Roche Advances Outpatient-Ready Lunsumio and Polivy Combination for Large B-Cell Lymphoma Review by FDA

(IN BRIEF) Roche has announced that the US FDA has accepted its supplemental Biologics License Application for Lunsumio VELO, a subcutaneous formulation of mosunetuzumab, in combination with Polivy for adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, after at least one prior line of systemic therapy. The FDA is expected to decide on the application by 9 February 2027. The filing is based on the phase III SUNMO study, where the Lunsumio VELO and Polivy combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 59% compared with R-GemOx and delivered median progression-free survival of 11.5 months versus 3.8 months. Roche said the safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of the individual medicines, with low rates of higher-grade cytokine release syndrome. If approved, the regimen could provide a chemotherapy-free, outpatient-ready treatment option for a patient population with high unmet need, particularly in community care settings where many patients face geographic and logistical barriers to advanced therapies.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 18-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Roche has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has accepted its supplemental Biologics License Application for Lunsumio VELO, a subcutaneous formulation of mosunetuzumab, in combination with Polivy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma.

The proposed indication covers patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, who have received at least one prior line of systemic therapy. The FDA is expected to make a decision on the application by 9 February 2027.

The filing acceptance is based on results from the phase III SUNMO study, which evaluated Lunsumio VELO in combination with Polivy against MabThera/Rituxan plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma who had received at least one prior systemic therapy and were ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant.

At a median follow-up of 23.2 months, the Lunsumio VELO and Polivy combination demonstrated a 59% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared with R-GemOx. Median progression-free survival was 11.5 months for the Lunsumio VELO and Polivy combination, compared with 3.8 months for R-GemOx.

Roche said the safety profile of the combination was consistent with the known profiles of the individual medicines. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in one in four patients receiving Lunsumio VELO plus Polivy, with fewer than 5% of patients experiencing Grade 2 or Grade 3 events.

Updated data from the SUNMO study were recently presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association Congress. Roche said the longer follow-up continued to show clinical benefit in progression-free survival, particularly in the second-line setting, with no new safety signals.

Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development, said relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma is an aggressive disease and remains one of the areas of highest unmet need in lymphoma care. He said that, if approved, the Lunsumio and Polivy combination could offer a chemotherapy-free, outpatient-ready treatment option that may help improve outcomes for patients in this setting.

Tara M. Graff, DO, MS, Director of Clinical Research at Mission Cancer and Blood, said the second-line setting in large B-cell lymphoma is a critical window in which patients need timely access to effective therapies. She noted that some advanced treatment options can involve logistical and geographic barriers, particularly for patients treated outside major academic centres. Since most patients in the US receive care in community settings, she said there is a need for more chemotherapy-free and outpatient-ready options.

Large B-cell lymphoma, composed mainly of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. More than 18,000 people are diagnosed with LBCL each year in the US. Although many patients respond to frontline treatment, up to 40% relapse or develop refractory disease, after which treatment options are limited and survival can be short.

Roche also highlighted the access challenges faced by patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Because this stage of lymphoma can require timely treatment, delays caused by referrals, inpatient coordination or complex treatment logistics can have important clinical consequences.

Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, said navigating relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma can be particularly difficult for patients who do not live near major academic centres. She said the potential Lunsumio VELO and Polivy combination could help address access challenges by offering treatment options closer to where patients live.

Lunsumio is part of Roche’s CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody programme. It is designed to engage a patient’s own T cells by targeting CD20 on B cells and CD3 on T cells, redirecting the immune response toward malignant B cells. Roche said Lunsumio has the most extensive long-term data for any bispecific antibody in lymphoma.

About the SUNMO study
The SUNMO study [NCT05171647] is a phase III, randomised, open-label, multicentre trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Lunsumio VELO™ (mosunetuzumab) in combination with intravenously administered Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin) versus MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab) plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior systemic therapy and are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. Outcome measures include progression-free survival and objective response rate (dual primary endpoints), overall survival, duration of objective response, complete response rate, duration of complete response, safety and tolerability, and patient-reported outcomes.

About Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL)
Large B-cell lymphomas, composed predominantly of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), are the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that affect B-cell lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.5 DLBCL is a highly aggressive and life-threatening disease.9 While it is generally responsive to treatment in the frontline, as many as 40% of people will relapse or have refractory disease, at which time salvage therapy options are limited and survival is short.5,6 While existing intensive standard-of-care treatments exist, structural, geographical, and clinical access barriers mean that many patients — particularly those in rural communities or receiving care outside of specialised academic transplant centres — face significant burdens and inequities in obtaining timely treatment.10,11 Improving treatments earlier in the course of the disease and providing much needed alternative options could help to improve long-term outcomes.

About Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab)
Lunsumio is a first-in-class CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD20 on the surface of B cells and CD3 on the surface of T cells. This dual targeting activates and redirects a patient’s existing T cells to engage and eliminate malignant B cells. Lunsumio is currently approved as a fixed-duration monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with third-line or later relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) in both intravenous and subcutaneous (Lunsumio VELO™) formulations. A robust, global development programme is ongoing to explore the clinical utility of Lunsumio earlier in the disease course and in novel combinations, including the phase III CELESTIMO trial in second-line or later FL.

About Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin)
Polivy is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeted against CD79b, a protein preferentially expressed on the surface of mature B cells. Polivy binds to CD79b on the lymphoma cells and delivers a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent directly into the cell, inducing cell death via apoptosis while minimising damage to healthy tissue. Polivy is widely approved globally in combination with MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab) plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone for previously untreated (first-line) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), as well as in combination with bendamustine and MabThera/Rituxan for relapsed or refractory DLBCL.

About Roche in haematology
Roche has been developing medicines for people with malignant and non-malignant blood diseases for more than 25 years; our experience and knowledge in this therapeutic area runs deep. Today, we are investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to patients across a wide range of haematologic diseases. Our approved medicines include MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab), Gazyva®/Gazyvaro® (obinutuzumab), Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin), Venclexta®/Venclyxto® (venetoclax) in collaboration with AbbVie, Hemlibra® (emicizumab), PiaSky® (crovalimab), Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab) and Columvi® (glofitamab). Our pipeline of investigational haematology medicines includes T-cell engaging bispecific antibody cevostamab, targeting both FcRH5 and CD3 and off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies. Our scientific expertise, combined with the breadth of our portfolio and pipeline, also provides a unique opportunity to develop combination regimens that aim to improve the lives of patients even further.

About Roche
Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) is a healthcare company uniquely placed to prevent, stop and cure diseases by uniting leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions.

Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 150 countries around the world. It is dedicated to tackling healthcare challenges that place the greatest strain on patients, families, communities and healthcare systems. Across its Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical divisions, Roche focuses on areas including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and immunology with the aim of providing real and positive change for patients, the people they love and the professionals who care for them.

