the Helse Sør-Øst RHF and Stiftelsen Dam [grant nos. 2020088 & 462154 (to A.B.)]. Kristina H. Haugaa and Rang Abdullah were funded by the Norwegian Research Council (Grant no. 309762 ProCardio Center for Research Based Innovation).

The European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging (EHJCVI) is an official, international, peer-reviewed, journal of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), an association of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). It is published on behalf of the ESC by Oxford Journals, a division of Oxford University Press.

References

[1] “Cardiovascular effects of continued versus discontinued anabolic-androgenic steroid use: a longitudinal follow-up study”, by Rang Abdullah et al. European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging, https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/ehjci/jeag238

[2] Systolic blood pressure is the top number in a blood pressure measurement and represents the highest level that blood pressure reaches when the heart beats, forcing blood around the body. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number and represents the lowest level that blood pressure reaches as the heart relaxes between beats.

Contact

ESC Press office — Tel: +33 6 61 40 18 84 — Email: press@escardio.org — Follow us on LinkedIn.

About the European Society of Cardiology

The European Society of Cardiology brings together healthcare professionals from more than 150 countries, working to advance cardiovascular medicine and help people lead longer, healthier lives.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, Sweden, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Telia has become the first telecommunications operator to achieve a perfect 10/10 rating in Global Child Forum’s annual benchmark assessing how international companies protect and support children’s rights.

Published on 13 October 2026 and produced with Boston Consulting Group, this year’s report evaluates 1,802 companies across eight sectors and 33 industries.

Telia President and CEO Patrik Hofbauer said: “We want everyone to get the most from life online, whatever their age. Every day, millions of children and families rely on digital connectivity to learn, connect and explore. Achieving a 10/10 score in Global Child Forum’s latest benchmark reflects how we embed children’s rights into our business and work to ensure a safer digital experience for the people we serve.”

Telia highlighted several ongoing initiatives that form part of its approach to children’s rights and digital safety:

• The company offers age-appropriate connectivity options, including smartwatches and starter devices for younger children, in all its markets.
• Its sustainability strategy includes Digitally strengthening all generations as one of four focus areas, with particular attention to supporting families. Telia says it has reached around 750,000 individuals so far this year and aims to reach 1.2 million by the end of 2028.
• Across its networks, Telia estimates it blocks 12 million attempts annually to access child sexual abuse material (CSAM). It is also deploying additional technology to help identify and remove such material more quickly as online harms evolve.
• The company works with organisations including Childhood, BRIS, Save the Children and the Estonian Union for Child Welfare to support children’s rights, online safety and digital wellbeing.

Additional information about the company’s programmes is available through Telia’s children’s rights initiatives.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Global Child Forum is a non-profit foundation that aims to encourage action for social change around children’s rights. The full 2026 benchmark report is available through Global Child Forum.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information, contact Telia’s press office on +46 (0)771 77 58 30, visit our newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn. To download our logo, high-resolution images of Telia leaders, offices and solutions, or B-roll footage for editorial use, visit our media bank.

ABOUT TELIA

Telia Company (STO: TELIA) is a leading telecommunications operator in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Every day, we deliver world-class connectivity and communications services to millions of customers through our sustainable and secure networks – enabling people, businesses and societies to thrive and grow. Our unique position at the center of digitalization shapes our ambition to be a trusted and progressive partner and gives us our purpose: to reinvent better connected living. Find out more at http://www.teliacompany.com/en.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Barclays has updated its Profit After Tax (PAT) mortgage lending policy to give eligible limited company directors wider access to affordability assessments that reflect both their income and business performance. The revised approach removes property value as a condition for considering PAT, allowing more qualifying applicants to include retained company profits in their assessment.

The bank said this change may increase borrowing opportunities for company directors. It cited Companies House, which states that the UK has more than five million limited companies.

PAT is assessed according to the applicants’ combined ownership share. Where applicants together hold 60% of the business, for example, up to 60% of its PAT may be included. If the business reports both dividends and PAT, Barclays will count only PAT to prevent the same income being counted twice.

Who is eligible under the revised criteria?

To qualify, applicants must satisfy all applicable mortgage lending and affordability requirements, as well as the following criteria:

• Hold more than 50% of the company individually or jointly.
• Demonstrate qualifying gross annual income, including the PAT under consideration, of at least £75,000 for an individual application or £100,000 for a joint application.
• Meet the bank’s other applicable lending and affordability conditions.

The updated PAT criteria apply to both residential and buy-to-let mortgage applications. PAT means profit after corporation tax. Qualifying income for the minimum threshold may comprise PAYE basic income, PAYE allowances and self-employed income, including PAT. Applicants’ accountants must validate declared PAT through a reference in line with Barclays’ existing requirements.

Changes to broker services and mortgage processing

The latest lending-policy update is part of a wider programme through which Barclays is investing in its mortgage application system and refining lending and affordability criteria. The bank aims to make transactions simpler, quicker and more responsive for mortgage brokers working with customers whose financial circumstances vary.

Barclays reports that its average Live Chat wait is now below 30 seconds, while the average new application review takes one day. Property valuations are completed in less than three days on average, and residential purchase mortgage offers take an average of eight days.

The bank has also introduced Fast-Track Remortgages, described as an alternative to product transfers that aims to help brokers arrange competitive mortgage deals without extended or unpredictable processing times.

Roland McCormack, Head of Intermediaries at Barclays, said:

“Many limited company directors retain profits to support future growth and investment. That means when it comes to a mortgage application, a standard income assessment might not reflect the full strength of their financial position. Updating our policy means we can more accurately consider a customers’ finances, while maintaining our responsible approach to lending, and ultimately widen access to lending for brokers and their clients.

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to keep listening to brokers, identifying where we can make a meaningful difference and then acting on it – whether that is through our lending policy, technology or the service we provide.”

Notes to Editors

1https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house/about

Further information on PAT criteria:

• Tax referred to in “Profit After Tax” is corporation tax
• These changes apply to both residential and buy to let mortgage applications.
• The income types considered when assessing whether the minimum sole or joint income requirement is met are PAYE basic income, PAYE allowances and self-employed income, including PAT.
• The applicant’s accountant will be required to validate the declared PAT via a reference (consistent with current policy)

For more information, contact Annie Brister-McQuoid at annie.mcquoid@barclays.com, or +44 7385 535 614.

About Barclays

Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, Belgium, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Long-term government bond yields are increasing across developed economies following decades of falling global borrowing costs. Underlying this trend are ageing populations and deteriorating fiscal trajectories, the exit from near-zero long yields in Japan, a pressing need for rearmament spending in Europe and, increasingly, the private financing demands of the artificial-intelligence investment boom.

Among sovereign borrowers facing higher rates, France may confront the most significant challenge, according to the Bruegel analysis. Bond markets are highlighting economic difficulties in France that have developed over many years. France has lost economic ground relative to Germany since about 2010, in a context of Germany’s own weak performance. More strikingly, France has lost ground relative to Italy since 2020 (Figure 1). France must grapple with structurally higher long-term interest rates in the context of a very weak fiscal starting point and a longstanding growth problem.

Until now, French government bonds have enjoyed something close to a mini-exorbitant privilege, with yields just a little higher than Germany and in any case too big to fail. Public debt climbed from around the Maastricht-compatible 60 percent of GDP at the birth of the euro to 120 percent today, without governments being forced to confront the sustainability of public debt and the French social model.

Figure 1: General government debt in France, Germany and Italy (% of GDP)

Source: Bruegel based on Eurostat.

French public expenditure nevertheless stands at about 57 percent of GDP, among the highest levels in advanced economies. Social spending, particularly on pensions, is exceptionally large. Disposable income of those aged over 65 is 94 percent of the population-wide average, compared with an OECD average of 87 percent, with four-fifths of the income of this group coming from public transfers (OECD, 2025). Labour-market exit happens at 62 years on average compared to 64 across the OECD. France’s expected 2026 primary deficit, at 2.5 percent of GDP, is among the larger in the euro area (European Commission, 2026).

The French-German spread indicates how much of the bond repricing is specific to France relative to Germany, but the outright yield is the market variable that matters most for debt dynamics. It determines the marginal rate at which France refinances itself and, over time, the effective interest cost on the debt stock. The government now projects the debt-interest bill to rise from €79.2 billion in 2026 to €91.2 billion in 20271. With gross financing needs running into hundreds of billions of euros per year, a persistently higher clearing yield will gradually raise debt-service costs and make an already difficult fiscal adjustment harder.

This does not imply that demand for French government debt is about to disappear. France has one of the world’s deepest sovereign bond markets and its debt auctions continue to clear. The more plausible danger is an orderly but persistent repricing. Higher yields worsen future interest costs; weaker fiscal arithmetic encourages investors to demand larger risk premiums; and the consolidation needed to stabilise the debt can itself weigh on growth. What begins as a justified repricing can, beyond some point, become non-linear and self-reinforcing.

Voters’ concerns and presidential prospects

French voters are increasingly concerned about the public debt, but concern should not be confused with support for the measures required to bring it down2. The proposed 2027 budget illustrates the difficulty. An overall adjustment of €54 billion is envisaged3, though this would lower the deficit only from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2026 to 5.0 percent in 2027, while public debt is still projected to rise from 119.3 to 121.7 percent of GDP (Direction générale du Trésor, 2026).

