MOL Group Moves Closer to Possible Majority Ownership of NIS with Shareholders’ Agreement with Serbian State

(IN BRIEF) MOL Group has signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with the Serbian government covering the future governance of Naftna Industrija Srbije, as MOL continues negotiations with Gazprom Neft to acquire its 56.15% stake in the Serbian energy company. The agreement sets out the governance structure, decision-making processes and strategic objectives for NIS if MOL becomes majority owner. MOL said it would ensure the supply of the Serbian market, maintain operations at the Pančevo refinery and strengthen regional energy logistics links. Serbia’s government said the agreement would also allow the state to acquire an additional 5% stake in NIS and ensure the refinery continues operating for at least the next 10 years at recent pre-sanctions capacity levels. The deal is not yet complete, as MOL still needs to finalise the purchase agreement with Gazprom Neft and secure approval from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. The proposed transaction is positioned as a step toward improving energy security and cooperation across Central and Eastern Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) BUDAPEST, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — MOL Group has signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with the Serbian government setting out the future governance framework for Naftna Industrija Srbije, known as NIS, as the Hungarian energy company continues negotiations to acquire Gazprom Neft’s 56.15% stake in the Serbian oil and gas company.

The agreement defines the structure and decision-making processes of NIS’s governing bodies, as well as the company’s strategic objectives, should MOL Group successfully become the majority owner. It is designed to create a clear basis for professional management, stable operations and future value-creating investments in NIS.

If the transaction is completed, MOL Group said it would ensure the continued supply of the Serbian market and the operation of the Pančevo refinery, while also strengthening the network and logistics links between NIS and MOL Group’s broader regional energy assets.

Zsolt Hernádi, Chairman and CEO of MOL Group, said the agreement follows constructive negotiations with the Serbian government and creates a governance framework that would allow MOL, as majority shareholder, to manage NIS efficiently and professionally. He said the agreement would establish clear responsibilities and decision-making processes, helping end a prolonged period of uncertainty around the company’s future.

Hernádi added that MOL looks forward to working with the Serbian government and intends to make NIS stronger and more profitable, while ensuring Serbia sees MOL as a reliable partner. However, he stressed that the agreement does not complete the sale process, as MOL must still reach an agreement with Gazprom Neft and obtain approval from the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control.

He also said the transaction could strengthen energy supply security across the wider region and support closer cooperation among energy companies in Central and Eastern Europe.

Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, said the Shareholders’ Agreement defines the future relationship between the Serbian state and MOL if the Hungarian company acquires NIS from Gazprom Neft. She noted that the agreement will enter into force only if MOL and Gazprom Neft reach a purchase agreement and if the transaction is approved by OFAC.

The Minister said the Serbian government has adopted the agreement, under which Serbia would purchase an additional 5% stake in NIS. She added that the Pančevo refinery would continue operating for at least the next 10 years at the capacity level it maintained during the four years before the introduction of US sanctions.

The agreement is also intended to ensure continuity in the operations of NIS subsidiaries, including Petrohemija. Đedović Handanović said Serbia’s representatives on the NIS Board of Directors would have greater influence over company decisions.

She described NIS as critical energy infrastructure with a direct impact on Serbia’s economy and energy security. She said the Serbian state has worked for months to reach an arrangement with MOL as a potential buyer, with the aim of protecting the domestic market and securing supply if MOL reaches an agreement with the Russian seller.

The signing of the Shareholders’ Agreement is an important step in the transaction process, but the deal has not yet been finalised. MOL Group and Gazprom Neft are still working on the sales and purchase agreement for Gazprom Neft’s 56.15% stake in NIS. Closing remains subject to several conditions, including approval from OFAC, the sanctions enforcement agency of the US Department of the Treasury.

MOL said it has taken the necessary steps to obtain an extension of OFAC’s negotiation licence as it continues the process.

Media Contact:

internationalpress@mol.hu

SOURCE: MOL Group

SoftBank and Ericsson Validate Five Simultaneous 5G Use Cases on Commercial Network at Suzuka Circuit

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson Japan and SoftBank successfully demonstrated advanced 5G Standalone and millimetre wave capabilities during the 2026 F1 Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, using five independent network slices simultaneously on SoftBank’s commercial network. The trial tested how network slicing, 5G SA, mmWave, Massive MIMO and automated external control could support different communications needs at a heavily congested event venue. The five use cases included enhanced 5G SA connectivity for users, XR experiences, cashless payment support, mmWave backhaul public Wi-Fi and mmWave 5G wireless camera transmission for live broadcasting. Compared with the 2025 event, SoftBank 5G SA users saw downlink speeds improve by around four times and uplink speeds by more than 14 times, while 5G NSA users also experienced major improvements. The trial also showed that XR downlink latency over the radio section could be reduced to one-tenth compared with general 5G SA users. The demonstration highlights how 5G SA network slicing and automated optimisation can help deliver tailored service quality for multiple use cases on a single commercial network.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson Japan and SoftBank have completed a joint field trial demonstrating the benefits of 5G Standalone and millimetre wave technology at the FIA F1 World Championship Series Aramco Japanese Grand Prix 2026, held at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture from 27 to 29 March.

The trial showed how multiple advanced communications services can operate at the same time on a single commercial network through the combined use of network slicing, 5G SA and mmWave. Ericsson and SoftBank created five independent network slices, including mmWave communication, on SoftBank’s commercial network and delivered them simultaneously to users at the event venue. Ericsson said this represented the highest number of network slices used at the same time during an event in Japan, based on its research as of 17 June 2026.

The demonstration was carried out as part of Ericsson and SoftBank’s joint activities as event supporters of the F1 Japan Grand Prix. The purpose was to test how network control could optimise communications quality for different service needs at a large-scale venue, while improving network capacity and connectivity for general attendees.

Large events create a wide range of simultaneous network demands. Attendees post on social media, upload and stream videos, vendors process cashless payments, organisers require operational connectivity and broadcasters transmit video feeds. The field trial examined how each of these use cases could be supported with dedicated network resources and service quality controls on a live commercial network.

The five use cases demonstrated during the trial included enhanced communication quality for 5G SA users, an XR experience requiring high bandwidth and low latency, stable private 5G connectivity for cashless payment terminals, public Wi-Fi using mmWave backhaul as fixed wireless access, and wireless camera video transmission over mmWave 5G for live broadcasting.

To support the simultaneous operation of these services, Ericsson and SoftBank deployed triple-band Massive MIMO equipment, added additional mmWave radios and carried out detailed network design. This significantly increased capacity and performance compared with the previous year’s event, allowing users to post to social media and stream live content even under heavy traffic conditions.

For general SoftBank users, performance improved notably compared with the 2025 event. 5G SA users experienced approximately four times faster downlink speeds and more than 14 times faster uplink speeds, while 5G NSA users saw downlink speeds improve by around 1.5 times and uplink speeds by around six times.

The companies also used network slicing and Ericsson 5G Advanced features, including throughput control, low-latency optimisation and mmWave control. These capabilities allowed bandwidth and latency to be managed more precisely, with network resources allocated according to the needs of each use case. As a result, the network was able to maintain general user connectivity while also supporting more demanding services such as video transmission and payment processing during weekend congestion.

For the XR use case, where low latency is especially important, the companies confirmed that downlink latency over the radio section was reduced to one-tenth compared with general 5G SA users during the same period.

Ericsson and SoftBank also demonstrated automated network optimisation through external control. At selected base stations, communication quality for each slice was visualised at one-minute intervals, allowing resources to be automatically adjusted at high speed. This self-tuning operation showed how slices with different quality requirements could continue to meet their service targets even as network traffic changed during the event.

The trial demonstrated how network slicing can support multiple services with different technical requirements on a shared commercial network. In one example, a slice with higher quality requirements could receive more scheduling frequency and bandwidth than another slice during normal traffic, while the external control system automatically adjusted resources during congestion to continue meeting service requirements.

Teruyuki Oya, Senior Vice President and Chief Network Officer of SoftBank Corp., said the trial showed how SoftBank’s network is moving from uniform connectivity toward service quality tailored to individual use cases. He said 5G SA network slicing and automated control made it possible to support several use cases simultaneously and deliver the required quality for each, even in an extremely congested environment.

Jawad Manssour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan, said the validation of five use cases at the F1 Japan Grand Prix with SoftBank demonstrated Ericsson’s ability to provide optimised connectivity in highly demanding situations. He said similar capabilities could eventually be extended beyond localised venues to larger areas, supporting digital transformation across Japanese industries and society.

The field trial is also featured in the June 2026 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report, in an article jointly written by SoftBank and Ericsson.

Media Contacts:

media.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 00 00)

SOURCE: Ericsson

Atos Joins CrowdStrike Project QuiltWorks to Support Secure AI Adoption and Frontier AI Risk Management

(IN BRIEF) Atos has joined CrowdStrike’s Project QuiltWorks to support secure AI adoption and help organisations manage frontier AI-related cybersecurity risks. Powered by CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform and frontier models from OpenAI and Anthropic, QuiltWorks combines AI-driven vulnerability discovery, adversary-informed prioritisation, remediation services and cyber insurance support. Atos will contribute its expertise in managed security services, cybersecurity governance, sovereign digital infrastructure and regulated environments, with a particular focus on helping European organisations maintain control over data, AI models, infrastructure and compliance requirements. The partnership will allow Atos to integrate QuiltWorks capabilities into its cybersecurity services, supporting improved visibility into AI-related exposures, smarter prioritisation, faster remediation and continuous protection against evolving threats. The move builds on an eight-year collaboration between Atos and CrowdStrike and reinforces Atos’ position in AI-powered cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and secure transformation.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Atos has joined CrowdStrike’s Project QuiltWorks, a coalition designed to help organisations adopt artificial intelligence securely while managing the emerging risks linked to frontier AI.

The move strengthens Atos’ position at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty. Through Project QuiltWorks, Atos will expand its cybersecurity services portfolio and bring additional expertise in managed security services, cybersecurity governance, sovereign digital infrastructure and regulated digital environments.

Project QuiltWorks is powered by CrowdStrike’s Falcon® platform and frontier models from OpenAI and Anthropic. The initiative combines CrowdStrike’s AI-driven vulnerability discovery and adversary-informed prioritisation with remediation services from leading systems integrators and managed service providers, as well as financial protection from major cyber insurance players.