Genentech in the United States is a fully owned subsidiary in the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, a major innovator in the Japanese therapeutic antibody market.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

References
[1] Westin J, et al. Mosunetuzumab plus polatuzumab vedotin is superior to R-GemOx in transplant-ineligible patients with R/R LBCL: primary results of the Phase III SUNMO trial. Presented at: ICML; 2025 17-21 June; Lugano, Switzerland, Abstract #LBA3.
[2] Kim W, et al. Mosunetuzumab plus polatuzumab vedotin (Mosun-Pola) versus rituximab, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (R-GemOx) in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL): Updated efficacy and safety from the phase 3 SUNMO study including in second-line (2L) versus third-line plus (3L+) patient subgroups. Presented at: ASCO Annual Meeting; 2026 May 29-Jun 2; Chicago, IL, USA, Abstract #7007.
[3] Budde E, et al. Mosunetuzumab plus polatuzumab vedotin versus rituximab, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in large B-cell lymphoma: updated efficacy and safety from the phase 3 SUNMO study including in patient subgroups. Presented at: EHA Congress; 2026 Jun 11-14; Stockholm, Sweden, Abstract #PF968.
[4] Lymphoma Research Foundation. Understanding Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma [Internet; cited June 2026]. Available from: https://lymphoma.org/understanding-lymphoma/aboutlymphoma/nhl/dlbcl/.
[5] Sehn LH, et al. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(9):842-858.
[6] Maurer MJ, et al. Event-free survival at 24 months is a robust end point for disease-related outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32:1066-73.
[7] Morimoto S, Jo T, Kitawaki T, et al. Prolonged chimeric antigen receptor-T apheresis to infusion time is associated with inferior outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Br J Haematol. 2025;207(4):1484–1494.
[8] Battiwalla M, et al. Access barriers to anti-CD19+ CART therapy for NHL across a community transplant and cellular therapy network. Blood Advances. 2025;9(2):429-435.
[9] Adiyaman SC, et al. Prognostic Factors in Elderly Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Their Treatment Results. Turk J Haematol. 2019;36(2):81–87.
[10] Patel AR, et al. Access to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 22;8(10):e2538602.
[11] Luminari S, et al. Overcoming barriers to referral for CAR T-cell therapy in patients with non-Hodgkin aggressive B-cell lymphomas: A Delphi consensus. Cytotherapy. 2025;27(11):1316-1325.

Media Contacts:

Roche Global Media Relations
Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

Roche Investor Relations

Investor Relations North America

SOURCE: Roche

Intricate glowing blue data pathways flow across a dark digital landscape, representing complex technological connections and information transfer, perfect for visualizing futuristic concepts and connectivity.

(IN BRIEF) Dawex has announced that the Nemetschek Group has become a strategic investor in the company, reinforcing the importance of trusted AI-ready data ecosystems for the construction sector and the wider economy. The investment brings together Dawex’s data exchange infrastructure with Nemetschek’s expertise in AI-powered software for architecture, engineering, construction and operations. As agentic AI creates new requirements for secure, traceable and governed data access, both companies see trusted data ecosystems as a foundation for collaboration, productivity, sustainability and digital transformation across the building lifecycle. For Dawex, the investment is expected to support growth, global expansion and a stronger presence in Germany, while strengthening its ability to serve complex data exchange needs in construction and other sectors. Nemetschek joins Dawex’s co-founders, Banque des Territoires and other strategic investors including Amadeus, Itochu Corporation, Bouygues Construction, Colas and Univers Capital. The partnership also highlights Dawex’s role in shaping trusted data transaction standards and building secure infrastructure for AI-driven data collaboration.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 18-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Nemetschek Group has joined Dawex as a strategic investor, reinforcing the growing importance of trusted AI-ready data ecosystems for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations sector, as well as the wider digital economy.

The investment brings together Nemetschek’s expertise in AI-powered software for the AEC/O and media industries with Dawex’s secure data exchange infrastructure. Dawex said its co-founders will retain full control over the company’s strategy, governance and operations, while the new investment will support the company’s growth, international expansion and stronger presence in the German market.

The transaction reflects the rising importance of trusted data ecosystems as agentic AI reshapes industries. As AI systems become more advanced and autonomous, organisations increasingly need reliable data sources, secure access, traceable exchanges and auditable data transactions. Data ecosystems are emerging as a foundation for these requirements, offering infrastructure for governance, compliance and security.

For the AEC/O sector, the ability to exchange data securely and efficiently is becoming central to collaboration across the building lifecycle. Nemetschek’s investment recognises the role that trusted data exchange can play in enabling agentic AI, improving productivity, supporting more efficient operations and advancing sustainability across architecture, engineering, construction and building operations.

Through the investment, Nemetschek aims to accelerate the development of solutions that respond to complex collaboration processes in construction and help customers move further into digitalisation. The company brings expertise in intelligent, connected software used across the full lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure, including planning, design, visualisation, construction, operation and renovation.

For Dawex, the investment is expected to support its growth, international expansion and stronger presence in the German market. It will also strengthen the company’s ability to serve the complex data exchange needs of the construction sector while reinforcing its credibility in trusted infrastructure for AI-ready data ecosystems.

Dawex said the investment also confirms its broader strategy of delivering advanced data exchange solutions across more than 15 sectors worldwide. The company provides technology for data marketplaces and data spaces, helping organisations govern, trace and secure data exchanges while supporting new AI-driven business opportunities.

Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group, said trusted and governed data exchange will be a foundational layer for the next decade of innovation in AEC/O, from collaborative design to construction intelligence and future agentic AI workflows. He said Dawex has already invested significantly in this vision and is helping shape the emerging European CEN trusted data transactions standard. Padrines added that combining Dawex’s exchange infrastructure with Nemetschek’s leadership in Open BIM data and workflow collaboration can help construction lifecycle participants govern data as a strategic asset, fuel AI-driven insights and accelerate productivity, resilience and sustainability.

Fabrice Tocco, Co-Founder of Dawex, said Nemetschek’s investment is a strong validation of Dawex’s technology and vision. He said the companies will work to accelerate the creation of trusted, secure and standardised AI data ecosystems that the market increasingly needs.

Laurent Lafaye, Co-Founder of Dawex, said that as data spaces and marketplaces move into real-world deployment, organisations must break down silos and change how they collaborate around data. He said secure, streamlined internal and external data exchange technology has become essential in an AI-powered economy.

Olivier Sichel, CEO of Caisse des Dépôts Group, said Dawex has been building foundational data exchange infrastructure for a sovereign and trusted economy since its creation. He said Nemetschek’s investment reinforces the strategic importance of data exchange technology for key industrial sectors and builds on long-standing support from Banque des Territoires, part of the Caisse des Dépôts Group.

Nemetschek joins Dawex’s co-founders and main historical investor Banque des Territoires, alongside Amadeus, Itochu Corporation, Bouygues Construction, Colas and Univers Capital.

The announcement was accompanied by a VivaTech keynote in Paris featuring the CEOs of Caisse des Dépôts, Nemetschek and Dawex.