Measures including restraint on pension indexation are politically explosive. Leader of France’s Rassemblement national (RN), Marine Le Pen, should she win the April 2027 presidential election, would therefore face an awkward choice: oppose spending restraint and appeal to economically populist voters, or demonstrate to markets that an RN-led France would take fiscal sustainability seriously. In response to market pressure, she has promised €140 billion of net savings by 2032 and a return to primary balance within 18 months of taking office. But whether savings on that scale can be credibly delivered is uncertain, particularly while she continues to defend retirement at 62. She has also called for discussions with the European Central Bank to ease French borrowing costs once France has regained control of its public finances4.

By contrast, centre-right presidential contender Edouard Philippe has proposed to raise the normal retirement age to 65 and make private pension saving compulsory5.

These competing positions illustrate a broader political problem. Market pressure may increase the value of fiscal credibility, but if voters see pension cuts or other savings as being dictated by ‘the markets’, Brussels or Frankfurt, the same pressure could strengthen the political extremes.

The deeper problem is that France may not possess the political machinery for a durable fiscal reset. The present government lacks a parliamentary majority and, ahead of the presidential election, can at best begin the adjustment rather than complete it. A broad national coalition capable of sustaining a major fiscal reset looks unlikely without much more severe market stress and political duress; the new president could again face a fragmented National Assembly. That leaves two distinct risks: a crisis before the election, when the government has little capacity to respond, and a crisis after if the new political settlement proves incapable of producing a governing majority for adjustment.

In either case, a sufficiently sharp rise in yields would bring the ECB into the argument.

The ECB and its constraints

The euro area is far better equipped for sovereign stress than it was in 2010-12, when concerns about government solvency spilled into banks and fragmented financing conditions across the currency union. Banks are now better capitalised, and the ECB has additional tools. But what the ECB can legitimately do in terms of bond purchases is narrow. Outright Monetary Transactions, under which the ECB could purchase short-term sovereign bonds, would require a European Stability Mechanism programme and associated conditionality for France6. A French request for such a programme before the election is politically hard to imagine unless the crisis becomes extreme.

That leaves the more-recent Transmission Protection Instrument (TPI) and other minor tweaks in current ECB policy and operations at the Governing Council’s disposal. The ECB could for instance decide to pause or slow the shrinking of its balance sheet in the face of rising yields across the euro area, similarly to the Bank of England for British government debt7.

A broad tightening of financial conditions across the euro area could also elicit a general monetary-policy response, including slower balance-sheet reduction (Pradhan, 2026). But that is different from targeted support for France. It would be a response to tighter monetary conditions across the currency union, not to a France-specific fiscal risk premium.

If market pressure on France itself were to intensify, the TPI would be more relevant. It can in principle be deployed without a predetermined quantitative limit, but was created to counter “unwarranted, disorderly market dynamics” that threaten monetary-policy transmission and are not justified by country fundamentals8.

That distinction goes to the heart of the problem. Suppose investors demand a higher yield from France because the country continues to run large deficits, debt is approaching 120 percent of GDP and still rising, trend growth is weak and parliament is unwilling to agree a credible adjustment. Why should that repricing be considered unwarranted? A wider French-German spread is not in itself evidence that monetary transmission has broken down. Some of it may simply represent investors putting a price on fiscal choices that the French political system has so far been unwilling to confront.

France’s current Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) does not by itself rule out TPI. Under the ECB’s framework, a country subject to an EDP can still meet the fiscal-framework criterion provided it has not been assessed as having failed to take effective corrective action. The ECB Governing Council would also consider debt-sustainability assessments by the European Commission, the European Stability Mechanism, the International Monetary Fund and the ECB itself. These assessments are inputs into the ECB’s decision, not automatic triggers. Formal eligibility is therefore only part of the problem.

Market dynamics

The more difficult question is when fundamentally justified repricing turns into an unwarranted and disorderly market movement. Because TPI was designed to prevent fragmentation, the clearest case for intervention may arise when pressure that begins in France starts to push financing conditions elsewhere away from what is justified by those countries’ own fundamentals. That transition can be non-linear: liquidity deteriorates, risk premia overshoot and other sovereign markets are dragged along. There is no observable line telling the Governing Council precisely when the first process becomes the second.

Nor can the ECB plausibly defend France against the global component of higher yields. If German, Japanese and United States long yields are rising because global term premia, fiscal supply and inflation uncertainty have increased, the ECB cannot exempt France from that repricing without changing monetary conditions for the euro area as a whole. Thus, the relevance of the outright yield. France’s problem is the interaction between a weak fiscal position and a higher global level of long-term interest rates, not merely a widening spread.

An unconditional TPI intervention would therefore be dangerous. It would risk replacing years of market forbearance with central-bank forbearance, weakening the incentive for France to reform. Repeated use of the ECB balance sheet to suppress a warranted fiscal risk premium would also blur the boundary between protecting monetary transmission and shielding governments from market discipline.

It would also create an obvious legitimacy problem. During the sovereign crisis, adjustment and conditionality were demanded from smaller euro-area countries. A perception that France could obtain an effectively unconditional ECB backstop, despite failing to make comparable efforts could be politically explosive elsewhere. The political controversy left by the scale of sovereign-bond purchases during the previous decade heightens that sensitivity. Thus heavy ECB purchases before the election, without a corresponding French adjustment, would quickly become part of the political fight in France rather than being seen simply as a technical effort to preserve monetary-policy transmission.

Conditions for ECB help

The authors argue that France must first take sufficient domestic steps to change the nature of the ECB’s problem: a credible budget, pension reform, binding medium-term expenditure restraint or some broader political agreement that shows that Paris will accept responsibility for stabilising the debt trajectory.

In the authors’ view, ECB intervention would become easier to justify only after such action. If France has credibly begun the adjustment and markets nevertheless move into a disorderly overshoot, or if French stress contaminates other sovereign markets without justification, TPI can plausibly be presented as protecting monetary transmission, rather than protecting French politicians from their own decisions.

France may need to experience more market pressure before its political system is willing to accept reforms it has postponed for years. Much greater stress may be what ultimately makes a broader governing agreement feasible. But there is also a limit to how much pressure Europe can safely tolerate. If yields rise too far or too quickly, weaker growth, higher future debt-service costs, financial spillovers and political radicalisation could turn a necessary repricing into a systemic euro-area crisis.

The challenge is to find the narrow space between too little pressure to produce reform and too much to contain safely. France has spent much of the euro era benefiting from the assumption that it occupies a special position in the monetary union. Weak growth and deteriorating public finances have coexisted with exceptionally favourable financing for far too long. France cannot control the rising tide of global interest rates but can control whether it is seen by investors as a country already credibly adjusting its public finances, or one still waiting for the ECB to make the problem disappear.

References

Direction générale du Trésor (2026) Rapport sur la dette des administrations publiques 2027, Ministère de l’Économie, des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle, énergétique et numérique, available at https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Articles/2026/10/06/le-rapport-sur-la-dette-des-administrations-publiques-2027-est-publie

Elabe (2026) Les Français et la dette publique, Sondage pour Les Echos, 3 September, available at https://elabe.fr/fichier-pdf/13231-20260903_elabe_les-echos_les-francais-et-la-dette-publique/

European Commission (2026) ‘European Economic Forecast, Spring 2026’, Institutional Paper 341, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, available at https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/3360898c-cd40-46c0-b170-7adfcb993add_en

OECD (2025) Pensions at a Glance 2025, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, available at https://doi.org/10.1787/e40274c1-en

Pradhan, M. (2026) ‘Should the European Central Bank slow down quantitative tightening?’ Analysis 19/2026, Bruegel, available at https://doi.org/10.64153/GYRU6760

Authors

Gene Frieda, Bruegel Non-resident Fellow

Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, Bruegel Senior Fellow

Mahmood Pradhan, Bruegel Non-resident Fellow

Media enquiries

Bruegel press team: press@bruegel.org

Yuyun Zhan: yuyun.zhan@bruegel.org

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Barclays reported a 2.0 per cent year-on-year increase in UK consumer card spending in September 2026, slightly below August’s 2.1 per cent rise and below the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.3 per cent. Essential spending grew by 2.5 per cent, ahead of the 1.8 per cent increase in non-essential spending, as fuel expenditure surged 17.3 per cent. Meanwhile, hospitality and leisure spending increased 2.7 per cent, supported by ongoing demand for eating and drinking out.

The latest Barclays Consumer Spend report draws on hundreds of millions of customer transactions and consumer research to examine UK spending trends. The rise in fuel spending followed diesel prices reaching record highs.

Confidence in household finances reached a seven-month high of 67 per cent. Confidence in job security rose to 45 per cent from 44 per cent, while confidence in the ability to live within one’s means increased to 73 per cent from 71 per cent. Confidence in the strength of the UK economy was unchanged at 26 per cent from August.

Barclays consumer confidence measures

Despite improving assessments of their own finances, consumers continued to express concerns ahead of the Autumn Budget. Almost seven in ten (68 per cent) worried about its potential impact on household finances, while 61 per cent were concerned about possible tax changes. Four in ten (38 per cent) felt less certain than in previous years about what the announcements might mean.