By joining the coalition, Atos brings a focus on digital sovereignty and secure AI adoption. Its contribution will support clients that need stronger control over data, infrastructure, governance and compliance as they adopt AI technologies and respond to the risks created by increasingly advanced AI-driven threats.

Atos’ services will support the QuiltWorks ecosystem with security operations capabilities designed for a threat landscape where adversaries are becoming faster and more AI-enabled. The company will also contribute its agentic, AI-augmented cybersecurity offering, helping organisations strengthen their ability to detect, assess and respond to AI-related exposures.

As part of the partnership, Atos will integrate QuiltWorks capabilities into its own security services. This will help organisations improve preparation, response and continuous adaptation to AI-driven risk. Clients are expected to benefit from clearer visibility into AI-related vulnerabilities, more intelligent prioritisation, faster remediation and stronger continuous protection against evolving cyber threats.

The combined approach is also intended to give executives and boards clearer visibility into AI and cybersecurity risks, supported by practical remediation frameworks that can be acted on across the organisation.

Atos will also combine QuiltWorks capabilities with its sovereign digital infrastructures to support highly regulated environments. This is particularly relevant for European organisations seeking secure and sovereign AI deployments that align with regulatory expectations, data protection requirements and sovereignty priorities.

The company’s approach places emphasis on governance, ownership and control of data, AI models and infrastructure. This is designed to make AI vulnerability management compliant by design and adaptable as threats, regulations and business needs continue to evolve.

Günter Koinegg, Global Head of Cybersecurity Services at Atos, said joining CrowdStrike’s QuiltWorks coalition represents an important milestone in the company’s strategy to combine artificial intelligence and cybersecurity at scale. He said Atos will bring together advanced AI risk management capabilities with its expertise in sovereign digital environments, enabling clients to adopt AI securely while maintaining control over their data and compliance obligations.

Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, said Atos brings a strong record of collaboration with CrowdStrike and deep expertise in cybersecurity services and sovereign environments. He said Atos’ participation will help extend the QuiltWorks coalition’s reach in the European market as the initiative continues to expand across sectors and organisations worldwide.

Atos and CrowdStrike have worked together for eight years on advanced cybersecurity solutions. The addition of Atos to QuiltWorks marks a new stage in the partnership, focused on addressing the cybersecurity challenges created by the rapid development and adoption of artificial intelligence.

Atos Group is a global cybersecurity provider with more than 6,500 experts and 205 cybersecurity patents. The group helps organisations manage evolving cyber threats through end-to-end, AI-powered security services and products, supporting digital sovereignty, trust and operational resilience.

Cybersecurity services delivered under the Atos brand combine strategic consulting, solution integration and continuous managed security services across the full security lifecycle. Atos operates a global network of 17 security operations centres, processing more than 31 billion security events per day and serving more than 2,000 customers worldwide.

Cybersecurity products delivered under the Eviden brand include a sovereign portfolio focused on data encryption, identity and access management, and digital identity. Developed and manufactured in Europe, Eviden cybersecurity products are designed to meet high European certification standards and protect sensitive data, digital access and identities across users, systems and connected devices.

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 56,000 employees and annual revenue of c. €7.2 billion (at the go-forward perimeter), operating in 54 countries under two brands – Atos for services and Eviden for products and systems. European number one in cybersecurity and a leader in cloud, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is listed on Euronext Paris.

Media Contact:

Isabelle Grangé
isabelle.grange@atosgroup.com
Phone: +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

SOURCE: Atos

Mari Lahti (left), Ville Kumpulainen and Erica de Wit. (Image: Winnie Ndukwe)

(IN BRIEF) University of Helsinki Funds has invested €50,000 in Ferrivia Oy through the HELSEED entrepreneurship programme, supporting the startup’s work on a digital service focused on low ferritin levels and iron deficiency-related concerns. Ferrivia was founded by nutritional scientist Mari Lahti and Erica de Wit after interviews with women highlighted recurring concerns that low ferritin and women’s health issues are often not taken seriously enough. Since launching at the start of 2026, the company has built a network of laboratories, doctors and healthcare professionals and attracted more than 500 paying users. Its service guides clients from laboratory testing and background analysis to nutrition and lifestyle advice, with referral to doctors when needed. Ferrivia currently operates in Europe but plans to pilot a US version of its service in late 2026, citing strong search interest in iron levels. The company has also received Sprint funding from Business Finland and added Ville Kumpulainen, formerly of Meru Health, to lead technical development as it works on Ferrivia 2.0 and explores broader women’s health applications.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Helsinki Funds has invested €50,000 in Ferrivia Oy, a newly established startup focused on helping people better understand and manage low ferritin levels and iron deficiency-related concerns. The investment was made through the HELSEED entrepreneurship programme and supports the company’s next stage of service development.

Ferritin levels have become a widely discussed health topic, with low iron stores often associated with symptoms such as fatigue, exhaustion and infertility. Many people who suspect their symptoms may be connected to low ferritin are looking for clearer information, testing pathways and professional support.

Ferrivia was created to respond to this need. The company’s idea emerged after co-founder Mari Lahti, a nutritional scientist and Master of Food Sciences, noticed how iron deficiency was being downplayed during an expert interview on the topic. Together with co-founder Erica de Wit, Bachelor of Economics and Business Administration, she interviewed women with low ferritin levels and heard recurring concerns that women’s health issues are often overlooked, particularly in relation to iron deficiency and ferritin status.

Since launching its service at the beginning of 2026, Ferrivia has developed a network of partner laboratories, doctors and other healthcare professionals. The platform has already attracted more than 500 paying users.

Ferrivia’s service guides users from testing to treatment. For clients without recent test results, the process begins with laboratory testing. Users who want a more detailed review of their situation can combine laboratory data with a background questionnaire and further analysis. Many users benefit from the nutrition and lifestyle guidance available through the service, while those requiring medical support can be referred to a doctor.

The company currently operates in Europe but is preparing for international expansion, with the United States identified as a key target market. Lahti noted that there are around four million Google searches on iron levels in the US each month, indicating strong consumer interest. Ferrivia plans to pilot the next version of its service for US consumers in late 2026.

In the longer term, Ferrivia intends to use its platform to expand into other areas of women’s health. The company’s development plans include becoming more data-driven and making broader use of artificial intelligence.

Ferrivia has also strengthened its founding team with the addition of Ville Kumpulainen, previously Director of Software Engineering at Meru Health. Kumpulainen will lead the company’s technical development as Ferrivia works on its next service version, Ferrivia 2.0.

The startup secured two funding milestones earlier this year: the €50,000 investment from University of Helsinki Funds through HELSEED and Sprint funding from Business Finland. The HELSEED investment served as the company’s self-financing component, enabling Ferrivia to apply for the Business Finland Sprint funding.

HELSEED is a student entrepreneurship programme that supports both early-stage business ideas and more advanced startup teams. Teams applying for HELSEED funding must have a clear connection to the University of Helsinki, which in Ferrivia’s case comes through founding member Mari Lahti.

After submitting its business plan for HELSEED assessment, the Ferrivia team held discussions with Deputy Chief Investment Officers Marko Berg and Kimmo Sundqvist of University of Helsinki Funds. Lahti and de Wit described the guidance, information and support received from Berg and Sundqvist as valuable during the funding process.

Marko Berg said the Ferrivia team shows strong potential, noting that enthusiasm, drive and previous entrepreneurial experience can help early-stage startups overcome major challenges. He added that the company is addressing a real problem whose importance is too often underestimated in healthcare.

With the new investment and Business Finland support, Ferrivia aims to further develop its platform, expand its data-driven capabilities and prepare for growth beyond Europe while continuing to focus on low ferritin, iron deficiency and women’s health needs.

Media Contact:

Marko Berg
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Financial Services
marko.berg@helsinki.fi
+358294122273

Kimmo Sundqvist
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Financial Services
kimmo.sundqvist@helsinki.fi
+358294121038

Source: University of Helsinki

iStockphoto.com – ilkercelik

(IN BRIEF) The Technical University of Munich is establishing the “Forum for Freedom and Democracy at TUM” to strengthen democratic education, civic participation and social cohesion at a time when public trust in democracy is declining. The initiative responds to recent studies showing that trust in democracy among Germans has fallen from 54 percent in 2023 to 45 percent. Located at TUM’s main campus in Munich, the renovated building at Gabelsbergerstraße 39 will provide event and workshop spaces, laboratories for democratic media design, dialogue rooms and seminar areas. The Forum will serve school students, university students, employees, professionals and the wider public through exhibitions, interactive formats and civic education programmes. Its central “Democracy Co-Lab” will promote democratic innovation and participation as an active process of shaping the future. The initiative brings together several TUM institutions and external partners from academia, industry, culture and public policy, supported by the philanthropic commitment of Honorary Senator Ingeborg Pohl.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Technical University of Munich is launching the “Forum for Freedom and Democracy at TUM,” a new initiative designed to strengthen democratic education, civic dialogue and the values that support a free and open society.

The initiative comes at a time when democracy is facing growing pressure in Europe and public confidence in democratic systems is weakening. Recent studies cited by TUM show that only 45 percent of Germans still trust democracy, compared with 54 percent in 2023. In response, TUM is establishing the Forum as a cross-generational platform for democratic learning, participation and exchange.

The new Forum will be located at TUM’s main campus in Munich, where the building at Gabelsbergerstraße 39 will be renovated and converted into a dedicated space for events, workshops and public dialogue. The site will include laboratories for democratic media design, seminar rooms, dialogue spaces and areas for interactive educational formats.

TUM plans to operate the Forum as an open venue connecting educational institutions, industry, civil society and policymakers. Through exhibitions, discussions, workshops and participatory formats, the Forum will create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to listen to one another, exchange perspectives and engage with democratic principles in practical ways.

The initiative will focus on a broad audience, including school students, university students, employees, professionals and the wider public. Its goal is to promote democratic education, civic responsibility and social cohesion while strengthening the foundations of a free and open society.

A key part of the Forum will be a workshop for democratic innovation and civic participation. At the centre of this work will be the “Democracy Co-Lab,” which will function as the Forum’s operational core and a dynamic space for interaction. The Co-Lab will treat civic education not simply as the transfer of knowledge, but as an active process in which participants help shape future democratic practices.