Banque des Territoires, part of Caisse des Dépôts, supports local public-interest projects across France through advisory services, loans, equity, banking services and special deposits. Dawex, founded in 2015 and headquartered in France, develops data exchange technology for AI-ready data ecosystems, data marketplaces and data spaces. Nemetschek Group, founded in 1963, provides AI-powered software solutions for the AECO and media industries and reported revenue of EUR 1.19 billion and EBITDA of EUR 371.1 million in 2025.

About Banque des Territoires (Caisse des Dépôts group)

Banque des Territoires is one of the entities of the Caisse des Dépôts. Banque des Territoires brings together in-house expertise for local areas. As a one-stop shop for customers, it acts alongside all local stakeholders: local authorities, local public-sector enterprises, social housing bodies, legal professions, businesses and financial players. Banque des Territoires assists them in the implementation of their public interest projects with a continuum of offers: advisory, loans, equity, bank services, consignments and special deposits. It has been set up to serve the interests of all local areas alike, from rural municipalities to large cities, with the ambition of maximizing its impact notably on ecological transformation and social and regional cohesion. The 37 territorial offices of Banque des Territoires ensure the implementation of its action across all metropolitan and overseas territories.

Act together to develop more eco-friendly and socially responsible territories

www.banquedesterritoires.fr

About Dawex

Dawex is the leader in Data Exchange solutions, empowering organizations to build, scale, and govern AI-Ready data ecosystems, with security, traceability and compliance. Agentic AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, deploying trusted AI services at scale demands trusted data sources and traceable data transactions. With Dawex technology, organizations deploy Data Marketplaces and Data Spaces to capture business opportunities with AI, improve competitiveness, boost market efficiency and strengthen value chain resilience. World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, United Nations data expert, active contributor to open standards powering data and AI ecosystems, Dawex shapes the global agenda for trusted data exchange. Created in 2015, Dawex is headquartered in France, expanding business operations to Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

About the Nemetschek Group

The Nemetschek Group is a leading global vertical software and AI provider driving the digital transformation of the AECO and media industries. With our deep domain expertise and intelligent, connected software solutions, we enable customers to turn data into real-time insights and smarter decisions throughout the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure from ideation through planning, visualization, construction, operation, and renovation. Our AI-powered technologies and open standards approach boost productivity, collaboration, and sustainability for architects, engineers, contractors, building operators, and creative professionals. More than 7 million users worldwide rely on our customer-centric, human-led AI solutions. Founded by Professor Georg Nemetschek in 1963, today we employ over 4,000 experts globally and are ISO 27001-certified, underlining our strong commitment to data security and trustworthy digital innovation.

The Nemetschek Group, listed in the MDAX and TecDAX since 1999, achieved a revenue of EUR 1.19 billion and an EBITDA of EUR 371.1 million in 2025.

Media Contact:

Dawex:

Isabelle Joulot – Vice President Communications & Marketing press@dawex.com

Nemetschek Group:

Stefanie Zimmermann, VP Investor Relations & Corporate Communication

NEMETSCHEK SE. P: +49 89 540459-250. M: +49 175 7211197

SOURCE:  NEMETSCHEK

Hagelunie Brings Dutch Greenhouse Horticulture Risk Expertise to Australia Through Achmea Farm Insurance Partnership

(IN BRIEF) Hagelunie, Achmea’s global specialist in greenhouse horticulture insurance, is bringing Dutch expertise to Australia to help greenhouse growers prepare for extreme weather and climate-related risks. The initiative is being carried out through Achmea Farm Insurance and in partnership with Protected Cropping Australia, the national industry body for protected horticulture. The collaboration will focus on practical knowledge sharing between growers and specialists in Australia and the Netherlands, covering greenhouse reinforcement, damage prevention, safe operations and resilient structures that can better withstand storms, extreme rainfall, heat and drought. Australia’s protected horticulture sector is worth more than €2.7 billion and plays an important role in food production and employment. The partnership aims to help growers move beyond insurance alone by focusing more strongly on prevention and business continuity, while also giving Hagelunie valuable experience from Australian climate conditions to strengthen its international greenhouse risk expertise.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZEIST, 18-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hagelunie is bringing specialised Dutch greenhouse horticulture insurance and risk-prevention expertise to Australia to help growers strengthen their operations against the growing impact of extreme weather and climate change.

The initiative is being carried out through Achmea Farm Insurance in Australia and in collaboration with Protected Cropping Australia, the national industry body for protected horticulture. Hagelunie, Achmea’s global specialist in greenhouse horticulture insurance, will contribute its knowledge of greenhouse risks, damage prevention and climate resilience to support Australian growers.

The collaboration will focus on practical knowledge exchange between growers, clients and specialists in Australia and the Netherlands. The aim is to help greenhouse businesses better understand how to reinforce structures, reduce damage risks and improve their ability to withstand extreme weather events.

Marie Groenhof, Global Head of Greenhouse Horticulture at Achmea, said Achmea is pleased to work with growers and the wider Australian sector to help strengthen business resilience and support food production.

The partnership combines Achmea’s expertise in insurance and prevention with the sector leadership of Protected Cropping Australia and Hagelunie’s specialist knowledge of greenhouse horticulture risks. Together, the partners aim to help growers better protect their greenhouses, crops, employees and infrastructure.

Greenhouse and protected-environment production is playing an increasingly important role in Australia’s food system. Under the right conditions, protected horticulture can improve the efficiency and reliability of food production. The sector is valued at more than €2.7 billion and contributes to both food supply and employment.

A central part of the collaboration is the transfer of knowledge from leading greenhouse horticulture countries, particularly the Netherlands, to Australian growers. This includes practical experience in designing and maintaining future-proof greenhouse structures that are better able to cope with extreme rainfall, storms, heat and drought.

The initiative will also cover safe business operations and the responsible implementation of innovations that support more sustainable and efficient cultivation methods. By sharing international examples and field-tested solutions, the partners aim to support growers as they adapt their businesses to changing climate conditions.

For Australian growers, the collaboration provides access to deeper insight into risk prevention, greenhouse resilience and long-term business continuity. It reflects a growing need in the sector not only to insure against losses, but also to prevent damage before it occurs.

At the same time, Hagelunie will gain additional practical knowledge from Australian growing conditions and climate-related challenges, further strengthening its international expertise in greenhouse horticulture insurance and risk management.

Through the partnership with Achmea Farm Insurance and Protected Cropping Australia, Achmea is underlining the importance of collaboration in reducing risks, sharing knowledge and helping growers respond more effectively to climate-related and operational challenges.

About Achmea

Achmea is a broad financial services provider based in the Netherlands. The company also has an international presence, operating in countries including Türkiye, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Romania. In the Dutch market, Achmea operates through well-known brands such as Centraal Beheer, Interpolis, and Zilveren Kruis. We help people get on with their lives when it really matters. For 215 years, we have been there for and because of our customers, as well as for society at large. Together with our customers and partners, we work towards finding solutions for major social issues relating to health, living and working, mobility and income. In doing so, we create sustainable value for our customers, our employees, our company and society. Previous generations have been able to rely on us, and future generations can do so too.