This uncertainty is affecting spending and saving decisions. A quarter of respondents (25 per cent) reported building a precautionary savings buffer, 30 per cent said they were cutting non-essential spending, and 27 per cent were postponing both major purchases and important financial decisions ahead of the Budget. Nevertheless, 61 per cent expressed confidence in making good financial decisions during uncertain times, while 53 per cent said they felt in control of their finances even during periods of volatility.

Warm September weather supports hospitality and leisure

Non-essential spending rose 1.8 per cent during September. Hospitality and leisure recorded a 2.7 per cent increase following growth of 3.3 per cent in August. Entertainment rose 1.5 per cent, with cinemas, bowling alleys and golf clubs among the stronger performers.

With summer-like weather persisting through much of September, eating and drinking expenditure advanced 2.4 per cent. Restaurants, cafés and bakeries grew 2.1 per cent, and bars, pubs and clubs increased 3.8 per cent, their fourth consecutive month of growth.

Growth in hospitality and leisure spending

Digital content and subscriptions saw spending rise 7.8 per cent and transaction volumes grow 4.2 per cent. Barclays pointed to streaming programmes including Slow Horses and The Gentlemen, while 47 per cent of consumers said they were likely to spend autumn evenings watching television.

Retail spending was up 1.1 per cent overall. Among the stronger categories were food and drink specialist shops, with growth of 6.3 per cent, general retailers and marketplaces at 4.4 per cent, and pharmacy, health and beauty at 4.0 per cent.

“Spending maintained momentum in September, with growth across both essential and non-essential categories as confidence in household finances reached a seven-month high. Warmer weather supported another strong month for hospitality and leisure, while the rise in digital subscriptions suggests consumers are balancing socialising with autumn nights at home, even as pre-Budget uncertainty keeps value and careful decision-making front of mind.”

said Rohan Kumar, Head of Spend Insights at Barclays.

Overall growth figures

Notes to Editors

Across its issuing and acquiring businesses, Barclays sees nearly 40 per cent of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, which provides us with unique insight into UK consumer spending. Unless stated otherwise, this press release is based on consumer card spending data from Barclays’ issuing business – i.e. Barclays debit card and Barclaycard credit card transactions. It relates to the period 22nd August-24th September 2026 in comparison to 23rd August-25th September 2025.

The Barclays Consumer Spend research in this press release was carried out between 25th-29th September 2026 by Opinium Research on behalf of Barclays. There were 2,000 respondents in each round of research, providing a representative sample of UK consumers by age, gender, region, and income group. Opinium adheres to Market Research Society (MRS) standards for respondent verification and transparency. All respondents were verified through Opinium’s rigorous identity validation and data quality processes.

For more information, please contact Dee Fallon at deirdre.fallon@barclays.com or 07450 054 640.

About Barclays

Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays.

About Barclays Spend Insights

Barclays Spend Insights helps businesses spot growth opportunities, respond to changing customer behaviours, and stay ahead of market trends, with intelligence segmented by region and customer demographics. For further information, visit our solutions site.

(PRESS RELEASE) CREWE, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Bentley Motors has named Michelle Yeoh as a global brand ambassador, with the British luxury automotive brand announcing the appointment just weeks after unveiling Torcal, a once-in-a-generation new model line for Bentley and the marque’s first fully electric vehicle.

The announcement is accompanied by a portrait of Yeoh photographed by Bentley External Creative Director Greg Williams.

According to Bentley, Yeoh’s relationship with the marque echoes that of her husband, Jean Todt, whose collection includes a 1965 Continental S3, a 2019 Mulsanne and a 2025 Flying Spur Speed 1st Edition. Through the appointment, Bentley is formalising Yeoh’s longstanding relationship with the marque and welcoming her to its growing family of global brand ambassadors.

Born in Malaysia, Yeoh pursued her education in the United Kingdom as a teenager, training in ballet. She later studied Creative Arts with Drama in Cheshire, just 15 miles from Bentley’s home in Crewe.

Yeoh established herself in Hong Kong in the 1980s and became one of Asia’s most successful actors, known for performing her own stunts in films. Her screen credits include James Bond’s “Tomorrow Never Dies”, Oscar-winning “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”, “Memoirs of a Geisha”, “Sunshine”, “The Lady”, “Crazy Rich Asians”, Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Wicked”. In 2023, she made history with Everything Everywhere All at Once, becoming the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her latest works includes “The Surgeon”, “Blade Runner 2099” and “The Wandering Earth III”.

“ Over more than four decades on screen, from Hong Kong action cinema to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, to the worlds I’ve explored in Everything Everywhere All at Once, I’ve always been drawn to stories about transformation, about characters who evolve without losing who they are at their core. Bentley embodies that same idea: a brand that has reinvented itself again and again while staying true to its craftsmanship and its soul. That’s why this partnership feels so natural to me. Torcal represents Bentley’s next chapter, and I’m honoured to be part of telling that story”

Michelle Yeoh said.

“An action star, Bond icon and global legend, Yeoh embodies Bentley’s high-performance spirit and the dedication to craft perfected over decades. Announcing her role as a global brand ambassador alongside the launch of our new Torcal, we hope to bring to life the confidence, character and ambition that define Bentley today.”

Ben Whattam, Bentley Marketing Director, concludes.

For more information, contact communications@bentley.co.uk.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool has agreed a partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to introduce a joint Master of Laws (LL.M) in Intellectual Property (IP), Innovation and Sustainable Creative Industries.

Scheduled to welcome students and professionals in autumn 2027, the course will be WIPO’s first joint Master’s programme in the United Kingdom and its 21st internationally. It is designed for people seeking to develop their expertise in intellectual property, innovation and the creative industries.

A University of Liverpool delegation visited WIPO headquarters in Geneva to formalise the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The signing involved WIPO Director General Daren Tang, UK Ambassador to the United Nations Kumar Iyer and David Humphries, Deputy Director for Research, Economics and Evidence at the UK Intellectual Property Office.

The programme will take a transdisciplinary approach, bringing together students from legal and non-legal backgrounds, including law, arts, music, science, technology and business. Flexible study pathways will address international IP, new technologies, creative industries, platform regulation, branding and commercialisation, sustainability and life sciences.

The course also aims to equip graduates to respond to emerging challenges, including understanding artificial intelligence and its practical implications for intellectual property.

The University delegation included Professor Alison Fell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr Georgia Jenkins, IP LL.M Director; and project lead Sabine Jacques, Professor of Intellectual Property Law and IP & AI Policy Lead at Music*Futures*.

Liverpool recognised as a City of Innovation

On the day of the partnership signing, WIPO also named Liverpool among the first recipients of its ‘City of Innovation’ recognition. Liverpool was selected by an independent, nine-member international jury for its inclusive ‘innovating for tomorrow’ vision, alongside Charleroi in Belgium and Shanghai in China.

The successful Liverpool City Region bid was led by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool and Sci-Tech Daresbury. It outlined plans to scale up initiatives that unlock the creative and growth potential of communities and businesses across the city region.

Aligned with Music*Futures*, the new joint Master’s degree supports Liverpool’s innovation ambitions, particularly collaboration between academia, industry, government and citizens, stronger IP and commercialisation support, and inclusive innovation.

Professor Alison Fell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, said:

“Our new joint LL.M with WIPO reflects the University of Liverpool’s commitment to inclusive innovation – connecting academia with industry and government for wider societal impact. The programme will equip students and professionals from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly changing IP landscape, from AI and digital technologies to the creative industries, sustainability and life sciences.”

Daren Tang, Director General, WIPO, said:

“This partnership between the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the University of Liverpool and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) demonstrates how international organizations, governments and universities can work together to strengthen innovation ecosystems, develop human capital, and prepare future leaders to shape the innovation and creative economies of tomorrow. It represents an important milestone in WIPO’s expanding network of world-class academic institutions and strategic partners dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in intellectual property, innovation, and the creative industries.”

David Humphries, UK IPO, said:

“The UK’s Creative Industries have global reach and influence, and it is vital that we equip future leaders with the skills and confidence to deal with rapid technological and social change – local, nationally and internationally.  The UK IPO is therefore delighted to be able to support this exciting collaboration between the University of Liverpool and WIPO.”

Kumar Iyer, UK Ambassador to the United Nations, said:

“Today’s innovators will create tomorrow’s jobs, industries and solutions. This partnership between the University of Liverpool and WIPO will give current and future innovators the intellectual property skills and confidence they need to turn innovation into impact.”

Enterprise at the University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool contributes to innovation and economic growth in Liverpool City Region and holds a significant portfolio of patents. It continues to advance inventions and other intellectual property arising from its research through licensing, translational funding and industry partnerships.

The University’s Enterprise Team helps researchers protect and commercialise intellectual property, translating discoveries into technologies, products and businesses. These activities support innovation, investment and regional economic growth.

For press enquiries, contact pressoffice@liverpool.ac.uk.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) recently welcomed participants in the Parkinson’s Precision Medicine Initiative (PPMI) to an event recognising their role in advancing research into Parkinson’s disease.