The Forum will bring together several existing TUM institutions and initiatives under one roof. These include the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, the Munich School of Politics and Public Policy, the TUM Think Tank, the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning, the TUM Junge Akademie, the Cluster of Excellence TransforM and the European university alliance EuroTeQ.

TUM will also expand the Forum’s reach through partnerships with organisations from academia, industry, start-ups, the arts and cultural sector, and public policy. Named partners and networks include the TUM School Network, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the Munich School of Philosophy, the Munich Security Conference and relevant foundations.

Professor Thomas F. Hofmann, President of TUM, said the university recognises its responsibility to society not only through research and innovation, but also by promoting democratic values and educating responsible, globally minded individuals. He expressed gratitude to TUM Honorary Senator Ingeborg Pohl for her philanthropic commitment, which is helping make the Forum possible and giving the initiative strong symbolic importance.

Through the Forum for Freedom and Democracy, TUM aims to create a lasting space where democratic values can be explored, discussed and strengthened across generations, while supporting civic engagement at a time when democratic systems face increasing social and political pressure.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Ulrich Meyer
presse@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich

The Sagrada Familia now stands as the world’s tallest religious building, reaching 172.5 meters – this milestone coincides with Henkel’s 150th anniversary.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel Adhesive Technologies has played a key role in the completion of the Sagrada Familia’s six central towers, with 24 tons of Loctite EA 9497 structural adhesive used to bond stone and steel elements within the basilica’s modular construction system. The technology has helped accelerate construction by up to a factor of ten compared with traditional methods while maintaining safety, durability and structural integrity. The adhesive was used across 826 panels and more than 2,100 stone elements, with around 30 kilograms applied per panel on average. Designed to withstand demanding conditions such as humidity, temperature changes, saline exposure and metro-related vibrations, the bonded structure supports the stability of the central towers, including the Tower of Jesus Christ. The project marks a major architectural milestone in the centenary year of Antoni Gaudí’s death and coincides with Henkel’s 150th anniversary, demonstrating how modern adhesive engineering can help realise a historic architectural vision that began more than 140 years ago.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel Adhesive Technologies has supported one of the most technically demanding stages in the construction of the Sagrada Familia, with 24 tons of Loctite adhesive used in the completion of the basilica’s six central towers.

The milestone coincides with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and highlights the role of advanced adhesive technology in helping realise one of the world’s most iconic architectural projects. Henkel’s Loctite EA 9497 structural adhesive has been used as part of the Sagrada Familia’s modular construction system, supporting faster assembly while helping ensure long-term durability and structural integrity.

The completion of the central towers represents the most complex structural challenge in the basilica’s history. Over more than a decade of collaboration, Henkel has provided not only its high-performance adhesive solution, but also extensive testing, validation beyond standard requirements, technical support and a continuous supply approach adapted to the project’s changing needs.

Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President of Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said the project reflects the company’s work with customers to help bring complex visions into reality. He said the Sagrada Familia demonstrates what can be achieved when the right partners work together and when innovation and collaboration continue across generations. Dorn added that the milestone also carries special meaning as Henkel marks its 150th anniversary.

Although invisible from the outside, the adhesive plays a central role in the towers’ structure. It bonds stone and steel components so they can function together as a single structural unit. Applied in liquid form, the adhesive adapts to the bonding surfaces, fills cavities and creates a durable connection. It then cures over around 24 hours while the panels are kept under stable thermal conditions.

The use of this adhesive-enabled modular construction approach has helped bring Gaudí’s vision closer to completion using technologies that were not available in his lifetime. Compared with traditional construction methods, the modular system has accelerated work by up to a factor of ten. Henkel’s adhesive expertise has been essential to making this method viable, allowing stone and steel to work together structurally while reducing construction time and maintaining safety.

In total, the six central towers include 826 panels and more than 2,100 stone elements. Around 30 kilograms of Loctite adhesive were applied per panel on average, contributing to the total use of 24 tons of adhesive across the project.

Loctite EA 9497 was selected for its ability to perform under demanding environmental and structural conditions. Located approximately 2.5 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, the Sagrada Familia is exposed to a saline environment that can promote corrosion. Barcelona’s high relative humidity, typically between 65% and 75%, adds further stress, while seasonal temperatures ranging from around 5°C in winter to more than 30°C in summer create repeated expansion and contraction cycles. Two metro lines running close to the basilica also generate constant vibrations that affect the structure.

The bonded structure has been engineered to withstand loads equivalent to up to 100,000 people per square metre. This strength is especially important in supporting the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest part of the basilica. While the cross itself does not use adhesives, its stability depends on the strength of the supporting tower structure.

With the completion of this stage, the Sagrada Familia reaches 172.5 metres, making it the world’s tallest religious building and surpassing Ulm Minster in Germany.

Henkel’s involvement shows how modern engineering can support the continuation of a project that began more than 140 years ago, while preserving Gaudí’s architectural vision. The application of Loctite technology at the Sagrada Familia also underlines Henkel’s broader role in enabling complex construction and engineering projects through high-performance adhesive solutions.

The milestone also aligns with Henkel’s 150th anniversary and its “Future? Ready!” theme, reflecting the company’s long-standing focus on innovation, technical collaboration and advanced materials.

Media Contact:

Sebastian Hinz
Phone: +49 211 797-58 94
Email: sebastian.hinz@henkel.com

Hanna Philipps
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
+49-211-797-3626
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel

The crew transport vehicles were commissioned in January 2025, with prototypes delivered in December 2025.

(IN BRIEF) MAN Truck & Bus Germany has received a major order from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief for 490 MAN TGE vehicles to be used in civil protection and disaster response across Germany. The order includes 350 command vehicles and 140 crew transport vehicles, marking the first large-scale federal-level procurement of MAN vans by THW. The crew transport vehicles will support personnel and equipment movement and can also be used as mobile workspaces, while the command vehicles will function as mobile command centres for communication, situation assessment and operational coordination. Delivery will take place in phases from 2025 to 2029, with crew transport vehicle prototypes already delivered in December 2025 and command vehicle prototypes planned from December 2026. MAN is working with Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH as body manufacturer and general contractor for the special superstructures. The order coincides with the tenth anniversary of the MAN TGE, reinforcing its use in commercial, municipal and specialised government applications.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — MAN Truck & Bus Germany has secured a major order from Germany’s Federal Agency for Technical Relief, known as THW, for 490 MAN TGE vehicles to support civil protection and disaster response operations across the country.

The order represents the first large-scale federal-level procurement of MAN vans by THW and further expands the cooperation between the two organisations. The vehicles will be used nationwide by THW responders, including many volunteers, and will support a broad range of emergency, coordination and operational tasks.

The procurement includes 350 command vehicles and 140 crew transport vehicles, both based on the MAN TGE platform. The vehicles are designed for different operational roles, allowing THW to strengthen its fleet with solutions tailored to command, personnel transport, equipment movement and on-site coordination.

Christian Götz, Head of TGE Sales at MAN Truck & Bus Germany, said the order demonstrates that the MAN TGE has proven itself in demanding government and operational environments. He said projects of this scale require reliability, flexibility and close coordination with body manufacturers. Götz added that MAN is pleased its complete package met THW’s requirements and that the company will deliver vehicles adapted to different deployment needs.

The two vehicle types have clearly defined operational profiles. The crew transport vehicles are primarily intended to move personnel and equipment to deployment sites. They can also serve as mobile workspaces and coordination points during operations, giving teams additional flexibility in the field.

The command vehicles will support operational leadership during complex emergency situations. Equipped as mobile command centres, they will enable communication, situation assessment and coordination directly at deployment locations. This capability is intended to strengthen THW’s command and control functions during disaster response and civil protection missions.

By combining transport, communication and coordination functions, the vehicles will allow THW to respond more flexibly to different scenarios. The procurement is therefore aimed at improving operational readiness and supporting the agency’s ability to manage complex deployments.

Delivery will take place in phases between 2025 and 2029. The crew transport vehicles were commissioned in January 2025, with prototypes delivered in December 2025. Following testing, series production is scheduled to begin in August 2026.

The order for the 350 command vehicles was placed in March 2026. Prototypes for these vehicles are planned from December 2026, with series deliveries scheduled to start in July 2027.

MAN Truck & Bus Germany is working with Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH, known as WAS, on the implementation of the project. WAS is responsible as general contractor for integrating the special superstructures required for THW operations. The collaboration includes vehicle-specific modifications and preparation for disaster response use.

The order also comes during a milestone year for MAN’s van business, as the MAN TGE marks ten years on the market. Since its launch, the vehicle has been used across a wide range of applications, including commercial transport, municipal services and specialised government vehicles.

Through the new THW order, MAN is strengthening the role of the TGE in civil protection and public-sector mobility, while supporting Germany’s emergency response capacity with purpose-built vehicles for field operations.

Media Contacts:

Miriam Schromm
Pressesprecherin MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH
miriam.schromm@man.eu
+49 89 1580-2001

Thomas Pietsch
Communications Manager Van & Zero Emission Mobility
presse-man@man.eu
+49 89 1580-2001

SOURCE: MAN Truck & Bus

PureCycle Selects Wood for Front-End Engineering on New Polypropylene Recycling Plant in Thailand

(IN BRIEF) Wood has been selected by PureCycle Technologies (Thailand) Company Limited to deliver front-end engineering and design services for a new polypropylene dissolution recycling facility in Rayong, Thailand. The project, being developed with IRPC Public Company Limited at its eco-industrial site, will include a recycling line capable of producing up to 130 million pounds of recycled polypropylene per year. Wood’s role will focus on the Outside Battery Limits FEED scope, including integration of the new facility with IRPC’s existing petrochemical complex, utilities, logistics and site infrastructure. The award builds on a two-year relationship between Wood and PureCycle and may progress into an engineering, procurement and construction management phase later in 2026, subject to approvals. Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2026, with mechanical completion planned for the end of 2027 and operations ramping up in 2028.

(PRESS RELEASE) ABERDEEN, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Wood has been selected by PureCycle Technologies (Thailand) Company Limited, a subsidiary of PureCycle Technologies, to provide front-end engineering and design services for a new polypropylene dissolution recycling facility in Rayong, Thailand.