In 2025, Achmea’s customers contributed € 27.5 billion in premiums, € 2.2 billion of this being to our international activities. Achmea is the market leader in the Netherlands for non-life and health insurance, and is a top three player in pensions and life insurance. Through Retirement Services, Achmea offers consumers, employers and institutional clients a complete package of products and services. We do this through Achmea Pension & Life Insurance, Achmea Investment Management, Achmea Real Estate, Achmea Bank, Achmea Mortgages, Achmea Pension Services and Centraal Beheer PPI.

Achmea employs approximately 18,000 full-time equivalents (FTEs) worldwide, with over 14,000 based in the Netherlands.

Media Contact:

Bart Audenaert
Corporate spokesperson Achmea
+31 6 16 55 63 19
bart.audenaert@achmea.nl

SOURCE: Achmea

Kuehne+Nagel Expands SAF Collaboration with Google Cloud to Support More Sustainable Logistics

(IN BRIEF) Kuehne+Nagel is collaborating with Google to reduce emissions from selected Google Cloud infrastructure shipments through the use of sustainable aviation fuel in 2026. The agreement covers an equivalent of up to 5.2 million litres of SAF and is expected to cut up to 12,600 tonnes of CO₂e emissions from Google Cloud’s air freight operations. SAF is made from renewable waste, residues or by-products such as used cooking oil and tallow, and can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from air transport by around 80% compared with fossil-based jet fuel. The initiative supports Google Cloud’s work to reduce emissions across its logistics value chain and reinforces Kuehne+Nagel’s SAF certification programme, which helps customers lower scope 3 emissions. The agreement also serves as a pilot for possible future collaboration and aims to support wider demand for lower-emission air freight solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) SCHINDELLEGI, 18-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Kuehne+Nagel is working with Google to reduce emissions from Google Cloud’s air freight shipments through the use of sustainable aviation fuel in 2026.

The collaboration covers the purchase of an equivalent of up to 5.2 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel, known as SAF, for selected Google Cloud infrastructure shipments. The agreement is expected to reduce emissions by up to 12,600 tonnes of CO₂e and will serve as a pilot for potential future cooperation between the two companies.

The initiative supports both companies’ efforts to advance more sustainable logistics and lower-emission air freight operations. For Google Cloud, the agreement forms part of work to reduce emissions across its logistics value chain, while for Kuehne+Nagel it reinforces the role of SAF as a practical tool for helping customers address scope 3 emissions linked to air transport.

SAF is produced from renewable resources that are considered waste, residues or by-products, including used cooking oil and tallow. Compared with fossil-based jet fuel, it can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation by around 80%. The aviation and logistics sectors increasingly view SAF as one of the most important available levers for reducing emissions from air freight.

Kuehne+Nagel offers customers access to SAF through its certification programme, which is designed to meet strict sustainability requirements while making the process easier for companies operating across global supply chains. The programme also aims to help scale demand for sustainable aviation fuel worldwide.

Brian Stewart, Senior Director of Logistics at Google Cloud, said the agreement builds on Google Cloud’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions across its logistics value chain and supports the company’s broader sustainability goals. He said the collaboration with Kuehne+Nagel can help advance SAF adoption and support the transition toward lower-emission air freight operations.

Fabiano Piccinno, Global Head of Sustainability Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, said the agreement demonstrates how industry leaders can work together to make sustainability a core business priority. He said Kuehne+Nagel is proud to support Google Cloud in reducing supply chain emissions and in advancing practical, scalable sustainability initiatives.

Through the SAF agreement, Kuehne+Nagel and Google Cloud are helping to increase demand for sustainable aviation fuel while testing a model that could support broader decarbonisation efforts in air logistics.

Ryukyu Kings will play on ASB GlassFloor in the future.

Asia’s first portable, full-LED ASB GlassFloor installation expands the possibilities for multi-purpose arena operations in Japan.

(IN BRIEF) Okinawa Suntory Arena has installed the ASB GlassFloor, becoming the first venue in Japan and the first in Asia to deploy a portable, full-LED glass sports floor for professional competition. The installation gives the arena greater flexibility to host basketball games, concerts, esports, MICE events, exhibitions, and other formats by allowing the playing surface to be digitally adapted for different uses. The technology also expands fan engagement and commercial opportunities by turning the court into a dynamic visual and branding platform for content, sponsorship activations, and in-arena presentation. As home to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan’s leading B.League basketball clubs, Okinawa Suntory Arena aims to strengthen its position as a forward-looking sports and entertainment venue in an increasingly competitive Asian arena market. The project is supported by ASB Arena and Event Services, which will assist with operation, maintenance, commercialization, and content creation around the LED glass floor.

(PRESS RELEASE) OKINAWA, Japan, 18-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Okinawa Suntory Arena announced the installation of the ASB GlassFloor, making it the first venue in Japan to deploy the full-LED glass floor for professional sports competition. In addition to pre-existing permanent installations in Europe, this project marks ASB GlassFloor’s first portable court installation, providing Okinawa Suntory Arena with additional operational flexibility for a wide range of events.

A New Level of Venue Flexibility

As ASB GlassFloor’s first portable arena installation, the project highlights how modern venues can make better use of their infrastructure. The mobile floor allows operators to adapt the playing surface to a wide variety of event formats, from elite sports competitions to concerts, esports, MICE events, and exhibitions, creating new opportunities for programming, sponsorship, and fan engagement with the click of a button ultimately, helping maximizing the use of the arena throughout the year.

New Levels of Fan Engagement and Commercial Opportunity

The ASB GlassFloor expands what is possible inside Okinawa Suntory Arena. For fans, it enables a more integrated visual experience by extending content from arena display onto the court. For venues and teams, the full-LED surface enables sponsorship and branding activations on the court, supporting new commercial packages compared to conventional arenas setups.

Alongside the installation, Okinawa Suntory Arena will partner with ASB Arena and Event Services (AES) to support the operation and commercial use of the ASB GlassFloor. The agreement covers servicing, maintenance, partnership on commercialization, and content creation.

Clear Differentiation in an Increasingly Competitive Market

As competition among large-scale arenas continues to increase within Japan and across Asia, Okinawa Suntory Arena is making a long-term investment in its infrastructure. The ASB GlassFloor positions Okinawa Suntory Arena among a group of venues adopting new in-arena presentation technologies and a first mover in its market. The floor will provide arena tenants with a visually adaptive space capable of creating new experiences and attracting new audiences and commercial partnerships.

Home of Ryukyu Golden Kings and the B.League

Okinawa Suntory Arena is home to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan’s most successful professional basketball Clubs and widely regarded as one of the B Leagues flagship franchises. The Ryukyu Golden Kings have established themselves as one of the benchmark organizations in Japanese basketball, combining sporting excellence with an unwavering commitment to their community and fans. The league has continued to develop its in-arena entertainment and commercial approach in recent seasons, and the ASB GlassFloor supports that direction by enabling additional presentation and branding capabilities within the venue.