PPMI is an international research study led by The Michael J. Fox Foundation. It seeks to improve scientific understanding of Parkinson’s disease and accelerate the development of new treatments. LIH contributes to the global initiative as one of its clinical research sites.

“We are very pleased that the foundation has chosen us as a trusted partner. Our collaboration, which began in 2023, has grown into a strong and successful partnership, marked by excellent retention rates, mutual trust and a shared commitment to long-term success,”

says Prof. Dr Rejko Krüger, Principal Investigator at the Luxembourg site and TTM Director at LIH.

Highlighting participants’ contribution to research

The event offered participants a closer look at how their involvement contributes to research. A presentation at the LIH laboratory within the Department of Infection and Immunity, together with a PPMI video, explained how biological samples and clinical data supplied by participants are used to support scientific investigations.

Attendees were particularly interested in the scale and impact of the initiative, reflected in the number of people enrolled in PPMI and the thousands of times researchers around the world have downloaded study data.

In addition to the scientific presentations, participants had an opportunity to meet one another, exchange experiences and speak informally with members of the LIH research team.

Participants expressed appreciation for the organisation of the gathering, its informative content and the gifts presented as tokens of gratitude.

LIH thanked everyone involved in PPMI for their continued trust, commitment and generosity. The institute emphasised the importance of these contributions to better understanding Parkinson’s disease and supporting the development of improved treatments.

Scientific Contact

Prof. Dr Rejko Krüger, Principal Investigator at the Luxembourg site and TTM Director at LIH. Contact LIH.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) immunometabolism researcher Prof Dirk Brenner, who leads the Experimental & Molecular Immunology group within the Department of Infection and Immunity (DII), has contributed to a special “Voices” article in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism. The publication follows the 2nd European Immunometabolism Network Conference (EIMN 2026), organised by LIH in Luxembourg in June, and gathers the perspectives of international specialists on developments and future directions in the field.

Published in October 2026 under the title “Trajectories in immunometabolism”, the Cell Metabolism article examines how immunometabolism has developed, the discoveries that have shaped research and the questions scientists expect to address next. Prof Brenner’s work at LIH explores how metabolic mechanisms influence immune-cell activity and their role in health and disease.

Research in immunometabolism has shown that metabolism does more than supply energy to immune cells. It also shapes their development, their responses to threats and their activity in different environments. A clearer understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to new treatments for immune-related diseases, including cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

In his contribution, “The next decade will be about integration”, Prof Brenner describes the importance of examining immune cells in their real tissue environments, where the availability of nutrients and local metabolic conditions influence their behaviour. He also emphasises translating laboratory findings into approaches relevant to clinical practice.

“I expect the coming decade to be defined less by the discovery of new pathways than by the integration of known ones into clinical strategies”

states Prof Dirk Brenner, pointing to the potential of immunometabolism research to inform more targeted therapeutic approaches.

LIH also highlighted the international visibility of its research through the 2nd European Immunometabolism Network Conference, which it hosted from 10 to 12 June 2026. Chaired by Prof Brenner, the event brought together 170 scientists and clinicians from 21 countries to share new findings, discuss research and establish international connections. Support for early-career researchers was a particular focus, and 98 scientific posters were presented.

According to LIH, Prof Brenner’s inclusion alongside internationally recognised researchers in the Cell Metabolism article reflects the institute’s contribution to immunometabolism and its commitment to scientific exchange, collaboration and research with potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of immune-related diseases.

The Cell Metabolism Voices article, “Trajectories in immunometabolism”, is available through its DOI. Further information on the Experimental and Molecular Immunology group and the Department of Infection and Immunity is available from LIH.

Scientific Contact

Dirk Brenner, Head of the Experimental & Molecular Immunology group

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDELBERG, Germany, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — A small number of random genetic mutations can cause simple RNA droplets to transform into cell-like structures. In this process, they form cavities, can move and are able to take up cargo. According to research led by Prof. Dr. Kerstin Göpfrich at the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), conducted in cooperation with experts from the German Cancer Research Center and the University of Augsburg, just a few molecular changes are enough to trigger these complex processes in very simple synthetic cells. The researchers also hope to harness this principle for medical applications.

How life could have emerged from non-living matter remains one of science’s oldest unanswered questions. For this to happen, a minimal cell must at least retain its genetic material while also being able to change, as Prof. Göpfrich explains. Creating such a minimal living cell from scratch using non-living components is one of the main goals of synthetic biology, the field in which Kerstin Göpfrich and her research group at the ZMBH work. In their research, the molecular biologist and her team use RNA droplets, which are liquid-like, membrane-less nanostructures composed of synthetically produced ribonucleic acid (RNA) that spontaneously self-assemble.

These RNA droplets can encapsulate the genetic template from which they are transcribed. “That establishes a basic prerequisite for a system that can evolve,” says William Verstraeten, a doctoral candidate in Prof. Göpfrich’s research group.

The scientists were surprised to find that deliberately modifying the DNA template did not cause the droplets to dissolve, as expected. “Instead, they formed large cavities known as vacuoles, which remained stable for days or even weeks,” says Kerstin Göpfrich. According to her, a mutation rate of just around three percent was sufficient to produce these complex changes in the primitive synthetic cells.

The team led by Prof. Dr. Michael Platten at the German Cancer Research Center used a specialized sequencing technology to determine which mutations were responsible for the structural changes inside the droplets. This made it possible to create a “model mutant” and reliably reproduce the effect.

“The vacuoles form when more and more new RNA enters the already viscous interior of the droplets during transcription. The rapid accumulation of mass can cause local instabilities, from which the cavities form,” explains Prof. Dr. Christoph Weber from the Institute of Physics at the University of Augsburg. The experiments conducted by the scientists confirmed that vacuole formation requires RNA droplets to have a radius of more than 20 micrometers and contain more than approximately two percent genetically modified material.

Further investigations showed that the cavities redistribute mass inside the droplets, producing tiny movements on the micrometer scale. According to the researchers, mutated RNA droplets traveled significantly farther than non-mutated ones and collided with one another more frequently; as a result, they fused and grew. The vacuoles also act as internal storage compartments. “They take up small molecules and can store this cargo inside them,” says Prof. Göpfrich.

“Mutagenesis therefore provides us with a new architecture and new functions that would be very difficult to design and build from scratch,” emphasizes the molecular biologist. As part of Heidelberg University’s SynthImmune Cluster of Excellence, the researchers aim to harness this process of mutation and selection to generate molecular functions from minimal synthetic components. “In future, we want to use this tool to develop synthetic immune effectors capable of evolving specific immune functions on their own.”

The research was conducted as part of the German Research Foundation-funded Collaborative Research Centre / Transregio 392 “Molecular Evolution in Prebiotic Environments”. The research groups led by Kerstin Göpfrich in Heidelberg and Christoph Weber in Augsburg are involved in the project. The work was also supported by the European Research Council, the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization, the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation and the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering.

Original publication

W. Verstraeten, M. P. Tran, A. Taskina, P. Jaiswal, I. S. Haugerud, C. Helbig, M. Hamberger, E. W. Green, M. Platten, C. A. Weber, and K. Göpfrich: Genetic encoding and mutagenesis of RNA droplet phenotypes. Nature Chemical Engineering (7 October 2026)

DOI: 10.1038/s44286-026-00454-4

Further information

Kerstin Göpfrich research group

Kerstin Göpfrich
ZMBH Research Group Leader
ZMBH
Im Neuenheimer Feld 329
69120 Heidelberg, Germany

k.goepfrich@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de

Lab Homepage

ZMBH Home
The Göpfrich Lab
Publications
PI’s Scientific CV

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — LONDON, United Kingdom — The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Pertemps have warned that escalating employment costs and regulatory pressures could further restrict job prospects and training opportunities for young people, according to findings from their Employment Trends Survey 2026, published ahead of the Milburn Review’s final recommendations.

Only 15% of businesses surveyed say they are confident about hiring, compared with 24% in 2025. Employers identified rising labour costs and employment regulation as key factors constraining the capacity to create jobs and offer training, particularly for people entering the workforce.

Key findings

• Only 15% of firms report confidence about hiring, down from 24% in 2025.
• Labour costs are the leading threat to UK labour-market competitiveness, cited by 73% of respondents.
• 53% of businesses report that wider cost pressures are causing them to offer fewer apprenticeships than they would like.
• Employment regulation ranks second among perceived risks, cited by 72%. Four in five businesses say the Government’s Make Work Pay plan is unaffordable without adverse effects on growth, investment, jobs or other employee benefits.

Pressure on youth employment and skills

The survey indicates that higher recruitment and employment costs are limiting firms’ ability to establish entry-level positions. The same pressures are affecting training budgets and career-development opportunities for existing employees.

• 44% of businesses say rising recruitment and onboarding costs encourage them to favour experienced candidates, limiting entry-level opportunities.
• 45% report insufficient demand to justify additional entry-level jobs.
• 50% say reducing the regulatory burden associated with apprenticeships would improve the system for their business.
• 35% report that cost pressures are reducing training budgets and prompting them to recruit people who need no additional training for entry-level jobs.