The planned facility forms part of PureCycle’s international expansion programme and will be developed in partnership with IRPC Public Company Limited at its eco-industrial site in Rayong. The project will include a polypropylene recycling line designed to produce up to 130 million pounds of recycled polypropylene output per year, supporting Thailand’s efforts to advance circular materials management and expand recycling capacity.

Under the contract, Wood will deliver the Outside Battery Limits front-end engineering and design scope, building on preliminary work already completed for PureCycle. This phase will focus on connecting the new recycling facility with IRPC’s existing petrochemical complex, including the integration of utilities, logistics and site infrastructure during the early design stage.

The award further extends Wood’s relationship with PureCycle, following two years of cooperation and several assignments delivered in the United States. Subject to further approvals, Wood is expected to move the project into the engineering, procurement and construction management phase later in 2026.

John Mtanios, Regional President of APAC at Wood, said the company is pleased to continue supporting PureCycle on a project of regional importance. He said the Rayong facility shows how advanced recycling technologies can be integrated into existing industrial infrastructure to support circular economy goals at scale. He added that Wood’s team brings experience in new recycling technology projects, together with an established presence in Thailand, to support the safe and efficient development of the facility.

Wood will bring both international and local capabilities to the project, with teams in the United States and Thailand contributing to the work. The company also has recent experience with IRPC in Rayong, having provided project management services for the Ultra Clean Fuel Project, which included a diesel hydro-treating unit and a hydrogen manufacturing unit.

Construction of the polypropylene recycling facility is expected to begin in the second half of 2026. Mechanical completion is targeted for the end of 2027, with operations expected to ramp up in 2028.

SOURCE: John Wood Group PLC

voestalpine Lands Landmark Rail Baltica Framework Contracts to Support High-Speed Link Between Northern and Central Europe

(IN BRIEF) voestalpine Railway Systems has received its largest single order to date, securing framework contracts worth approximately EUR 470 million for the Rail Baltica high-speed railway project. The contracts cover the supply of up to 1,000 high-speed and standard turnouts, along with fully digital monitoring systems for the electrified line. Production will take place at voestalpine facilities in Lithuania and Latvia, with prototype deliveries expected in 2027. The high-speed turnouts are designed for speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour and can include around 40 sensors that transmit real-time data to analysis software, helping improve maintenance, reliability and safety. Rail Baltica will connect the Baltic states with the European standard-gauge rail network and create a high-speed corridor between Helsinki and Warsaw, making it one of Europe’s most important transport infrastructure projects. The order further reinforces voestalpine Railway Systems’ position as a global leader in digitalised railway infrastructure, turnout systems, signalling and monitoring technology.

(PRESS RELEASE) LINZ, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — voestalpine Railway Systems has secured its largest single order to date, with framework contracts worth approximately EUR 470 million for the Rail Baltica high-speed railway project. The order covers the supply of high-tech turnouts and digital monitoring systems for one of Europe’s most important current rail infrastructure developments.

Rail Baltica is designed to create a high-speed north-south railway connection between Northern and Central Europe, linking the Baltic states more closely with the trans-European rail network. For voestalpine Railway Systems, the framework contracts further strengthen its position as a global provider of system solutions for modern railway infrastructure.

The agreements include the planned supply of up to 1,000 high-speed and standard turnouts, together with fully digital monitoring technology for the electrified rail line. Production will take place at voestalpine sites in Lithuania and Latvia, with the first prototype products scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Herbert Eibensteiner, CEO of voestalpine AG, said the company is pleased to contribute to Rail Baltica, describing the project as a European flagship infrastructure initiative. He said voestalpine’s role reflects its position as a global market leader in complete railway infrastructure systems.

The high-speed turnouts supplied by voestalpine Railway Systems are designed for speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. The intelligent turnouts are equipped with diagnostic tools that function like an on-board computer, helping simplify maintenance and prevent potential failures.

Franz Kainersdorfer, Head of the Metal Engineering Division and Member of the Management Board of voestalpine AG, said the company offers customers a broad portfolio that covers the planning and design of track and turnout systems through to monitoring of completed railway lines.

A single high-speed turnout can be equipped with around 40 sensors. These sensors gather different types of data, including weather information and condition-related data from the turnout itself. The information is transmitted in real time to analysis software, allowing maintenance teams and operators to detect issues early and initiate preventive measures.

voestalpine Railway Systems is also one of the leading providers of standardised signalling technology under EULYNX. Its monitoring systems are already used internationally by major mixed-traffic railway companies, large freight railways in North America and mining railways in Australia and South America. Additional projects have also been completed in markets including South Korea, Mexico, Germany, Spain and the United States.

Rail Baltica is considered both economically and historically significant. The cross-border railway project involves Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, with Finland indirectly connected through the wider corridor. The line will establish a high-speed link between Helsinki and Warsaw, improving rail connectivity between the Baltic region and Central Europe.

The project also carries historical importance because it will reconnect Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the European standard-gauge railway network for the first time since World War II. This will further integrate the Baltic states into the wider EU rail system.

voestalpine Railway Systems is part of the Metal Engineering Division of the voestalpine Group and is a global provider of system solutions for railway infrastructure. The company supplies digitalised track and turnout systems, signalling technology and monitoring systems that improve rail availability and safety through digitalisation. In the 2025/26 business year, voestalpine Railway Systems generated revenue of EUR 2.2 billion and employed 8,600 people across 70 locations worldwide.

Atmo’s AI Forecasting Platform to Join Vaisala as Weather Intelligence Demand Accelerates

(IN BRIEF) Vaisala has agreed to acquire Atmo, Inc., a San Francisco-based AI weather forecasting company, for a fixed purchase price of USD 70 million, with an additional earn-out of up to USD 60 million tied to business performance and retention of key employees between 2026 and 2028. The acquisition brings Atmo’s AI weather forecasting technology into Vaisala and is intended to strengthen Vaisala Xweather’s growth as a weather intelligence partner for meteorological agencies, defence organisations and weather-dependent industries. Atmo generated USD 2 million in net sales in 2025 and has more than USD 6 million in contracted revenue for 2026, while 20 US-based professionals, including the founders, are expected to join Vaisala after closing. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Vaisala said the deal supports its strategy to grow services and software revenue and positions the combined business to provide weather technology from observation sensors through to AI-generated insight.

(PRESS RELEASE) VANTAA, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Vaisala has signed an agreement to acquire Atmo, Inc., a San Francisco-based AI weather technology company, in a transaction designed to strengthen Vaisala’s position in advanced meteorology and weather intelligence.

The acquisition brings Atmo’s AI-driven weather forecasting technology into Vaisala’s business and supports the company’s ambition to lead the next major transformation in weather forecasting. By combining Vaisala’s long-standing expertise in weather observation, sensing technology and meteorological services with Atmo’s artificial intelligence forecasting models, the companies aim to create a broader weather technology offering covering the full chain from sensor to insight.

The fixed purchase price for the transaction is USD 70 million on a cash- and debt-free basis. The payment will be made mainly at closing through a combination of cash and newly issued Vaisala shares. The agreement also includes an additional cash earn-out of up to USD 60 million, based on Atmo’s business performance and the retention of key employees during the 2026-2028 period.

Atmo recorded net sales of USD 2 million in 2025 and currently has contracted revenue of more than USD 6 million for 2026. The company employs 20 professionals in the United States, including its founders, who are expected to join Vaisala when the transaction is completed. Closing is expected by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Vaisala said the transaction does not affect its business outlook for 2026, which was issued on 24 April 2026.

Vaisala said the acquisition comes at a time when weather forecasting is undergoing its most significant shift in a century. Traditional advanced forecasting has historically depended on national-scale infrastructure, including supercomputers, wide observation networks and large teams of meteorologists. AI-based forecasting models are changing this model by delivering highly accurate forecasts much faster than conventional numerical weather prediction methods and with significantly lower computing requirements.

Atmo has been active at the forefront of AI weather forecasting and serves defence and meteorological organisations in the United States and Asia-Pacific. Its technology was recognised by TIME magazine as one of the world’s best inventions in 2024.

The combination of Vaisala and Atmo brings together nearly a century of Vaisala weather expertise and trusted observation technology used by meteorological agencies in more than 150 countries with frontier AI forecasting models. For meteorological agencies, defence organisations and weather-dependent industries, the acquisition is intended to create a single partner capable of supporting the full weather intelligence journey, from high-quality sensor data to actionable forecasts and decision-support insights.

The transaction is also a natural expansion of Vaisala Xweather’s technology roadmap and growth strategy. Vaisala said the acquisition supports its strategic priority to increase the share of revenue from services and software. The Xweather business has grown by double-digit percentages every year since it was established in 2022, and Atmo’s platform is expected to further accelerate that growth.

Samuli Hänninen, Executive Vice President of Vaisala Xweather, said AI has delivered more progress in forecasting speed and accuracy over the past two years than during the preceding decade. He said Vaisala Xweather already serves more than 40% of Fortune 100 companies with weather intelligence, and that the addition of Atmo’s AI team gives Vaisala the capabilities needed to help meteorological agencies and defence organisations lead in the AI era of weather.

Alexander Levy, Co-founder and CEO of Atmo, said Atmo pioneered AI weather forecasting and proved its value with governments and defence organisations around the world. He said bringing Atmo’s technology to a wider market requires trust and reach, both of which Vaisala has built over almost a century across 150 countries. Levy added that Vaisala’s weather sensing network and Atmo’s AI models create a combination that competitors cannot easily replicate.

The cash portion of the fixed purchase price will be funded through Vaisala’s existing cash reserves and interest-bearing debt. For the share component, equivalent to EUR 9 million, Vaisala plans to issue new series A shares in connection with completion of the transaction.

Atmo is still in its investment phase and is not yet EBIT profitable. At the end of 2025, the company reported current assets of USD 3.7 million and current liabilities of USD 1.8 million.

Through the acquisition, Vaisala aims to expand its role in AI-powered meteorology, accelerate growth in weather software and services, and strengthen its offering for organisations that depend on fast, accurate and reliable weather intelligence.