A Milestone for Arena Innovation in Asia

The installation reflects the growing demand for technologies that help venues maximize flexibility, create new commercial opportunities, and deliver more engaging experiences for fans. As Asia’s first portable ASB GlassFloor installation, the project demonstrates how digital sports infrastructure can support a broader range of events while giving organizers new ways to transform the live experience.

“Japan continues to lead the way in redefining the live sports experience, and the Ryukyu Golden Kings have been at the forefront of that evolution. Together, we share a vision of using innovation to create deeper connections between fans, partners, and the game itself. Through this partnership, we look forward to exploring new ways to enhance the in-arena experience, unlock new commercial opportunities, and further strengthen Okinawa Suntory Arena’s position as one of the most forward-thinking sports and entertainment venues in the world. We believe this collaboration represents more than a partnership between two organizations. It is a shared commitment to shaping the future of basketball and live entertainment in Japan while delivering lasting value to the club, its partners, and its passionate fan base”, says Benedikt von Dohnanyi, CEO at ASB Arena and Event Services.

About ASB GlassFloor

Germany-based ASB GlassFloor operates in the global sports flooring market. The company develops and manufactures LED glass sports floors for professional and recreational sports. The full-LED video sports floor is certified by FIBA, IHF, and FIVB, combining compliance with official performance standards with full-surface LED display in real time. Permanent installations include, among others, BMW Park Munich and the Telekom Center in Athens. The ASB GlassFloor has also previously been used at NBA and NCAA events as well as during official tournaments of the world basketball federation FIBA.

ASB Arena and Event Services AG (AES) is a subsidiary of ASB GlassFloor, specializing in the commercialization and operation of the ASB GlassFloor. The company offers associations, leagues, teams, arenas, and event organizers a flexible rental model and comprehensive end-to-end services, covering everything from planning and installation to the marketing of the playing surface as a media and sponsorship platform. This is complemented by an integrated software ecosystem featuring applications for fan activations as well as training and coaching tools.

For more information: www.asbglassfloor.com

Media contact:

Stephanie Pfeffer
press@asbglassfloor.com

Video:

Website:

FAQs

What has Okinawa Suntory Arena announced?
Okinawa Suntory Arena has announced the installation of the ASB GlassFloor, becoming the first venue in Japan and Asia to deploy a portable, full-LED glass sports floor for professional sports competition.

Why is the ASB GlassFloor installation significant?
The installation is significant because it marks Asia’s first portable ASB GlassFloor project and gives Okinawa Suntory Arena a digitally adaptable playing surface that can support sports, concerts, esports, exhibitions, MICE events, and other live entertainment formats.

How does the ASB GlassFloor improve arena flexibility?
The portable LED glass floor allows arena operators to quickly change the court’s visual layout and presentation for different types of events, helping the venue make broader use of its space throughout the year.

How can the floor enhance the fan experience?
The full-LED court can extend visual content from arena displays onto the playing surface, creating a more immersive in-arena experience and enabling new forms of fan engagement during games and events.

What commercial opportunities does the ASB GlassFloor create?
The technology enables on-court sponsorship, branding, digital content, and media activations, giving venues, teams, and partners new ways to create commercial packages beyond conventional arena advertising.

Who will support the operation of the ASB GlassFloor at Okinawa Suntory Arena?
ASB Arena and Event Services, a subsidiary of ASB GlassFloor, will support the operation, servicing, maintenance, commercialization, and content creation connected to the new LED glass floor.

Which team plays at Okinawa Suntory Arena?
Okinawa Suntory Arena is home to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan’s leading professional basketball clubs and a flagship franchise in the B.League.

What is ASB GlassFloor?
ASB GlassFloor is a Germany-based company that develops and manufactures LED glass sports floors for professional and recreational sports. Its full-LED video sports floor is certified by FIBA, IHF, and FIVB.

Where has ASB GlassFloor technology been used before?
ASB GlassFloor has permanent installations at venues including BMW Park Munich and the Telekom Center in Athens, and its technology has also been used at NBA, NCAA, and FIBA events.

What does this project mean for arena innovation in Asia?
The project positions Okinawa Suntory Arena as an early adopter of digital sports infrastructure in Asia, showing how venues can combine sports performance standards with new fan engagement, sponsorship, and multi-purpose event capabilities.

SOURCE: ASB GlassFloor

Digi Communications NV announces the availability of an updated presentation regarding Digi Spain Telecom S.A.U.

For additional information, please contact us at investor.relations@digi-communications.ro.

About Digi Communications N.V.

We are a European leader in geographically-focused telecommunication solutions, based on the number of revenue generating units (“RGUs”) and a leading provider of telecommunication services in Romania and Spain, with a presence also in Italy, Portugal and Belgium.

Contacts:

Digi Communications NV
Phone no: +4031 400 6505
investor.relations@digi-communications.ro

Website:

Logo:

Digi Communications NV new logo

Matt Cortland’s Guinness Price Index demonstrates how Voice AI can collect live pricing data from pubs while raising broader questions about the future of AI agents in real-world communications

• Voice AI is moving from chatbot-style interaction into real-world data collection
• Guinndex used AI-powered calls to gather and verify Guinness price data from pubs and venues
• Twilio Programmable Voice, ElevenLabs and AI tools helped turn a simple pricing idea into a scalable research project
• The project highlights both the promise and practical challenges of AI agents making live phone calls
• SIGNAL Berlin positioned Guinndex as a case study in programmable communications, customer engagement and Voice AI

(NEWS) BERLIN, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Twilio is positioning the Guinness Price Index, known as Guinndex, as a practical example of how programmable voice infrastructure and artificial intelligence can be combined to collect real-world information at scale.

The project, created by AI engineer Matt Cortland, set out to answer a culturally familiar question across Ireland and the UK: how much does a pint of Guinness cost? What began as a price-tracking exercise has since become a case study in the use of Voice AI, communications APIs and automated calling systems for large-scale research.

Twilio said in a June 16 release that Cortland used Twilio Programmable Voice and its native integration with ElevenLabs to help power Guinndex. The company described the project as an example of how developers are moving beyond AI experimentation and building applications that combine programmable communications, conversational AI and data collection in practical settings.

The index gathered prices by placing natural, real-time calls to pubs and venues. Twilio said the project verified 6,554 Guinness prices, while Guinndex’s own project notes describe a broader technical workflow involving venue discovery through Google Places API, AI-powered phone surveys using ElevenLabs, transcript analysis with Claude and historical comparisons using Irish government statistics from CSO PxStat.

On the Guinndex website, Cortland explains that he revived an earlier, now-defunct version of the concept in the age of AI. The site says the project identified more than 6,511 venues across Ireland, placed calls to 2,734 pubs, received answers from 2,125 and recorded 2,134 verified pint prices across 32 counties. The site also states that the project is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with Guinness, Diageo or any related entity.