Competitiveness and investment

The findings also point to employer concern about the United Kingdom’s competitiveness as a place to employ people and invest. Just 1.7% of responding businesses consider the UK labour market more attractive for investment and business activity than it was five years ago; 65.3% say it has become much less attractive. Without action on competitiveness, 79% expect the position to deteriorate.

Employment costs and living standards

The CBI said higher employment costs are affecting recruitment, wage growth and businesses’ pricing and investment decisions. Employers’ National Insurance contributions are identified as the largest cost pressure, while a further increase in the minimum wage rate is anticipated in April.

In response to an estimated 3.7% increase in the National Living Wage in 2027 to £13.18, 39% of firms expect to offset costs by increasing prices, 29% by reducing employment and 22% by lowering business investment. At their next pay review, 47% expect to raise pay rates in line with or above inflation, compared with 70% in 2024.

Comments from the CBI and Pertemps

Commenting on the results, Rain Newton-Smith, CBI CEO, said:

“Britain’s businesses want to invest, grow and create good jobs, but these findings are a clear signal that the cost and confidence equation in the labour market needs to change.”

“Higher employment costs and growing regulatory pressures are making firms more cautious about hiring and investment. That matters not just for businesses, but for living standards and particularly for young people trying to get their first foot on the career ladder.”

“The good news is that this is not irreversible. Government can use the upcoming Budget to rebuild confidence by giving firms greater certainty over future employment costs, ensuring regulation supports rather than inhibits hiring, and working with business to bring down the cost of creating jobs.”

“Get that balance right and firms will have more of the headroom they need to invest in people, raise wages and create the opportunities that will drive growth.”

Commenting on the results, Carmen Watson, Chairperson of Pertemps, said:

“Across the employment market, businesses are becoming increasingly cautious about recruitment. Employers still want to grow and invest in their people, but rising employment costs, subdued demand and continued uncertainty are putting greater pressure on decisions around hiring, pay and workforce investment.”

“The consequences are being felt across the workforce and by jobseekers at every stage of their careers. When employers have less confidence and less headroom to recruit, opportunities narrow, pay progression becomes more difficult and investment in skills and training can suffer. More than half of businesses say they are offering fewer apprenticeship opportunities than they would like, while 44% feel pressure to prioritise more experienced hires. While this presents a particular challenge for those taking their first steps into work, the wider impact affects people of all ages looking for new opportunities, career progression, or the chance to develop new skills.”

“Businesses want to invest in their people and build the skills they need for the future, but confidence remains fragile. Creating the right balance between employment costs, regulation and practical support will be essential to giving employers the confidence and headroom to recruit, invest in skills and create meaningful, sustainable employment for people at every stage of their working lives.”

Commenting on the results, Matthew Percival, CBI Future of Work and Skills Director, said:

“Businesses support ensuring that work is fair, but the Employment Rights Act and wider Make Work Pay reforms are adding cost and complexity at a time when businesses can least afford it. Some of the most important details of these new rules are yet to be decided and getting this right is a chance to start building the confidence that businesses need to hire and invest.”

Notes to Editors

The Employment Trends Survey was conducted between August and September 2026 with a total of 682 firms responding.

All figures quoted exclude D/K unless otherwise stated.

Over half of businesses (including ‘Don’t Know/Not Sure’ responses) say that wider cost pressures mean they’re offering fewer apprenticeships than they’d like to (53%).

About Pertemps

Pertemps Network Group is one of the UK’s largest privately-owned recruitment agencies. It has a turnover around £1bn and offers immediate and strategic solutions to clients across both the public and private sectors.

About the CBI

Founded 60 years ago and representing some of the biggest names in business, household brands and globally traded corporations that employ people in all sectors and across every region and nation of the UK, the CBI is the voice of business. The CBI represents 850 members who themselves comprise 1,100 separate registered companies and 150,000 trade association members. Find out more about some of the businesses in membership here.

Media Contact

The CBI Press Office can be reached on 0207 395 8239, or via email at press.office@cbi.org.uk. Please note, sometimes there may be a delay in responding out of hours. Follow the CBI (@CBItweets) and CBI Economics (@CBI_Economics).

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, England, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of East Anglia (UEA) has highlighted findings from a new international report showing that elections around the world faced continued threats to electoral integrity in 2025, including violence, mis- and disinformation, failures in electoral administration, cyber attacks and natural hazards.

The Review of the 2025 Year of Elections: Inclusivity, Transparency and Trust, published by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in collaboration with the Electoral Integrity Project, examines national elections held in 39 countries during 2025. It considers both the risks affecting electoral processes and how election institutions are responding, with particular attention to inclusion, transparency and public trust.

The report was co-authored and co-edited by Toby James, Professor of Politics & Public Policy at UEA.

Prof James said: “The report shows that all countries, large or small, are facing challenges in ensuring that elections truly empower people. But they also show the value of drawing lessons across borders,”

He added: “Challenges such as the role of money in elections, election disinformation and political polarisation are not confined to single countries. Efforts to improve elections should therefore be global as well.”

Electoral campaigning remains among the more vulnerable phases of the election cycle. The report also identifies rising pressures on the integrity of media coverage and campaign financing, as restrictions on press freedom and increasingly digital financial flows create further difficulties for electoral systems.

Key findings from elections monitored in 2025

• Mis- and disinformation: Such narratives were recorded in at least 62 per cent of the 39 national elections monitored. Examples from Moldova, Ireland, Côte d’Ivoire and Australia included allegations of electoral fraud, misleading claims about candidates, AI-generated deepfakes, cyber-enabled disinformation and misleading political material on platforms including WeChat and RedNote.
• Gender-based violence: Instances were documented in national election settings in at least 22 monitored countries, often facilitated or amplified by digital tools. Women candidates and election officials in Ecuador, Chile and Germany, among others, experienced misogynistic, racist, sexualized and other online abuse, coordinated harassment, threats, manipulated imagery and sexualized AI-generated content.
• Natural hazards: Floods, heatwaves, tropical storms and other hazards affected 12 national and local elections across 11 monitored countries. Elections in Ecuador, the Philippines and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were among those affected, illustrating the impact of extreme weather on electoral operations.
• Campaign finance: The year brought continuing concerns over campaign spending irregularities, inadequate oversight and enforcement and interference by corporate and foreign interests. Electoral Integrity Project data identified campaigning as the weakest-performing phase of the electoral cycle, with examples including Australia, Albania and Romania.

Despite these difficulties, the report finds that the overall quality of elections remained broadly stable. It also identifies efforts by electoral management bodies and other organisations to respond to risks, improve confidence and make electoral processes more resilient to disruption.

Erik Asplund, Senior Advisor at International IDEA, said: “Election authorities are being asked to manage increasingly complex risks, from disinformation and violence to natural hazards and operational disruption,”

He added: “This report shows why anticipating these risks, strengthening institutional capacity and working with partners are essential to protecting elections and public trust.”

Across nine chapters and 20 case studies, the report describes approaches being tried internationally, including adjustments to voting arrangements, digital technology, regulatory reforms, risk management and cooperation between institutions.

Not every initiative delivered its intended outcome, but the case studies provide practical lessons on how election administration can adapt to changing political, technological and environmental conditions.

Holly-Ann Garnet, Professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, said: “New challenges to electoral integrity require innovative solutions. This report highlights some of the important steps being taken around the world to strengthen the quality of elections, as well as issues that require attention moving forward.”

The publication follows International IDEA’s review of the 2024 election Super-Cycle, which examined a period when more than 70 national-level elections drew renewed attention to elections’ role in shaping and sustaining democracy. The new review considers what the experience of 2025 indicates about persistent challenges and institutional responses.

Thinking about studying at UEA?

Discover our award-winning campus, meet current students and staff, and find out what life at UEA is really like at one of our upcoming Undergraduate Open Days:

• Saturday 24 October 2026
• Saturday 28 November 2026

Contact: communications@uea.ac.uk

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of East Anglia is bringing Indigenous women leaders and LGBTQIA+ campaigners from Peru and Brazil to London this week as part of a project that uses creative storytelling to support climate justice and Indigenous rights advocacy.

The visitors are taking part in a House of Lords policy briefing and campaign launch today, creating an opportunity for Indigenous leaders to engage directly with politicians and policymakers on climate justice, gender, security and international development ahead of COP31 and ongoing debates about overseas aid.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project, Indigenous Knowledge Mobilisation: Creative Advocacy Across Latin America, brings together two established UEA initiatives: Women of Influence in Peru, led by Prof Sarah Barrow, and Origem in Brazil, led by Dr Paulo Pepe.

Working with different Indigenous communities, the project uses storytelling to share experiences and perspectives while creating opportunities for Indigenous women and LGBTQIA+ communities to engage with policymakers and public audiences.

As part of the programme, Indigenous leaders, artists and activists from Peru and Brazil will take part in a series of events in London designed to raise awareness of Indigenous perspectives on climate justice, cultural identity and social change.

Prof Sarah Barrow from UEA’s School of Media, Language and Communication Studies, said: “Indigenous women and LGBTQIA+ communities are often on the frontline of environmental and social change, but their voices are rarely heard in policy discussions.