More information

Media enquiries:
Nina Eklund, Vice President, Communications and Brand
+358 40 6691 999
comms@vaisala.com

Investor enquiries:
Niina Ala-Luopa, Head of Investor Relations
+358 400 728 957
ir@vaisala.com

Distribution
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
vaisala.com

Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence for climate action. We equip our customers with devices and data to improve resource efficiency, drive energy transition, and care for the safety and well-being of people and societies worldwide. With over 90 years of innovation and expertise, we employ a team of close to 2,500 experts committed to taking every measure for the planet. Vaisala series A shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.
www.vaisala.com

SOURCE: Vaisala

University of Liverpool-Led UNCOVER Programme Receives New Blood Cancer UK Funding to Expand National Data Research

(IN BRIEF) A University of Liverpool-led research team has received more than £475,000 from Blood Cancer UK to continue and expand UNCOVER, one of the largest blood cancer data research programmes globally. Sponsored by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, the programme uses routinely collected NHS data from more than 300,000 people diagnosed with blood cancer in England since 2014, alongside a large control group, to build a detailed national picture of real-world care and outcomes. The new three-year funding will help researchers further investigate how blood cancers are diagnosed and treated, how outcomes vary across England and how evidence from NHS data can support improvements in patient care. UNCOVER is shaped by clinicians, patients and early career researchers, with research priorities guided by a national advisory group. The expanded programme will also support additional research questions, training opportunities, international collaborations and evidence to inform NHS decision-making.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool-led research team behind UNCOVER has received more than £475,000 in new funding from Blood Cancer UK to continue and expand one of the world’s largest blood cancer data research programmes.

Sponsored by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, UNCOVER uses routinely collected NHS data from people diagnosed with blood cancer in England since 2014. The programme brings together information from more than 300,000 blood cancer patients, alongside a large control group, creating a national dataset that is distinctive internationally for both its scale and depth.

The new three-year funding package will allow the research team to build on the progress already made through UNCOVER and further examine how blood cancers are diagnosed, treated and experienced across England. The programme is designed to provide a clearer understanding of real-world care and outcomes, including how patient experiences and results may differ across regions, services and groups.

Professor Andrew Pettitt, Lead Investigator, Ronald Finn Professor of Experimental Medicine at the University of Liverpool and Consultant Haemato-Oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said the funding represents a major endorsement of UNCOVER and of the value of using real-world NHS data to improve outcomes for people with blood cancer. He said that by bringing together clinicians, researchers and patients, the programme can ask stronger questions, produce more meaningful evidence and help ensure that research leads to practical improvements in care.

UNCOVER differs from many large-scale research programmes because it is shaped collaboratively by clinicians, patients and early career researchers from across the UK. Research priorities are developed through a national advisory group, helping ensure that the programme focuses on issues that matter most to people affected by blood cancer.

Data analysis is carried out by a specialist team of health data scientists in the Institute of Population Health under the leadership of Professor Catrin Tudur Smith. The programme’s use of routinely collected NHS data allows researchers to examine care and outcomes at a national level, offering insights that may not be visible through smaller or more narrowly focused studies.

Over the past three years, UNCOVER has already delivered important research activity. Findings have been presented at major international scientific conferences, while several peer-reviewed manuscripts are now being prepared or submitted. The programme has also helped attract additional funding, including support for research into health inequalities in blood cancer.

The latest funding from Blood Cancer UK will support further expansion of the database and enable the team to progress a larger pipeline of high-priority research questions. It will also strengthen education and training opportunities, support the development of international collaborations and help translate research findings into evidence that can inform NHS decision-making.

A major focus of the next phase will be ensuring that the research delivers real-world benefits for patients. By using large-scale NHS data and working closely with clinicians and people affected by blood cancer, UNCOVER aims to support more informed decisions, improved care pathways and better outcomes for patients across England.

Media Contact:
pressoffice@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool

Vattenfall and Industrikraft’s Videberg Kraft Advances Swedish Nuclear Plans with Rolls-Royce SMR Selection

(IN BRIEF) Videberg Kraft, the nuclear power company owned by Vattenfall and Industrikraft, has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as supplier for new nuclear power at the Värö Peninsula in Sweden, next to Ringhals. The decision follows a four-year evaluation process that began with more than 70 supplier options and has now moved into detailed planning for three small modular reactors. Each reactor would have an output of 470 MW, with the three units together expected to produce around 12 TWh of fossil-free electricity annually, providing a significant contribution to southern Sweden’s energy supply. Rolls-Royce SMR’s concept is based on proven pressurised water reactor technology, the same technology used at Ringhals, and uses modularised manufacturing to reduce on-site complexity and delivery risk. The project is positioned as part of Sweden’s renewed nuclear development after more than 40 years and is intended to support industrial transition, energy security and long-term national competitiveness.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Videberg Kraft has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the supplier for new nuclear power planned at the Värö Peninsula in Sweden, next to the existing Ringhals site. The decision marks a major step in the work being carried out by Videberg Kraft, the nuclear power company owned by Vattenfall and Industrikraft, to enable new nuclear generation in Sweden.

The next stage will involve detailed planning for three reactors based on small modular reactor technology, commonly known as SMRs. Each reactor is expected to have an output of 470 MW, with the three units together capable of producing around 12 TWh of fossil-free electricity per year. The planned capacity would provide an important contribution to electricity supply in southern Sweden.

Videberg Kraft has been working through a detailed evaluation process for four years, starting with more than 70 possible supplier options before selecting Rolls-Royce SMR. The supplier selection process has also been reviewed by an independent party.

Anna Borg, board member of Videberg Kraft and President and CEO of Vattenfall, said the decision represents a major step forward together with Industrikraft and Videberg Kraft in the journey toward new nuclear power in Sweden for the first time in more than 40 years. She said new nuclear power is an important part of the Swedish energy system and will support industrial transition while strengthening Sweden’s long-term competitiveness.

Rolls-Royce SMR offers an industrialised nuclear concept designed to reduce the risk of project delays. The technology is based on proven pressurised water reactor technology, the same type of reactor technology currently used at Ringhals. Its modular construction approach means components are manufactured and assembled in a controlled industrial environment before being delivered to the site for final assembly.

Martin Darelius, Acting Head of New Nuclear at Vattenfall, said Rolls-Royce SMR was selected because it offered the strongest overall conditions for delivering a successful project. He said the assessment had been highly thorough and independently reviewed, adding that Vattenfall will continue to provide full support as the work progresses.

The planned reactors will use modularised manufacturing, with each component delivered in full to the operating site and then assembled. This approach is intended to support more predictable delivery, reduce on-site construction complexity and help manage project risk.

Rolls-Royce SMR is a British company whose principal owner, Rolls-Royce, has long-standing experience as a supplier of nuclear-powered submarine technology. Rolls-Royce SMR has further developed this background into a modular reactor concept for civil nuclear power.

The selection of Rolls-Royce SMR advances Videberg Kraft’s plans for new nuclear capacity at the Värö Peninsula and supports Sweden’s wider effort to expand fossil-free electricity production for industry, energy security and long-term competitiveness.

For more information, please contact:

Magnus Kryssare, Press Officer, Vattenfall, phone +46-76-769 56 07, magnus.kryssare@vattenfall.com

Vattenfall’s Press Office, +46 8 739 50 10, press@vattenfall.com

This is information is such that Vattenfall AB is obliged to make public in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 15.00 CEST on 15 June 2026.

Airbus Helicopters to Supply Up to 15 H145 Helicopters to Avincis for EMS and Offshore Transport Missions

(IN BRIEF) Avincis has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for up to 15 H145 helicopters, which will be deployed across its European network to support Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and other mission segments such as offshore transportation. The new aircraft will strengthen Avincis’ operational presence in the Nordics, Italy and Spain, while supporting the company’s wider fleet modernisation strategy. Avincis, Europe’s largest emergency aerial services operator, already operates more than 220 aircraft and employs over 2,400 professionals across several countries. Airbus Helicopters highlighted the H145’s versatility, reliability and suitability for demanding missions, including emergency medical services and offshore wind and energy transport. With more than 1,800 H145 family helicopters in service worldwide and over 8.5 million flight hours logged, the aircraft offers advanced avionics, twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, FADEC, a four-axis autopilot, low noise levels and reduced CO2 emissions compared with competitors.

(PRESS RELEASE) DONAUWÖRTH, Germany, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Avincis has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for up to 15 H145 helicopters, expanding the fleet of Europe’s largest emergency aerial services operator and supporting its operations across several European markets.

The new helicopters will be deployed across Avincis’ network, with a focus on strengthening operational capacity in the Nordics, Italy and Spain. The aircraft will support Helicopter Emergency Medical Services as well as other mission areas, including offshore transportation.

John Boag, CEO of Avincis Group, said the H145 is well suited to the company’s mission-critical operations because it offers the reliability and performance needed to save lives and protect communities in demanding environments. He said the addition of up to 15 more H145 helicopters will ensure Avincis crews have access to advanced technology as they continue delivering aerial emergency services and specialised offshore transport across the company’s European territories. Boag added that Avincis looks forward to continuing its partnership with Airbus as it modernises its fleet for future operations.

Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said Avincis’ decision to select the H145 again highlights the aircraft’s role in supporting vital missions across Europe. He described the H145 as a versatile multi-mission platform that can move from emergency medical services to the demanding requirements of offshore wind and energy transport. Louvot said Airbus aims to provide Avincis with reliable and efficient tools to support mission success in complex operating environments.

Avincis is one of the world’s leading operators of aerial emergency services, providing critical aviation support to the civil sector in order to save lives, protect communities and safeguard the environment. The company operates a fleet of more than 220 aircraft and employs more than 2,400 professionals, including experienced pilots, crews and technicians.

Avincis has bases in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Finland, with additional operations in Mozambique and Chile. Its services cover a wide range of emergency and specialised aviation missions, including medical response, public safety support and offshore transport.

The Airbus H145 family has more than 1,800 helicopters in service worldwide, with the fleet having accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours. The aircraft is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with full authority digital engine control, known as FADEC, as well as the Helionix digital avionics suite.

The H145 also includes a high-performance four-axis autopilot, designed to increase safety and reduce pilot workload during demanding missions. Airbus Helicopters says the aircraft has the lowest acoustic footprint in its class and the lowest CO2 emissions among its competitors.

Through this agreement, Avincis is reinforcing its European emergency aerial services capabilities while continuing to modernise its fleet with aircraft designed for reliability, operational flexibility and multi-mission performance.