For Twilio, the relevance of Guinndex extends beyond the price of a drink. The company is presenting the project as an illustration of how voice-based AI agents can interact with the physical world, gather information that may not be available online and support new forms of customer engagement and research.

In a Twilio blog interview published ahead of SIGNAL Berlin, Cortland described the price of a pint as an informal economic benchmark, similar to how people discuss the cost of everyday goods such as eggs, milk or petrol. He said the goal was to make that information visible, searchable and useful at scale. Cortland also identified Twilio, ElevenLabs and Anthropic’s Claude Code as foundational technologies behind the project, with Twilio providing the programmable communications layer.

The project also surfaced operational lessons for Voice AI. Cortland told Twilio that calls sometimes worked better when venues were slightly busy, because background noise made the interaction feel more natural. He also pointed to IVR phone menus as a technical challenge for autonomous AI agents, showing how older communications systems can still shape what AI tools are able to do in real-world settings.

SIGNAL Berlin, which took place on June 11 and is now listed by Twilio with a “Thank you for joining us” message, included a fireside chat titled Reimagining connected experiences: A fireside chat on Guinndex powered by Twilio. The session featured Matt Cortland, creator and founder of Guinndex, and Diana Day, Principal Presales Engineer at Twilio, and focused on scalable communications, data and customer experience.

Peter Bell, Vice President of Marketing EMEA at Twilio, also framed Guinndex as a timely example of transparent pricing in a LinkedIn post around SIGNAL Berlin and the start of the World Cup. Bell wrote that the project showed how AI-powered calls could make it more transparent where consumers could find affordable Guinness, while also demonstrating why voice may become an important interface for AI.

Public reaction to the idea has been varied. In a Reddit discussion about the project, some users praised it as a creative and practical use of AI, while others raised concerns about automated calls, pressure on pubs and whether price transparency could overlook the cost pressures faced by hospitality businesses. The discussion underlines one of the broader questions surrounding Voice AI: how useful automation can be balanced with trust, consent and the realities of the people and businesses receiving those calls.

Guinndex therefore sits at the intersection of consumer curiosity, local price transparency and enterprise communications technology. For Twilio, it offers a clear narrative about the next phase of AI adoption: agents that do not only answer prompts, but can make calls, collect information, interact with businesses and produce structured data from real-world conversations.

While the project’s subject matter is deliberately accessible, its broader implication is more serious. As companies explore AI-powered voice channels for customer service, research, booking, availability checks and data collection, Guinndex shows both the potential and the practical complications of moving AI agents from chat windows into live conversations.

EIB Supports Latvian Energy Security and Sustainable Infrastructure Through Latvenergo Green Bond Investment

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank has committed €20 million to green bonds issued by Latvenergo, Latvia’s state-owned energy company, supporting the company’s latest bond issuance under its European Green Bond framework. The financing will help fund renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure projects, including onshore wind, battery energy storage, hydropower refurbishment and solar photovoltaic installations. The EIB’s investment forms part of a €300 million seven-year bond issued under Latvenergo’s Euro Medium Term Note programme and aligned with the European Green Bond Standard. By acting as an anchor investor, the EIB aims to mobilise additional private capital, diversify the investor base and support the growth of the Baltic green bond market. The investment also reflects the EIB’s wider role in supporting energy security, climate neutrality and reduced dependence on fossil fuels in Latvia and across the Baltic region.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank has committed €20 million to green bonds issued by Latvenergo, Latvia’s state-owned energy company, in support of renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure investments in the country.

The investment backs Latvenergo’s latest bond issuance under its European Green Bond framework and is intended to help finance projects that strengthen Latvia’s clean energy transition, improve energy security and support the development of sustainable infrastructure.

The financing will support renewable energy generation and related infrastructure, including onshore wind projects, battery energy storage systems, hydropower refurbishment and solar photovoltaic installations. These investments are expected to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient and secure energy system in Latvia and the wider Baltic region.

The EIB’s participation in the Latvenergo green bond issuance also reinforces its role in developing green finance and capital markets in the Baltics. By investing as an anchor participant, the EIB aims to help mobilise additional private capital, broaden the investor base and improve access to sustainable financing for energy transition projects.

Karl Nehammer, Vice-President of the EIB, said the investment will help accelerate the clean energy transition in Latvia and across the Baltic region. He said the transaction demonstrates how capital markets can support large-scale renewable energy investment and strengthen Europe’s energy security.

The EIB commitment forms part of a €300 million seven-year bond issued by Latvenergo under its Euro Medium Term Note programme. The bond is aligned with the European Green Bond Standard, which is intended to provide high transparency and strong environmental credibility for investors.

Guntars Baļčūns, Member of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer of Latvenergo AS, said Latvenergo is a sustainable energy company in the region and intends to strengthen that position. He said each development step completed by the company reinforces confidence in its chosen direction. Baļčūns added that Latvenergo’s more than 25-year partnership with the EIB reflects shared priorities around the Baltic energy transition, high sustainability standards and the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The investment is also expected to support the further development of the green bond market in the Baltics and help scale up the use of the European Green Bond Standard.

The operation reflects the EIB’s role as the European Union’s climate bank, supporting energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing climate neutrality in Latvia and the broader Baltic region.

EIB Group  

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is the financing arm of the European Union, owned by the 27 Member States, and one of the largest multilateral development banks in the world. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing and advisory services for over 870 high-impact projects under eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, territorial cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, strong global partnerships and the savings and investments union. Beyond long-term loans for large infrastructure, the EIB Group crowds in private investment for high-risk innovative projects and businesses, with a growing role in Europe’s markets for venture debt, venture capital, guarantees and securitisations.

Latvenergo

Latvenergo Group is one of the largest providers of energy supply services in the Baltic states, engaged in the generation and trade of electricity and thermal energy, and distribution of electricity. Since 1939, Latvenergo is the largest producer of renewable energy in the Baltics and one of the greenest electricity generators in Europe – approximately half of the electricity is generated in three large hydropower plants. They are complemented by modernized combined heat and power plants, where electricity is obtained from natural gas. The Group develops new green wind and solar energy generation capacities in Baltics and is also a leader in the field of electromobility services. All shares of Latvenergo AS are owned by the state and held by the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia.

Media Contact:

Kristiina Randmaa
k.randmaa@ext.eib.org
+352 4379 – 72894

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank

Stora Enso to Raise Skutskär Fluff Pulp Capacity by 10 Percent and Close Softwood Fibreline

(IN BRIEF) Stora Enso is investing EUR 19 million to increase fluff pulp production at its Skutskär production unit in Sweden, supporting its strategy to focus on specialised pulp grades and respond to growing demand for hygiene products. The upgrades will improve production stability, efficiency and quality, enable future fibre blends and raise fluff pulp production capacity by around 10%. The investment is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027 and will bring Skutskär’s annual fluff pulp capacity to 440,000 tonnes. At the same time, Stora Enso has concluded change negotiations and decided to permanently close softwood pulp production on fibreline 3, with production expected to stop during the third quarter of 2026, subject to customer orders. The company said the decision reflects market conditions and a strategic move to position Skutskär for long-term competitiveness in the expanding fluff pulp market.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stora Enso is investing EUR 19 million to increase fluff pulp production at its Skutskär production unit in Sweden, strengthening the company’s focus on specialised pulp grades and responding to growing demand for hygiene products.