“This project and the activities in London create opportunities for people to share their experiences directly with UK audiences and decision-makers. Through film, storytelling and creative engagement, we hope to raise awareness of Indigenous perspectives and the challenges facing communities in Peru and Brazil.”

Dr Paulo Pepe from UEA’s Interdisciplinary Institute of the Humanities, said: “For Indigenous LGBTQIA+ communities in Brazil, visibility is not simply about being seen. It is about challenging discrimination, asserting their identities and claiming their place within their communities and wider society.

“Through this project, we have seen how film and storytelling can create opportunities for people to reclaim their narratives, challenge stereotypes and make their voices heard. Bringing these experiences into Westminster is an important opportunity to connect community-led advocacy with those involved in shaping policy.”

Documentary screenings will also take place on Thursday 15 October at The Garden Cinema in London, showcasing stories from Indigenous communities in Peru and Brazil and exploring how creative storytelling can support cultural advocacy and social change.

The events come as climate justice, Indigenous rights and international development continue to feature prominently in political debate ahead of COP31 and ongoing discussions about the future of overseas aid.

UEA researchers hope the project will amplify Indigenous voices and help bring their perspectives into public debate and policymaking.

Thinking about studying at UEA?

Discover UEA’s award-winning campus, meet current students and staff, and find out what life at UEA is really like at one of the university’s upcoming Undergraduate Open Days on Saturday 24 October 2026 and Saturday 28 November 2026.

For more information, contact communications@uea.ac.uk.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — TomTom, the specialist in mapping and location technology, has announced new capabilities designed to help automakers and mobility providers integrate complete EV experiences faster and improve every stage of the journey for drivers, from trip planning and navigation to charging and range prediction.

As EV adoption grows, so does the competition. Carmakers are racing to bring new models to market faster, without compromising on the experience drivers expect from planning, driving and charging. TomTom’s EV suite is built to support that complete journey, bringing EV routing, charging search, range prediction and navigation together in one platform. Through partnerships with global carmakers, TomTom already supports more than six million EVs worldwide.

To simplify the integration and help carmakers move faster, TomTom has launched Electric Vehicle Management, a self-service platform that enables automakers to onboard electric vehicle variants in minutes following the submission of required vehicle specifications. This includes the vehicle’s basic specifications such as battery size, charging connectors, dimensions and weight. Automakers then receive a unique digital ID that works across TomTom EV services for route planning, charging guidance, range calculation and in-car navigation. Vehicle data remains under the carmaker’s control and is handled using security measures designed to protect vehicle information throughout its lifecycle. This enables carmakers to connect a vehicle once and deliver a consistent EV experience across in-vehicle end-to-end systems, companion apps and web services. The new platform reduces implementation effort while accelerating time to market.

Once a vehicle is onboarded, TomTom applies its AI-powered consumption model, combining physics-based calculations with real-world driving data to generate customized range and charging predictions designed to improve over time as additional data becomes available. This gives automakers a scalable way to provide vehicle-specific guidance and helps drivers make more confident decisions about range, routes and charging stops.

TomTom has also expanded its EV suite with enhancements that help drivers plan and charge with confidence. Drivers can search more than 2.3 million connectors in 117 countries and access key information before they arrive, including charging speeds, opening hours, nearby amenities, live availability and how busy a charger typically is at their arrival time. Built-in reliability ratings help them skip chargers that may be out of service.

On the road, TomTom’s EV routing picks the best charging stops for each trip. If plans change and drivers adjust or skip a stop, the route updates instantly. Trips planned in the companion app sync to the in-dash system, and preferences such as favorite chargers and networks are stored locally, helping support user privacy. TomTom said this helps drivers waste less time and enjoy a flexible, easy-to-use experience, which in turn builds lasting trust in their automaker’s vehicles.

Together, these capabilities help automakers build EV experiences their drivers can rely on, from choosing a route and comparing charging options to navigating to a charger and managing energy along the way.

“In today’s EV market, carmakers need to be able to launch fast while getting the driver experience right,” said Leo Sei, SVP Product, UX & Marketing, TomTom. “Carmakers know their vehicles, and we know how those vehicles use energy on the road. With Electric Vehicle Management, automakers can onboard new EV variants in a fraction of the time previously required and connect them immediately to our complete EV suite. The result is faster deployment, more accurate range guidance and a better EV experience for drivers.”

Automakers and mobility providers can implement these capabilities through TomTom’s APIs and SDKs or accelerate deployment using TomTom’s navigation solutions. Electric Vehicle Management is available through MyTomTom.com. Developers can evaluate TomTom’s EV APIs and SDKs through the platform and integrate EV experiences tailored to their products and services.

About TomTom

Billions of data points. Millions of sources. Thousands of communities.

We are the mapmaker bringing it all together to build the world’s smartest map. We provide location data and technology to drivers, carmakers, businesses and developers. Our application-ready maps, routing, real-time traffic, APIs and SDKs empower the dreamers and doers to move our world forward.

Headquartered in Amsterdam with 3,300 employees around the globe, TomTom has been shaping the future of mobility for over 30 years.

http://www.tomtom.com

For further information

Contact media relations

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(PRESS RELEASE) EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is tracing its transformation from a technical college with just 200 students into an internationally recognised university with more than 13,000 students through a four-part video series, 70 Years of TU/e – Curiosity Connects. Drawing on personal accounts from staff members and students across generations, the series revisits seven decades of education, research, innovation and campus life.

Hosts Cindy de Koning and Alfons Bruekers explore the university’s history through interviews, anecdotes and archive footage. They meet people who helped shape TU/e and visit places on campus that reflect both its historical development and recent changes. Viewers can watch the series trailer.

The campus as a common thread

The campus connects the stories told throughout the series, illustrating how facilities and spaces have adapted to changing academic programmes, research priorities and student generations. Founded seventy years ago as a technical college developing new fields of study and sharing knowledge to advance the Netherlands, TU/e now pursues that mission internationally through partnerships in the Eindhoven region and beyond.

Each episode examines a different period of the university’s history.

Episode 1: The Foundation (1956–1970)

The first episode explores the establishment of the Netherlands’ second university of technology in Eindhoven. Academic heritage specialist Erik Geelen draws on the university archives and footage from its early years. Jan Blom, among TU/e’s first students, discusses the beginnings of student life and the emergence of student associations, while Joke Jansen recalls studying Electrical Engineering as one of the first women in a predominantly male environment.

Watch episode 1.

Episode 2: Growth (1970–1990)

The second instalment examines the university’s expansion during the 1970s and 1980s. Radiation specialist Gilles Moerdijk takes the hosts inside ATHENE, TU/e’s former nuclear reactor, to revisit the institution’s research history.

The episode also visits De Bunker with alumnus and former bouncer John Tacken. Its General Meeting Space (AOR) served for many years as a centre of student social life. Tacken recounts why he refused the Red Hot Chili Peppers entry into the AOR in the late 1980s.

Anne Kaldewaij remembers working with Professor Edsger Dijkstra, a computer science pioneer and recipient of the 1972 Turing Award whose contributions continue to influence technology.

Watch episode 2.

Episode 3: Resilience (1990–2010)

Computers, internet access and email became increasingly central to the campus during this period. In the late 1990s, all first-year students were issued laptops. Alumnus Paul Hamelinck recalls their nickname, “sidewalk tiles”, a reference to their weight and dimensions. Alongside Annemarie Moons, formerly of the Education and Student Service Center, he considers how student laptops changed teaching and learning.

Norbine Schalij, editor of Cursor, explains the evolution of the university newspaper from print to an online news platform. Researcher Bert Meijer reflects on 35 years in supramolecular chemistry. The scientist, described as an “architect of molecules”, is the same age as the university and remains enthusiastic about research and teaching, with no plans to retire.

Watch episode 3.

Episode 4: Transformation (2010–present)

The final episode opens with a difficult period for the Eindhoven region and declining student enrolment at TU/e. Former Rector Hans van Duijn discusses the university’s response, including a new education system, stronger international engagement and campus transformation.

Staff photographer Bart van Overbeeke, who has documented university life for thirty years, shares photographs from an archive containing more than 60,000 images. Lex Hoefsloot, founder of Solar Team Eindhoven, and current team member Yarno Basten describe student team participation. Hoefsloot was involved when TU/e entered and won the World Solar Challenge in Australia for the first time in 2012.

The documentary looks ahead with a visit to QuantumLab, where Servaas Kokkelmans discusses new technological developments and the opportunities they could create.

Watch episode 4.

Watch the video series

All four episodes and individual portraits of the staff members and students featured are available via the 70 Years of TU/e documentary playlist on the university’s YouTube channel.

Press contact

Cindy de Koning, Press Officer. Telephone: +31 (0)6 41 447 679. Email: c.m.d.koning@tue.nl.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, Belgium, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Council of the European Union has approved conclusions aimed at reinforcing democratic resilience throughout the EU, following an initiative by the Irish presidency. The conclusions promote inclusive citizen participation in democratic life and greater civil society engagement, while calling for transparent decision-making, increased confidence in democratic institutions and closer cooperation among member states to address political disengagement.

“The EU is a democracy and one we must work to protect. Democracy is at the core of our Union, so we must act decisively at all levels to protect it, and ensure citizens have a say in the decision making that affects their lives.”