Media Contacts:
Maximilian Mayr
Airbus Defence and Space
+49 1605044058
maximilian.mayr@airbus.com

Head of Communications
SkyFall
+38 0673889498
partners@skyfall.ua

Communications Specialist
SkyFall
+380638056090
partners@skyfall.ua

SOURCE: Airbus

Delgaz Grid Secures EBRD Financing to Upgrade and Digitalise Power Distribution Infrastructure in North-Eastern Romania

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is providing RON 300 million, equivalent to €57 million, to Delgaz Grid SA to support the modernisation and digitalisation of electricity distribution infrastructure in north-eastern Romania. The loan will finance part of Delgaz Grid’s 2026-2030 capital expenditure programme, including network upgrades and the rollout of smart meters. The EBRD’s financing is part of a broader RON 3 billion syndicated facility involving six commercial banks. The investment is expected to improve reliability, reduce electricity interruptions and network losses, and support the integration of more renewable energy capacity into Romania’s electricity system. Delgaz Grid, part of the E.ON Group, serves around 1.6 million electricity customers and more than 2 million natural gas customers in northern Romania.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is providing RON 300 million, equivalent to €57 million, in financing to Delgaz Grid SA, a Romanian electricity and natural gas distribution company and part of the E.ON Group.

The loan will support the modernisation and digitalisation of Delgaz Grid’s electricity distribution network in north-eastern Romania. The financing will cover part of the company’s 2026-2030 capital expenditure programme, including investments in network upgrades and the rollout of smart meters.

The EBRD financing forms part of a larger RON 3 billion, equivalent to €573 million, syndicated facility arranged together with six commercial banks. The package is designed to support continued investment in Romania’s electricity distribution infrastructure and strengthen the reliability of the country’s energy system.

Delgaz Grid is a long-standing private-sector client of the EBRD and one of Romania’s important distribution system operators. The EBRD’s participation reinforces its partnership with the company and supports further upgrades to essential energy infrastructure in the country.

The planned investments are expected to reduce electricity interruptions and network losses, while improving service reliability for customers. They will also help prepare the network for the integration of additional renewable energy capacity, supporting Romania’s renewable energy targets for 2030.

Delgaz Grid operates electricity and natural gas distribution networks in northern Romania. The company serves approximately 1.6 million electricity customers and more than 2 million natural gas customers. As part of the E.ON Group, Delgaz Grid is connected to one of Europe’s largest energy network operators, serving around 47 million customers.

The EBRD remains a major institutional investor in Romania. To date, the Bank has invested more than €12.5 billion across 594 projects in the country.

Media Contact:

Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD

Kjetil Hove, executive vice president for Development and Production Norway, visiting the Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea.
Photo: Arne Reidar Mortensen / ©Equinor

(IN BRIEF) Equinor and its partners are maturing Johan Sverdrup phase 4 after recent appraisal wells confirmed additional oil volumes in the Tonjer and Geitungen areas of the North Sea field. The new resources, preliminarily estimated at 20 million to 30 million barrels of oil equivalent, are planned to be developed through a subsea tie-back to existing Johan Sverdrup infrastructure. This approach is intended to enable faster development, lower costs and lower emissions compared with standalone infrastructure, while helping maintain production from Norway’s largest oil-producing field. The project is being advanced toward an investment decision, with possible production start-up in 2029, and forms part of Equinor’s wider strategy to accelerate subsea developments connected to existing assets. The Johan Sverdrup Unit partners are Equinor, Aker BP, Petoro and TotalEnergies.

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Equinor and its partners are advancing plans for a new subsea development in the Johan Sverdrup area after recent appraisal drilling confirmed additional oil volumes. The new resources will form the basis for Johan Sverdrup phase 4, helping maintain production and value creation from Norway’s largest oil-producing field while supporting Europe’s energy security.

The latest appraisal wells in the Johan Sverdrup area have confirmed increased oil volumes, with discoveries in the Tonjer wells and Geitungen now being matured as part of the next development phase. The planned project will use subsea infrastructure tied back to the existing Johan Sverdrup facilities, allowing the partnership to develop the resources efficiently by using infrastructure already in place.

Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s Executive Vice President for Development and Production Norway, said the new volumes are important and profitable for Johan Sverdrup. He said connecting the resources to existing infrastructure makes it possible to develop them quickly, with low costs and low emissions, while helping sustain production and long-term value creation from one of Norway’s most important oil-producing fields.

The resources from Tonjer west, Tonjer east and Geitungen are planned to be developed through a subsea tie-back to Johan Sverdrup’s existing infrastructure. This approach is intended to help extend and stabilise output from the field as part of the partnership’s wider strategy to maximise value from established assets.

Hove said Johan Sverdrup has been a backbone of Norwegian oil production since it came on stream. To sustain production and value creation over the coming decades, he said Equinor and its partners must continue developing new resources around existing infrastructure. He described phase 4 as an example of how additional value can be created from a world-class field.

Tonjer is located in the northernmost part of the Geitungen terrace within the Johan Sverdrup area. Oil had previously been discovered in the area, but the size and potential of the resources remained uncertain. The drilling of two appraisal wells and a sidetrack has now provided a stronger basis for evaluating the resource base more accurately.

Preliminary estimates for Tonjer and Geitungen combined range from 20 million to 30 million barrels of oil equivalent. Further analysis of subsurface data will be carried out to refine the resource estimates.

The project is now being matured toward an investment decision, with possible production start-up in 2029. The development forms part of Equinor’s plan to accelerate a broad portfolio of subsea projects tied back to existing infrastructure.

Equinor’s objective is to increase value creation from existing fields by shortening project development timelines and expanding the number of subsea developments connected to established production systems. This strategy is shared by the Johan Sverdrup partnership.

The licensees in the Johan Sverdrup Unit are Equinor with 42.62%, Aker BP with 31.57%, Petoro with 17.36% and TotalEnergies with 8.44%.

Media Contact:

Sissel Rinde
Vice president Media relations
Corporate affairs
sisr@equinor.com
+47 412 60 584

SOURCE: Equinor

Die Veranstaltung „Charta der Demokratie” bringt KfW-Mitarbeitende zusammen, um Demokratieprojekte vorzustellen und künftige Maßnahmen zu diskutieren. Unter den Teilnehmenden ist Vorstandsvorsitzender Stefan Wintels, der die Eröffnungsrede hält.

(IN BRIEF) KfW’s “Charter of Democracy” initiative has gained six new signatories, with BNP Paribas Germany, Deutsche Bank, KVK Kurhessen-Waldeck, plenum AG Management Consulting, Schalast and Techem joining the programme in Frankfurt am Main on 15 June 2026. The Charter, first signed in January 2026 by companies including Deutsche Börse Group, Fraport, HEAG, Helaba, KION Group, PwC Germany and SAMSON, aims to strengthen commitment to Germany’s free and democratic constitutional order while encouraging employees to engage in local politics. Supported by the Hessian State Chancellery, the initiative gives companies a shared framework for promoting democratic values, respectful dialogue and civic participation, while allowing each organisation to implement the principles in its own way. Participating companies have also developed a joint toolkit of possible measures and are supporting networks of politically engaged employees. The growing number of signatories shows how companies from financial services, consulting, law, energy services, infrastructure and regional institutions are seeking to make their contribution to democratic culture and local civic engagement more visible.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — KfW’s “Charter of Democracy” initiative is expanding its network, with six additional organisations signing the Charter’s guidelines in Frankfurt am Main on 15 June 2026. The initiative brings together companies and institutions that want to visibly support Germany’s free and democratic constitutional order while encouraging employees to become more active in local politics.

The latest signing round adds BNP Paribas Germany, Deutsche Bank, Kommunale Versorgungskassen Kurhessen-Waldeck, plenum AG Management Consulting, the commercial law firm Schalast, and the energy services provider Techem to the initiative. Their participation follows the first group of signatories in January 2026, which included Deutsche Börse Group, Fraport AG, HEAG Holding AG, Helaba, KION Group, PwC Germany and SAMSON.

Within only a few months, the Charter has attracted support from a broad range of organisations, from international corporations and major financial institutions to regional SMEs and specialised service providers. The initiative is being carried out under the patronage of the Hessian State Chancellery.

The Charter is built around shared principles while allowing each participating organisation to decide independently how to put them into practice. The core aims include strengthening democratic values within corporate culture, supporting employees’ engagement in local politics and encouraging respectful dialogue on democratic issues.

Since the launch of the initiative, participating companies have increased their exchange on how businesses can contribute to the promotion of democracy. One concrete result is a joint toolkit that presents possible measures and practical ideas that companies can adapt to their own structures and workplace cultures.

The Charter also supports the creation of networks for employees who are politically engaged or interested in local civic participation. In this way, the initiative provides a practical framework for sharing experiences, developing support mechanisms and making corporate engagement in democracy more visible.

Stefan Wintels, CEO of KfW, said the growing number of companies in Hesse signing the Charter sends a strong and encouraging signal. He said democracy depends on companies and individuals being willing to take responsibility, especially at the local level in towns, municipalities and districts. With the Charter, KfW aims to make this commitment visible, recognise its value and create a shared framework that each company can implement in its own way.

Karin Müller, State Secretary for Federal and European Affairs at the Hessian State Chancellery, said democracy needs committed democrats who take action, particularly at the local level where democratic participation is most tangible. She said employees who engage in local politics need time and freedom to do so, making it important that companies such as KfW provide space for voluntary civic involvement. Müller added that the arrival of new signatories shows the success of the project and sends a strong message from the business community in support of democracy.

Lutz Diederichs, CEO of BNP Paribas Germany, said companies have a responsibility toward their employees and the society around them. He said democracy depends on people getting involved and helping shape it, adding that BNP Paribas Germany promotes respect, openness, diversity and civic engagement among its employees. By signing the Charter, the bank is reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, social cohesion and a culture of participation.

Christian Sewing, CEO of Deutsche Bank, said a vibrant democracy is the foundation of a free society, shared values and prosperity. He described democracy as non-negotiable and said Deutsche Bank takes responsibility for strengthening democratic culture through education, action against hate and disinformation, and active support for employee engagement.

Markus Seibel, Deputy Director of KVK Kurhessen-Waldeck, said democratic society depends on voluntary work in many different forms, while noting that voluntary engagement has been declining. He said KVK is joining the Charter to signal its active support for the free democratic basic order and to strengthen the local level as the foundation of a democratic constitutional state. KVK also supports its employees’ voluntary work and, by extension, the municipalities that are members of the organisation.