The investment is intended to reinforce Stora Enso’s position as Europe’s leading producer of fluff pulp. The planned upgrades at Skutskär will improve production stability and efficiency, enhance product quality, support future fibre blends and increase fluff pulp production capacity by approximately 10%.

The project is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2027 and is included within Stora Enso’s capital expenditure guidance.

Johanna Hagelberg, Executive Vice President of Stora Enso’s Biomaterials Business Area, said the investment marks an important step for the company. She said demand for fluff pulp is growing due to the ageing global population and increased use of hygiene products, with demand expected to exceed supply over time. Hagelberg added that the move supports Stora Enso’s strategy to accelerate growth and value creation by serving demanding customers.

Alongside the investment decision, Stora Enso has concluded its change negotiations concerning the Skutskär site and has decided to permanently close softwood pulp production on fibreline 3, known as L3. Production on the line is expected to stop during the third quarter of 2026, subject to the fulfilment of customer orders.

Timo Tidenberg, Head of Stora Enso’s Business Unit Skutskär, said market conditions did not support a viable future for L3. He said the investment sharpens the site’s focus on fluff pulp, while restructuring work continues to align the organisation with the new direction. Tidenberg added that Stora Enso is positioning Skutskär for long-term competitiveness in the growing fluff pulp market.

After the planned capacity increase, the Skutskär site will have annual fluff pulp capacity of 440,000 tonnes.

Through the investment and restructuring, Stora Enso is focusing Skutskär more clearly on specialised biomaterials and higher-growth pulp segments, while adapting production to changing market conditions and demand trends in hygiene-related applications.

Link to press release 25 May 2026: Stora Enso plans to reorganise its Skutskär production unit in Sweden to focus on fluff pulp and increase competitiveness

Media Contact:

Phone: +358 2046 111

SOURCE: Stora Enso

Symphony Communication Taps Nokia to Strengthen Regional Subsea Connectivity Between Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

(IN BRIEF) Nokia has been selected by Symphony Communication Public Company Limited to upgrade the Malaysia-Cambodia-Thailand subsea cable system with Nokia’s Submarine Line Terminal Equipment and sixth-generation PSE-6 coherent optics. The modernised network will enable up to 30 Tbps of capacity per fibre pair, three times the legacy system capacity, and provide low-latency connectivity between Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, Malaysia and Singapore. The upgrade is aimed at supporting AI inference, cloud bursting, OTT services and mission-critical enterprise applications, while helping Symphony expand its customer base among hyperscalers, cloud providers and enterprises. The MCT cable is the only subsea system landing in Rayong, a key location in Thailand’s growing data centre ecosystem. Nokia’s PSE-6 technology will also reduce network power consumption by 60%, supporting sustainability goals, while the WaveSuite automation platform will improve network visibility, lifecycle operations and resilience.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Nokia has been selected by Symphony Communication Public Company Limited to upgrade the Malaysia-Cambodia-Thailand subsea cable system, strengthening regional connectivity across Southeast Asia for AI, cloud, enterprise and over-the-top service providers.

The modernisation project will replace legacy equipment on the MCT subsea network with Nokia’s Submarine Line Terminal Equipment, powered by its sixth-generation Photonic Service Engines coherent optics. The upgrade is designed to provide ultra-reliable, low-latency and high-capacity connectivity between Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, Malaysia and Singapore.

Once completed, the upgraded system will support capacity of up to 30 Tbps per fibre pair, three times the capacity of the legacy systems. The enhanced network will support advanced real-time use cases, including AI inference, cloud bursting and mission-critical enterprise applications, while helping Symphony expand its customer base through a trusted regional connectivity corridor.

The MCT cable is the only subsea cable system landing in Rayong, located in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor. The area is becoming a key hub for AI-driven data centre investment, with Thailand attracting more than USD 23 billion in data centre investment across 36 projects, based on data from Thailand’s Board of Investment.

Nokia said the upgraded cable will provide critical low-latency and sovereign connectivity for hyperscalers, AI and cloud providers, enterprises and OTT players seeking secure, high-performance subsea infrastructure in the region.

Ajay Sharma, Country Manager of Thailand at Nokia, said the project expands Nokia’s long-standing partnership with Symphony from terrestrial and cross-border networks into the subsea domain. He said the upgrade will help deliver advanced and trusted connectivity across Southeast Asia while supporting Thailand’s ambition to become a regional hub for AI and cloud-based digital services.

Alex Loh, Chief Executive Officer of Symphony Communication Public Company Limited, said the MCT upgrade reflects Symphony’s commitment to continuously improving network performance and customer experience. He said Nokia’s submarine network solution will allow Symphony to deliver greater capacity and reliability while positioning the company as a preferred connectivity partner for hyperscalers and enterprises developing next-generation digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia.

Nokia’s PSE-6 coherent optics use advanced 5nm DSP technology and intelligent signal optimisation to deliver higher capacity, improved efficiency and long-term scalability. The technology is also expected to reduce network power consumption by 60%, supporting Symphony’s sustainability objectives and helping lower the carbon footprint of subsea network operations.

The deployment will be supported by Nokia’s WaveSuite optical network automation platform. The platform will provide improved multilayer network visibility through a single operational view and support cross-domain automation for energy optimisation, lifecycle operations and network resilience.

Through the MCT upgrade, Nokia and Symphony aim to create a stronger regional connectivity route capable of supporting the growing demand for AI, cloud and enterprise digital services across Southeast Asia.

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Media Contact:

Tel: +358 (0) 10 448 4900
press.services@nokia.com

SOURCE: Nokia

Gateway Development Commission Selects Skanska Joint Venture for Northeast Corridor Rail Connection Works

(IN BRIEF) Skanska, through a joint venture with Creamer Sanzari, has been selected by the Gateway Development Commission to build the New Jersey Surface Alignment Project, Package 3, as part of the Hudson Tunnel Project in Secaucus and North Bergen, New Jersey. The full design-build contract is valued at USD 712 million, with Skanska’s share worth USD 454 million, or approximately SEK 4.3 billion, to be recorded in the company’s U.S. order bookings for the second quarter of 2026. The project will deliver 7,540 feet, or around 2,200 metres, of new rail infrastructure connecting the future passenger rail tunnel to the existing Northeast Corridor. The work includes retaining walls on deep foundations, a railroad bridge over Secaucus Road, a pile-supported viaduct over wetlands, and a bridge crossing freight rail lines. Construction is expected to start in June 2026 and be completed by 2030.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Skanska, in a joint venture with Creamer Sanzari, has been selected by the Gateway Development Commission to deliver the New Jersey Surface Alignment Project, Package 3, as part of the wider Hudson Tunnel Project in New Jersey.