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European affairs and defence of Ireland.

Main elements of the conclusions

The Council identifies citizens’ disengagement as a significant challenge and emphasises the importance of trust in public institutions for resilient democratic systems.

The conclusions highlight the European dimension of inclusive participation, recognising that coordinated action at EU level could help member states encourage renewed political engagement.

They also call attention to the need for a framework that supports inclusive democratic participation. In particular, meaningful, transparent and inclusive public consultations, together with citizen involvement in policymaking, can improve the decision-making process.

The Council further stresses that an independent, diverse and resilient civil society, including citizen-led initiatives, contributes to democratic checks and balances. Greater civil society involvement in policymaking is therefore identified as an important element of democratic resilience.

The conclusions follow the European Commission’s communication on a European Democracy Shield issued in November 2025. They concentrate on the third pillar of the initiative, entitled “Boosting societal resilience and citizens’ engagement”.

In the conclusions, the Council calls on the Commission to take appropriate follow-up action on the European Democracy Shield. It specifies that the work of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience should complement, rather than duplicate, the activities of the network of national authorities responsible for citizens’ participation.

Background

On 12 November 2025, the European Commission presented its communication on a European Democracy Shield, organised around three pillars:

• Reinforcing situational awareness and support response capacity to safeguard the integrity of the information space
• Strengthening democratic institutions, free and fair elections and free and independent media
• Boosting societal resilience and citizens’ engagement

In June 2026, following discussion in Council preparatory bodies, the Cyprus presidency submitted a report on strengthening Europe’s democratic resilience and implementing a European Democracy Shield.

Supporting material includes the Council conclusions on inclusive democratic participation, and societal and community resilience, the joint communication on the European Democracy Shield of 12 November 2025 and background information on electoral rights and democratic participation. Further information is available on the Council meeting page for 13 October 2026.

Press contacts

Dimosthenis Mammonas, Press officer
+32 477 61 20 77
+32 2 281 2504
dimosthenis.mammonas@consilium.europa.eu
@dimos_mammonas

Non-journalists can direct enquiries to the public information service.

(PRESS RELEASE) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EIB Global, the international development arm of the European Investment Bank Group, is providing a $250 million loan to NXP Semiconductors N.V. to expand the Netherlands-based chipmaker’s semiconductor operations in Malaysia.

The financing will increase assembly, packaging and testing capacity at an NXP facility near Kuala Lumpur. The plant processes semiconductors used in automobiles, industrial equipment, smart-home devices, and identification and payment systems.

Scheduled for completion by 2030, the expansion is intended to help NXP diversify global manufacturing and reinforce semiconductor supply chains serving European industries. The project will also transfer technology and know-how to Malaysia and is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in the country.

“Semiconductors are critical to Europe’s competitiveness and economic security,” said Nicola Beer, EIB Vice-President. “This investment strengthens a leading European company while bringing technology, know-how and high-quality jobs to Malaysia. It is a win-win operation that delivers benefits for both Europe and Malaysia.”

The agreement was announced on 13 October 2026 at the European Union–Malaysia business forum in Kuala Lumpur.

“Semiconductors are at the heart of the modern economy and the technologies that will shape our future,” said Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, who attended the forum. “Through Global Gateway, the EU and the European Investment Bank are supporting NXP’s investment in Malaysia to expand advanced semiconductor manufacturing, create high-value jobs in Malaysia and strengthen our supply chains. With Global Gateway, we are turning our partnership into skills, opportunities and lasting value for both Malaysia and Europe.”

The operation supports the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilise international investment in areas including digital technologies. It also follows an earlier financing agreement between the EIB and NXP: in 2024, the bank provided €1 billion for NXP’s research, development and innovation activities in Europe.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the European Investment Bank, a longstanding partner in advancing NXP’s growth and innovation agenda,” said Andy Micallef, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Manufacturing Officer, NXP Semiconductors. “This financing will help expand our manufacturing footprint in Malaysia, strengthen the resilience and diversification of semiconductor supply chains serving our customers worldwide, and create high-value employment opportunities while fostering technology development and skills in the region.”

Background information

About EIB Global

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international win-win partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Team Europe and the Global Gateway strategy. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.

About the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy

“Global Gateway” is the EU’s offer to reduce global investment gaps, foster smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors and strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a “Team Europe” approach that brings together the EU, its Member States and the European development finance institutions. Together, they have already mobilised more than €300 billion in public and private investments since 2021 in order to build links with partner countries rather than dependencies.

About NXP Semiconductors N.V.

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP’s “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $12.27 billion in 2025. Find out more at http://www.nxp.com

Press contacts

EIB Press Office | +352 43791 | Press contact form

Olga Sushytska | o.sushytska@ext.eib.org | +380 443908018

(PRESS RELEASE) ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has advanced discussions with Kazakhstan on investment in transport, energy, water, digital connectivity and sustainable industry following a two-day mission to Astana by EIB Vice-President Marek Mora on 7–8 October 2026.

During the visit, Mora met Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Assel Zhanassova and Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, as well as Ministry of Finance representatives. Talks also involved vice-ministers responsible for energy, water resources and the national economy, national road operator QazAvtoZhol, national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, Baiterek, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, DAMU and the European Union Delegation.

The mission brought together policy priorities, financing and project implementation, with an emphasis on advancing potential investments and strengthening Kazakhstan’s role in connections between Central Asia and Europe.

European connectivity priorities and the investment pipeline

The visit followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2026 State of the Union address, which set out a new international connectivity initiative for the Middle Corridor. Through Global Gateway, the European Union aims to mobilise up to EUR 12 billion in public and private investment, diversify transport routes, triple trade flows and substantially shorten freight transit times by 2030.

The EIB’s project pipeline in Central Asia is approaching EUR 3 billion. In June 2026, the Bank opened a regional representation in Tashkent to strengthen cooperation with local partners and projects.

Road investments and the Trans-Caspian corridor

Kazakhstan is among the EIB’s principal partners in Central Asia. In June 2026, the Bank signed a EUR 150 million framework loan with QazAvtoZhol to rehabilitate strategic roads on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The programme encompasses approximately 1,370 kilometres of roads in central and southern Kazakhstan, including links to neighbouring Central Asian countries.

The works are expected to strengthen road safety and climate resilience, reduce journey times and facilitate passenger and freight movements. They follow a EUR 200 million EIB Global framework loan with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for sustainable transport and renewable energy investments.

Discussions also examined the infrastructure and services needed to realise the corridor’s wider economic potential, including more efficient border processes, logistics centres, dependable road–rail connections and competitive services. Such measures could help Kazakhstan expand logistics, manufacturing and trade activity linked to improved connectivity.

Energy, water, digital access and responsible industry

On energy, the discussions addressed infrastructure upgrades, energy security, renewable power generation, regional cooperation and potential EIB technical assistance. A separate meeting with Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Arsen Zhakanbayev explored cooperation in the water sector. The Bank is also participating in regional initiatives such as the Kambarata-1 hydropower project, subject to its development, due diligence and the required agreements between participating countries.

In digital connectivity, EIB Global and the European Commission are providing a package of almost EUR 60 million with SES to expand satellite broadband services to approximately 1,600 rural villages in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The initiative seeks to connect around three million people with opportunities in education, healthcare and the economy.

The EIB is also examining possible financing with Kazakh mining and processing companies to strengthen responsible critical raw materials supply chains. The aim is to improve supply resilience for Europe while supporting greater local processing, technology access and skilled jobs in Kazakhstan. Any potential financing remains subject to EIB environmental, social and procurement requirements.

Preparing projects for delivery

EIB Vice-President Marek Mora said: “Kazakhstan has the ambition and investment potential to be a central partner for the EIB in Central Asia. Our discussions in Astana were concrete: safer and more resilient transport, stronger regional energy links, water security, digital access and responsible value chains. The priority now is to prepare projects well and move them forward, while safeguarding transparency, sustainability and long-term local value.”

The meetings emphasised progressing investment priorities from strategic discussions towards well-prepared projects and potential financing.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, England, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Southampton has secured two major contracts from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to provide research commissioning and management services for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Together, the contracts are worth £125 million over an initial five years, with an option to extend them by a further four years.

The awards build on a relationship under which the University has delivered health and care research management services for the DHSC since 1996. Southampton has also hosted the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC) since 2008. NETSCC operates within the School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation in the University’s Faculty of Medicine.

Research supported by NETSCC includes the TRANSFORM trial, which is examining approaches to prostate cancer screening, and the SENTINEL trial, which investigates early detection of lung transplant rejection. Its work has also included research associating air-quality improvements following the introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone with improved lung growth in children.

The University said the new contracts mark an important stage in the development of the NIHR and its operations, supporting research intended to benefit health and the wider economy.

Professor Cheryl Metcalf, Head of the School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, said:

“Securing these contracts is a significant achievement for the University and our school and reflects the strength and expertise we have built in health and care research management over many years. It also gives us an exciting opportunity to build on our experience and work in new ways with partners across the health, innovation and policy landscape.

“At the heart of this work is a shared ambition to ensure research and innovation address the questions that matter to patients, communities and the health and care system, and that evidence, products and service improvements can translate into real-world improvements.