Dr Berenike Wiener, Managing Partner at plenum AG, said companies share responsibility for social cohesion because they influence working lives, dialogue and attitudes. She said diversity at plenum is reflected in day-to-day collaboration, and that the Charter provides an important framework for strengthening engagement, learning from other organisations and putting values into practice in a conscious way.

Prof Dr Christoph Schalast of Schalast Law | Tax said the rule of law and democracy form the basis of the firm’s work. He said that, at a time when these foundations are under pressure, the Charter of Democracy sends an important and timely signal. Schalast added that engagement in local politics is a cornerstone of a vibrant and pluralistic democracy, and that the firm will promote such engagement as part of its existing support for voluntary and pro bono work.

Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem Group, said a vibrant democracy underpins social cohesion, economic strength and sustainable progress. He said democracy depends on people taking responsibility and becoming involved, and that Techem sees it as its duty to strengthen democratic values and support civic engagement. By signing the Charter, the company is underlining its commitment to an open, diverse and resilient society.

Through the addition of six new signatories, the Charter of Democracy is widening its role as a business-led initiative that connects corporate responsibility with local democratic participation and practical support for employees who want to contribute to civic life.

Media contact:

Frank Brandmaier
+49 69 7431 38491
frank.brandmaier@kfw.de

SOURCE: KfW Entwicklungsbank GmbH

Épinal Agglomeration Community Becomes First Contract for SUEZ and Avineon Tensing’s Water Network Mapping Partnership

(IN BRIEF) SUEZ and Avineon Tensing have partnered to offer French local authorities a digital georeferencing solution for drinking water and wastewater networks, helping them comply with new regulations requiring centimetre-level Class A mapping accuracy from 1 January 2026. The solution combines Avineon Tensing’s 3D aerial image analysis, photogrammetry, artificial intelligence and spatial data processing with SUEZ’s expertise in network operations, data verification and GIS integration. Designed to locate underground assets accurately, quickly and at lower cost, the method can be up to four times faster than standard approaches and can detect more than 90% of above-ground features. The digital process is supported by on-site inspections and certified surveyors to ensure data reliability and regulatory compliance. Following pilots launched in 2023 and deployments across several French regions, the first contract has been signed with the Épinal Agglomeration Community to georeference more than 800 kilometres of drinking water and wastewater networks, opening the way for a broader nationwide rollout.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — SUEZ and Avineon Tensing have announced a partnership to provide local authorities in France with a fast, reliable and cost-efficient solution for georeferencing water and wastewater networks. The collaboration was unveiled during the 105th Congress of the Scientific and Technical Association for Water and the Environment, known as ASTEE.

The partnership responds to new regulatory requirements that took effect on 1 January 2026, under which water and wastewater service operators must provide maps of their networks with centimetre-level Class A accuracy across France. The solution developed by SUEZ and Avineon Tensing is designed to help local authorities locate underground water and wastewater infrastructure accurately, safely and at scale.

The offering combines Avineon Tensing’s expertise in spatial data management and 3D aerial image analysis with SUEZ’s experience in water and wastewater network operations, data verification and integration with existing mapping systems. By using photogrammetry, artificial intelligence and spatial data processing, the solution can identify and geolocate network elements more quickly than traditional methods, while also supporting compliance with anti-damage regulations.

SUEZ will contribute its capabilities in data intake, validation and reconciliation with existing mapping tools, particularly Geographic Information Systems. Avineon Tensing will provide geospatial intelligence and advanced image analysis technologies to support the accurate detection and location of underground networks through above-ground indicators and related infrastructure data.

The partners said the solution offers significant advantages in time, cost and performance. It can be up to four times faster than conventional approaches, especially for large networks that generate substantial amounts of data. It also improves identification and location of network assets, including those on private property, with more than 90% of above-ground features detected. In addition, the method can substantially reduce georeferencing costs compared with standard solutions.

To ensure regulatory compliance and data reliability, the digital process is complemented by on-site inspections and the involvement of certified surveyors. This hybrid approach combines the speed of digital mapping with field verification, helping local authorities produce accurate and dependable network data.

The partnership builds on pilot projects launched in 2023 in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Since then, the collaboration has expanded into several territories, including Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France. The first contract under the new partnership has been signed with the Épinal Agglomeration Community and covers the georeferencing of more than 800 kilometres of drinking water and wastewater networks.

SUEZ and Avineon Tensing intend to roll out the solution across France, supporting local authorities as they adapt to new mapping obligations and modernise infrastructure asset management. The partnership also reflects the broader digital transformation of the water and wastewater sector, where accurate data, geospatial intelligence and AI-supported tools are becoming increasingly important for operational safety and long-term network management.

Arnaud Bazire, Executive Vice President Water France at SUEZ, said the partnership with Avineon Tensing demonstrates SUEZ’s ability to innovate in support of local authorities facing regulatory change and infrastructure management challenges. He said the combination of geospatial intelligence and SUEZ’s network management expertise gives local authorities a faster, more competitive and more efficient way to map underground assets. He also thanked the elected officials of the Épinal Agglomeration Community for their trust and said SUEZ is ready to respond to the needs of local authorities across France.

Eszter Fantoly, Business Director of Avineon Tensing France, said the partnership shows how geospatial intelligence can help address both regulatory and operational challenges. She said the combination of Avineon Tensing’s GIS, AI and industry knowledge with SUEZ’s field experience creates a precise and rapidly deployable solution that improves network data reliability and accelerates digital transformation.

SUEZ is a global player in water and waste management. In France, the group manages 92,000 kilometres of drinking water networks and 75,000 kilometres of wastewater networks. In 2025, SUEZ in France provided wastewater services to 2.8 million customers, representing 9.5 million people, produced 750 million cubic metres of drinking water and treated 1.1 billion cubic metres of wastewater.

About SUEZ:

Faced with growing environmental challenges, SUEZ has been delivering essential services that protect and improve our quality of life for more than 160 years. SUEZ provides its customers with innovative and resilient solutions for water and waste services. With 40,000 employees across 40 countries, the Group works with customers to create value over the full lifecycle of their assets and services, and to drive their low carbon transition. In 2025, SUEZ provided drinking water for 67 million people worldwide and sanitation services for 36 million people. The Group generated 8.7 TWh of energy from waste and wastewater. In 2025, SUEZ generated revenues of 9.5 billion euros.

For more information: www.suez.com

About Avineon Tensing:

A European leader in geospatial engineering, Avineon Tensing draws on the expertise of more than 200 consultants across Europe and 30 years of experience to turn the complexity of spatial data into strategic and operational solutions. At the intersection of FME, VertiGIS and ArcGIS technologies, our expertise spans the entire geospatial data lifecycle, from intelligent data capture and advanced analytics to 2D/3D/4D modelling, process automation and decision support. As an Esri partner, Avineon Tensing is among the few companies in Europe to hold both the “Network Management” speciality and the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing (APR) speciality, reflecting our recognised expertise in network management. Avineon Tensing — Shaping Geospatial Intelligence.

Contacts:

SUEZ Press Office
Email: suez.media@suez.com
Tel: +33 6 32 18 39 54

Avineon Tensing Press Office
Email: france@avineon-tensing.com 

SOURCE: SUEZ

The over-molded ring in the silicone body of Comotomo’s new baby bottle is made of the BASF polyphenylsulfone Ultrason® P 2010 combined with a specific blue color using Avient’s Colorant Chromatics™.
Photo: BASF

(IN BRIEF) Comotomo is using BASF’s color-matched Ultrason® P 2010 in its next-generation baby bottle, combining the material performance of PPSU with Avient’s Colorant Chromatics™ high-temperature blue color formulation. The bottle features a silicone body with an over-molded ring made from Ultrason® P 2010, giving it rigidity, heat resistance, chemical resistance and dimensional stability while supporting food-contact safety requirements under major standards including FDA, FC and GB. The material can withstand the high temperatures and pressures used in silicone overmolding and allows the bottle to be cleaned in dishwashers, boiling water, microwave ovens and bottle sterilizers. The collaboration brings together Comotomo’s infant care product expertise, BASF’s high-performance polymer technology and Avient’s color formulation capabilities. The new bottle is manufactured in South Korea and is currently available in China.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Comotomo, a Korean manufacturer of infant care products, is using color-matched Ultrason® P 2010 from BASF in its next-generation baby bottle, combining high-performance polymer technology with Avient’s specialized high-temperature color formulation expertise.

The new baby bottle features a silicone body with an over-molded ring made from BASF’s Ultrason® P 2010, a polyphenylsulfone known as PPSU. The material is used as a high-quality base polymer and is paired with a specific blue color developed through Avient’s Colorant Chromatics™ high-temperature color formulation capabilities for color concentrates and pre-colored solutions.

This combination allows Comotomo to achieve the desired visual appearance while maintaining the performance and safety requirements needed for infant feeding products. The colored PPSU provides the bottle with full rigidity and supports a safe feeding experience, with the material approved for food contact under major standards including FDA, FC and GB.

Ultrason® brings several important advantages to baby bottle applications. The material offers strong chemical resistance, excellent dimensional stability and resistance to superheated steam. These properties allow the bottle to be cleaned through common household methods, including dishwashers, boiling water, microwave ovens and bottle sterilizers.

Ultrason® P 2010 also provides high heat resistance and good impact strength, enabling it to withstand the elevated temperatures and pressures involved in the silicone overmolding process. These properties help support both reliable manufacturing and long-term product performance.

The product brings together Comotomo’s expertise in infant care design with advanced material solutions from BASF and color formulation expertise from Avient. The result is a baby bottle designed to offer parents a combination of safety, quality, durability and easy handling.

Hank Choi, Head of R&D Center at Comotomo, said the company is proud to work with Avient and BASF in bringing the next-generation baby bottle to market. He said the collaboration brought together product, material and color expertise to create a product that meets the demanding quality requirements of baby bottles. Choi added that Avient and BASF were selected because of their strong track record and their demonstrated commitment to high standards in food safety and product quality.

The new baby bottle is manufactured at Comotomo’s advanced production facility in South Korea and is currently available in China.