“We are proud to continue playing a national role in supporting the NIHR’s research ambitions and look forward to working with our partners to maximise the impact of this new contract.”

Partner organisations and transition timetable

The University’s successful bids were supported by partnerships with the Health Innovation Network, through Health Innovation Wessex, and with Public Policy Southampton.

Health Innovation Wessex will draw on the University’s connections with industry to help innovators progress promising interventions towards adoption and integration within health and care systems. Public Policy Southampton will work with DHSC policy leads to formulate research questions and longer-term research strategies, helping to clarify their evidence requirements.

The existing NETSCC contract is scheduled to end in March 2027. The newly awarded NIHR Research Programmes contract will be hosted in the School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation from April 2027. Southampton will use the intervening months to plan and manage the transition, with continuity of services a central priority.

For media enquiries, contact University of Southampton Media Relations at +44 23 8059 3212 or press@soton.ac.uk.

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, England, United Kingdom, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of East Anglia (UEA) has begun piloting StudyStash, an AI-powered platform intended to help students get more value from course materials they already use. It can transform lecture notes and other course resources into revision aids, including flashcards, practice questions, study schedules and audio learning content.

As the pilot gets under way, StudyStash will be available through Blackboard to students on selected courses in the School of Economics, Norwich Business School and the School of Media, Language and Communication.

How does it work?

StudyStash uses the materials provided through students’ modules to produce personalised study resources. Students can use the platform to:

• Create flashcards using course content
• Generate practice quizzes and revision questions
• Build personalised study plans
• Convert learning materials into audio content for studying on the go
• Monitor progress and identify topics requiring further attention

The aim is to reduce the time students spend organising their revision, allowing them to concentrate on learning and understanding their subjects.

Supporting learning, not replacing it

With generative AI becoming more widespread, UEA is examining ways to use the technology responsibly and effectively in support of learning. StudyStash is intended to work alongside teaching, not take its place. Lectures, seminars and academic guidance remain central, and students continue to be responsible for their own learning and assessment.

The platform has already been adopted by universities including Birmingham, Loughborough and City St George’s, University of London. UEA will use its pilot to explore whether AI-powered study tools can help students improve confidence, develop stronger study habits and make fuller use of course resources.

Because the platform works exclusively from content created by UEA academics, it directs students back to their teaching materials, with the aim of reinforcing important concepts and supporting deeper learning.

Professor Claire Pike, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience, said: “UEA is committed to investing in our students’ success, so we are excited to be launching this pilot with StudyStash as an additional digital learning tool to complement our other excellent learning resources.

“We anticipate that StudyStash will further enhance the experience of our students by allowing them to create personalised study resources, aiding their learning.”

About StudyStash

Studystash is a UK-based EdTech company.

Co-founder and CEO Ben Ward said: “StudyStash was founded by two students at the University of Birmingham who wanted to make studying simpler, smarter and more personal.

“Balancing lectures, coursework and revision, we saw first-hand how disconnected digital tools were from the real learning experience.”

The findings from the StudyStash implementation at UEA will inform future development of the platform as it continues to expand its support for higher education institutions internationally.

Contact

communications@uea.ac.uk

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, Belgium, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — spiritsEUROPE has appointed Paul Skehan as its new Director General, bringing him back to the Brussels-based association he previously led from 2011 to 2017.

Skehan brings extensive experience in European and international public policy, government affairs and communications, together with a detailed understanding of the European spirits sector and its regulatory and policy environment. Most recently, he served as Vice President of EU Affairs at PepsiCo, adding strategic experience within a multinational business to his background in the sector and in Brussels.

His return comes as European businesses navigate changes in the political and economic landscape involving competitiveness, international trade, evolving consumer expectations, sustainability and discussions around responsible alcohol consumption.

Patrick Piana, President of spiritsEUROPE, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Paul back to spiritsEUROPE. He combines a unique blend of sector knowledge, association leadership and in-house corporate experience. At a time of considerable change for Europe and for our industry, Paul’s experience, judgement and understanding of both the political landscape and the business environment will be tremendous assets to spiritsEUROPE and our members.”

“I would also like to express our sincere thanks to Mark Titterington for his leadership, commitment and contribution to spiritsEUROPE. He leaves the organisation with strong foundations for the future, and, on behalf of our members, I wish him every success in his next chapter.”

Paul Skehan said:

“I am delighted to return to spiritsEUROPE and to a sector that I know well and loved working for. The world – and our sector – has changed considerably since I was last here. What has not changed is the extraordinary heritage, entrepreneurship and global success of European spirits, and the passion of the people behind them.”

“This is an important moment for our industry. Rooted in European agriculture and communities, and with products enjoyed around the world, European spirits have a real contribution to make to Europe’s competitiveness, trade and growth agenda. We also have an important responsibility to promote responsible consumption and help address harmful drinking. I look forward to working with the spiritsEUROPE team and our members to ensure our sector remains a constructive and confident voice in Europe – and has the right conditions to thrive.”

Note to editors

For more information, please contact: Julie Kjestrup, Director Advocacy, Communications and Campaigns – press@spirits.eu – Mobile: +32 475951275

spiritsEUROPE (http://www.spirits.eu) represents the interests of the spirits sector in 31 national associations as well as of the 11 leading multinational companies. Distilled spirits are as diverse as the EU’s Member States, spanning 44 product categories and including a host of geographically specific products that contribute to the culture of their regions and the European Union. As the leading voice of the European spirits sector, we seek to maintain and advance the freedom to produce and market spirits in a responsible way.

(PRESS RELEASE) LYON, France, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Babolat, the Lyon-based tennis equipment company, has become an official partner of the inaugural Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, an ATP 250 tournament in Lyon-Décines expected to feature several of the world’s top 20 players. The agreement builds on Babolat’s longstanding relationships with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and ALL IN GROUP, the event’s co-organiser.

Under the partnership, Babolat will serve as the tournament’s official supplier of racquets, bags, strings and accessories. The company is also an official partner for the clothing and footwear worn by ball kids and tournament staff, and will provide official racquet-stringing services in collaboration with ALL IN STORE.

Longstanding links with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and ALL IN GROUP

Olivier Plançon, Country Manager France at Babolat, described the company’s involvement as a natural continuation of its relationship with the tournament’s organisers and its home city.

“The Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in Lyon-Décines will be held for the first time in this venue and format, but Babolat has many connections with the origins of this ATP 250 event. First, we are based in Lyon, which gives the event a very special meaning for us. We also have strong ties with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the driving force behind the tournament. We supported him throughout much of his career, and he achieved his greatest successes with our Babolat Aeropro Drive and Pure Aero racquets. Finally, we have been a partner of ALL IN GROUP, co-organiser of the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in Lyon-Décines, since 2021.”

Babolat’s association with Tsonga extends across much of his professional career, including his successes using the Aeropro Drive and Pure Aero racquets. The company has also partnered with ALL IN GROUP since 2021.

Supporting professional tennis in the Rhône-Alpes region

Established as a family business in 1875, Babolat places human relationships, loyalty, social purpose and broader access to tennis at the centre of its partnerships, alongside competitive performance and sporting achievement.

The new agreement continues the company’s history of involvement in regional professional tennis. From 2017 through 2024, Babolat was an official partner and the official stringer of the Open Parc Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes at Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or, an event led by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Thierry Ascione. Babolat subsequently partnered with the final edition of the Open 13 Provence in Marseille, before that ATP calendar slot returned to Lyon.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, Belgium, 13-Oct-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Parliament will host a conference on Friday, 16 October 2026, bringing together Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Speakers and parliamentary representatives in Brussels to discuss stronger strategic ties and parliamentary cooperation.

President Roberta Metsola will chair the Conference of the European Parliament and GCC Speakers, of Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils. The meeting will take place at the European Parliament in Brussels in advance of the EU-GCC leaders’ summit on 24 October.

Opening addresses will be delivered by Metsola, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on behalf of the GCC presidency, and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC.

The conference will bring together parliamentary representatives from across the Gulf countries for exchanges with the European Parliament on how to advance the EU-GCC strategic partnership and parliamentary cooperation.

Participants

• Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
• Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on behalf of the GCC presidency
• Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council
• Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, United Arab Emirates
• Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, Sultanate of Oman
• Khalid Hilal Nasser Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, Sultanate of Oman
• Hassan bin Abdulla Al-Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council, State of Qatar

Exchanges are expected to focus on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, energy security, the wider impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and shared interests including open trade and connectivity. The conference will conclude with the adoption of a joint statement.

Background

Founded in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional organisation consisting of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

President Roberta Metsola last met with the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the GCC countries in Abu Dhabi on 23 June 2025.

The European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula holds regular interparliamentary meetings with the Gulf countries. Parliament has called for the effective implementation of the EU’s Gulf strategy through tailored partnerships with the GCC as a whole and with individual countries in the region.

Contacts

Delphine COLARD
Spokesperson and Head of Spokesperson’s and Information Integrity Unit
(+32) 2 28 43383 (BXL)
(+32) 498 98 44 85
delphine.colard@europarl.europa.eu

Jüri LAAS
Spokesperson of the President
(+32) 2 28 44090 (BXL)
(+32) 470 95 75 61
juri.laas@europarl.europa.eu