Ultrason® is BASF’s trade name for its range of polyethersulfone, polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone materials, marketed as Ultrason® E, Ultrason® S and Ultrason® P. These high-performance thermoplastics are used in applications such as water filtration membranes, household and catering products, and lightweight components for the automotive and aerospace industries.

Because of their strong performance profile, Ultrason® materials can replace thermosets, metals and ceramics in a range of applications. BASF and Avient collaborate on colored grades of Ultrason® high-performance polymers, combining BASF’s material platform with Avient’s Colorant Chromatics™ high-temperature color expertise. The collaboration gives customers across industries access to broader color options and technical support for demanding applications.

BASF’s Performance Materials division supports the transformation of the plastics industry by combining sustainability with high performance. The division provides materials expertise, industry knowledge and a broad portfolio of solutions across the plastics lifecycle. Its products are used in sectors including automotive, construction, consumer goods and industrial applications. In 2025, BASF’s Performance Materials division recorded global sales of €6.4 billion.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division drives the transformation of the plastics industry by uniting sustainability with high performance. Our materials expertise, deep industry know-how, and broad product portfolio make us the preferred partner for comprehensive solutions across the plastics lifecycle. With dedicated material-focused teams, strong R&D power, and a global production network close to our customers, we deliver tailored offerings that meet regional and industry-specific needs. Our products enhance performance and efficiency in key sectors such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, and industrial applications. Together with our partners, we embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2025, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of € 6.4 billion. Join #OurPlasticsJourney on LinkedIn  https://on.basf.com/PM_LinkedIn and in our newsletter https://on.basf.com/PM_Newsletter. Further information at https://www.performance-materials.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 108,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Ulla Biernat
+ 49 1525 49 13 668
ulla.biernat@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF

“C’est clair” Mini-Series Aims to Make Insurance More Approachable for the General Public Through Lola’s Story

(IN BRIEF) CNP Assurances is launching “C’est clair”, a new fictional mini-series created with The Good Company and URBANIA to make insurance concepts easier for the general public to understand. The first season focuses on term creditor insurance and follows Lola, a 28-year-old woman preparing to buy her first apartment, as she asks practical questions about what the insurance is for, what risks it covers, how to take out a policy and how much it costs. The four episodes, each lasting two to three minutes, will be released between 15 June and 7 September 2026 on URBANIA’s platforms and CNP Assurances’ networks. The series marks a new communication format for CNP Assurances after its previous “En gros” video series on Konbini, using fiction, humour and social-media-friendly production techniques to make insurance more relatable. With URBANIA’s reach among 18-44 year olds and a creative team combining video, illustration, editing and graphic design, the campaign aims to bring insurance education closer to everyday life.

(PRESS RELEASE) ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — CNP Assurances is launching “C’est clair”, a new fictional mini-series designed to make insurance easier to understand for the general public. Created with agency The Good Company and URBANIA, the series combines storytelling and education to explain insurance topics in a more accessible, relatable and everyday format.

The series follows Lola, a 28-year-old woman navigating major steps in adult life, including buying a home and understanding term creditor insurance. Through her questions and experiences, “C’est clair” aims to explain insurance concepts clearly and simply, using a tone that is both informative and approachable.

The first season focuses on term creditor insurance and includes four short episodes of two to three minutes each. The episodes will be released on 15 June, 6 July, 27 August and 7 September 2026 across URBANIA’s platforms and will also be shared through CNP Assurances’ own networks.

With this new format, CNP Assurances is continuing its efforts to make insurance more understandable and accessible. After four years of the “En gros” video series on Konbini, the company is introducing a proprietary mini-series format that uses fiction to place the customer’s perspective at the centre of the explanation.

The first season addresses a subject especially relevant to young professionals and first-time property buyers. As Lola considers buying her first apartment, she tries to understand what term creditor insurance is, whether it is required, what it covers, how much it costs and how to take out a policy. These practical questions form the basis of the series, which responds to common concerns in a natural and easy-to-follow way.

Developed with URBANIA, a media brand known for its engaged editorial approach and ability to reach audiences aged 18 to 44, “C’est clair” blends useful information with entertainment. The series adopts a light, human and purposeful tone, using a narrative style suited to social media and digital viewing habits.

The production was directed by Thibault Gilles, with co-direction by Naïsha Randrianasolo, an URBANIA video artist recognised for a creative style combining editing, illustration and graphic design. The visual language of the series reflects the codes of social platforms while keeping the educational objective central.

The first episode, released on 15 June 2026, introduces the topic of term creditor insurance as Lola decides it is time to take a major adult step and buy an apartment. She discovers that she needs term creditor insurance and begins to understand how it works.

The second episode, scheduled for 6 July 2026, looks at the risks covered by term creditor insurance. As Lola begins her apartment search and faces a series of practical and personal questions, she finds answers that help her move forward with more confidence.

The third episode, to be released on 27 August 2026, explains how to take out term creditor insurance. After visiting two apartments, Lola must make a decision and apply what she has learned about the insurance process.

The fourth and final episode of the season, scheduled for 7 September 2026, focuses on the cost of term creditor insurance. Lola makes an offer on an apartment, understands the steps and costs involved in the policy, sees her loan approved and completes her transition into a new stage of adult life.

Agathe Sanson, Director of Stakeholder Dialogue, Communication and Sponsorship at CNP Assurances, said the new “C’est clair” series on URBANIA places viewers in Lola’s everyday life to explain term creditor insurance. She said the ambition is to make insurance more accessible and closer to people, while helping them understand its usefulness through an original, humorous and educational format.

The campaign brings together a broad creative and production team. Producers include Florent Peiffer and Elise Richard, with Blandine d’Astorg as sales director, Juliette Berthelier in advisory, Marie Gouriou as production director, Garance Desoeuvres as project manager and Erwan Naïmi as production assistant. Sophie Marchand served as editorial director, supported by assistant editor Thibault Hollebecq and community manager Louise Pierga.

The creative team includes Matthieu Maurer and Laurie Humbert as creation directors, Garance Poisson as artistic director and Josselin Lamer as motion design assistant. Thibault Gilles served as writer and director, with Naïsha Randrianasolo as co-director. Victor Zynski was chief operator, Benoist Robin camera assistant and Amélie Monnier prop master. Juliette Bialek appears as the actress and also provides voice-over alongside Sophie Marchand. Editing was handled by Béatrice Mocenigo, with grading by Julien Dubus.

To watch the film click HERE

About CNP Assurances Group

The CNP Assurances Group is a property and personal insurer with more than 8,500 employees. It generated net income of €1,492m in 2025. A subsidiary of La Banque Postale, the Group is no. 2 in property loan insurance and life insurance in France and the 3rd-largest insurer in Brazil. Its solutions are distributed in 17 countries by various partners and insure more than 33 million people in personal insurance and protection, and 10 million in retirement savings. CNP Assurances is a responsible insurer and investor (€400bn invested in all sectors) that works for an inclusive and sustainable society, protecting and facilitating all life paths.

About THE GOOD COMPANY

Founded in January 2019, The Good Company is a creative and responsible agency that targets brands seeking to develop more responsible communication. Because brand communication today is built as much on acts as on words, The Good Company works in two key areas: consulting and creation. As a civic-minded and committed agency, The Good Company is B-Corp certified and also a member of 1% for the Planet. The employees of The Good Company hold 20% of the firm’s capital, regardless of their hierarchical level. Firmly convinced that creativity can be a powerful driver of change, The Good Company seeks to strike a balance between the highest creative and strategic standards with the highest societal and environmental standards. In 2025, The Good Group (made up of The Good Company, The Good Design, Espérance and Hyssop), joined the independent European group Bonum (Adfinitas, 4 August, Patte Blanche, Citizen Press, etc.). www.thegoodco.fr

About URBANIA

Driven by passionate teams, URBANIA is an independent media group set up in France in 2020 after more than two decades of success in Montreal. With the attention of young adults having become a rare commodity, URBANIA captivates this demanding audience with its signature triptych of information, creativity and humour. The group has developed a unique ecosystem — centred around a society-focused media outlet, a creative agency, an audiovisual production company and the Binge podcast studio — with a clear promise: “We take you somewhere else”. True to its mission to inform and entertain, URBANIA places the sharing of values at the core of its relationships with partners, agencies and advertisers, with a view to creating engaging narratives that are both timely and lasting.

Media Contact:

Florence de Montmarin +33 (0)1 42 18 46 51
Tamara Bernard +33 (0)1 42 18 86 19
servicepresse@cnp.fr

SOURCE: CNP Assurances

Leighton Asia to Deliver 300-Metre Luxury Residential Tower for Embassy Developments in South Mumbai

(IN BRIEF) CIMIC Group’s Leighton Asia has been awarded a contract by Embassy Developments Limited to construct Embassy Citadel, a luxury residential tower in South Mumbai, India. The project is expected to generate approximately A$132 million in revenue for Leighton Asia and will involve the construction of a single tower around 300 metres high, with a built-up area of approximately 192,000 square metres. Leighton Asia will be responsible for civil and structural works, with construction set to begin in July 2026. The award reinforces CIMIC Group and Leighton Asia’s experience in delivering premium high-rise residential projects in dense urban environments, particularly in India’s major real estate markets.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 16-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — CIMIC Group company Leighton Asia has secured a contract to deliver Embassy Citadel, a luxury residential development in South Mumbai, India, for Embassy Developments Limited, one of India’s major real estate developers.

The project will generate revenue of approximately A$132 million for Leighton Asia and further strengthens the company’s track record in delivering complex high-rise residential developments in major urban locations.

Embassy Citadel will be located in the South Mumbai area and will consist of a single residential tower rising approximately 300 metres. The development will have a built-up area of around 192,000 square metres. Leighton Asia’s scope of work covers civil and structural construction.

Juan Santamaría, Chief Executive Officer of ACS Group and HOCHTIEF and Executive Chairman of CIMIC Group, said the award reflects the Group’s established expertise in high-rise residential construction, including in India, where Leighton Asia has delivered several major residential projects. He said the company’s experience in complex city environments, together with its focus on safety, quality and dependable project delivery, supports its position as a trusted partner in the premium residential sector.

Construction of Embassy Citadel is scheduled to begin in July 2026.

Media contact:
+34 91 343 95 70
comunicacionacs@grupoacs.com

SOURCE: Actividades de Construcción y Servicios (ACS)