The design-build contract has a total value of USD 712 million. Skanska’s share amounts to USD 454 million, equivalent to approximately SEK 4.3 billion, which the company will include in its U.S. order bookings for the second quarter of 2026.

The project will be carried out in Secaucus and North Bergen, New Jersey, and will create new rail infrastructure needed to connect the future passenger rail tunnel to the existing Northeast Corridor. The Northeast Corridor is one of the busiest passenger rail corridors in the United States, and the new works are intended to support long-term reliability and allow expanded rail capacity.

The scope includes the construction of 7,540 feet, or around 2,200 metres, of new infrastructure. Work will cover the design and construction of retaining walls with fill on deep foundations, a railroad bridge over Secaucus Road, and a pile-supported viaduct with steel and concrete superstructure over wetlands.

The project also includes a railroad bridge crossing the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway and Conrail freight railroads, adding further complexity to the alignment works.

Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with completion planned by 2030.

The New Jersey Surface Alignment Project forms part of the Hudson Tunnel Project, a major rail infrastructure programme aimed at improving passenger rail connectivity, resilience and capacity in the region.

Skanska Group uses knowledge and foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. As one of the world’s largest construction and project development companies, our 2025 revenue totaled SEK 179 billion. We operate across select markets in the Nordics, Europe and USA. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our approximately 25,900 teammates, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.

Media Contacts:
Maritza Ferreira, VP, Communications, Skanska USA, tel +1 (678) 492 2003
Olof Rundgren, Media Relations Manager, Skanska, tel +46 10 448 67 94
Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99

This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com.

SOURCE: Skanska

EE Get The Edge

(IN BRIEF) EE has launched its new “Get the Edge” brand campaign to promote the benefits of 5G+ on its UK network, positioning the technology as its most powerful and reliable form of 5G connectivity. The campaign highlights how 5G+ can help customers stay connected in busy locations and high-pressure moments, with benefits including stronger mobile internet connections, faster downloads and uploads, improved video calling, extra battery life compared with standard 5G and speeds ten times faster than 4G. Created by a cross-agency Publicis Groupe UK team including Saatchi & Saatchi, Digitas, Publicis Production and LeShop, the campaign launches with a 60-second film set in a busy train station and showing customers gaining small but meaningful advantages during everyday situations such as buying concert tickets, managing a school trip and securing an e-bike. The campaign also includes national and regional out-of-home activity, digital content, audio, social, VOD, cinema, retail and customer activation, with media handled by OpenConnect at WPP Media.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EE has launched a new brand campaign, “Get the Edge,” highlighting how customers can benefit from 5G+ on the UK network, particularly in busy places and high-pressure everyday moments where fast and reliable connectivity can make a difference.

The campaign presents 5G+ as EE’s most powerful and reliable form of 5G connectivity, designed to deliver stronger mobile internet connections, faster download and upload speeds, improved video calling and better performance at peak times. EE says 5G+ is ten times faster than 4G and also provides extra battery life compared with standard 5G.

Created by a cross-agency team from Publicis Groupe UK, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Digitas, Publicis Production and LeShop, the campaign runs across AV, out of home, digital out of home, audio, social, online video, video on demand, cinema, retail and customer activation channels. Media planning and buying was handled by OpenConnect, EE’s dedicated team at WPP Media.

The campaign launches with a 60-second film led creatively by Saatchi & Saatchi. Set during rush hour at a busy UK train station, the film shows several real-life situations where a stronger mobile connection can help customers stay ahead. These include a teacher managing a group of children on a school trip, music fans trying to secure sought-after concert tickets, and commuters competing for the last available e-bike.

Each scenario is designed to show how 5G+ on EE can provide a small but important advantage when connectivity matters most. The campaign positions these marginal gains as practical benefits that help customers avoid missing out in moments shaped by speed, timing and network reliability.

The campaign also includes a reactive national out-of-home element featuring different visual depictions of EE customers getting ahead of the crowd with 5G+. Regional out-of-home placements across UK cities use text message-style narratives with local references, focusing on familiar situations where messages may fail to deliver at the wrong moment on less reliable networks.

Kelly Engstrom, Brand and Marketing Communications Director at EE, said fast, secure and reliable connectivity has become increasingly important. She said the new campaign demonstrates how 5G+ on EE can help customers get the edge in everyday situations, from buying tickets in a crowded station to securing the last e-bike during the commute home. She added that EE is working to give customers the best possible connection so they do not miss out when it matters.

Ben Mooge, Chief Creative Officer at Publicis Groupe UK, said small advantages can make a significant difference in demanding moments. He noted that mobile networks now play an important role in everyday outcomes, and that 5G+ on EE is positioned as the technology that can provide a more reliable connection and improved battery life when people need an advantage.

Rebecca Marshall, OpenConnect Lead at WPP Media, said the campaign is built around recognisable moments where the benefits of 5G+ feel immediately relevant. She said the media strategy brings the campaign into the kinds of spaces where improved connectivity is most needed.

Alongside 5G+ performance benefits, EE is also promoting its range of unlimited data plans and Safer SIMs, which are smartphone plans for under-18s designed around different levels of independence. The company says these products help customers stay connected, in control and ahead when reliable mobile service is most important.

Through “Get the Edge,” EE aims to reinforce its network positioning while showing how improved 5G+ performance can translate into practical advantages for customers in everyday life.

About EE

EE is the UK’s best network, offering superfast mobile and broadband connection to millions across the UK. With an ambition to be the country’s most trusted connector of people, EE’s network and services keep consumers connected and entertained.

EE’s 4G, 5G and 5GSA speeds cover more than 90% of the UK, while EE’s super reliable broadband is available at more than 99% of UK premises, with guaranteed speeds to keep people streaming, gaming, watching TV and connecting to the things that matter most.

EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Best Network for Consumers at the Mobile Industry Awards for the last four years since 2022.

EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has nearly 400 stores across the UK. In 2023, EE launched its new experiential retail strategy opening its flagship EE Studio and Experience stores nationwide. The innovative approach to retail in the telco industry has seen EE receive multiple awards of recognition including Retailer of the Year at the Mobile Industry Awards in 2024 and 2025, and Best New Store for the EE Studio at the Retail Week Awards in 2024.

EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised for putting people and culture at the heart of the company at the Cnect Wales Awards in 2025.

EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK.

Follow us on:

www.facebook.com/ee
www.twitter.com/ee
Ywww.youtube.com/ee
LinkedIn at:www.linkedin.com/company/ee-uk

Media Contact:

EE Press Office
newsroom@ee.co.uk

SOURCE: EE

Vesteda Gains International Recognition for Sustainable Management of More Than 28,000 Rental Homes

(IN BRIEF) Vesteda has been nominated for an international BREEAM Award in the “In-Use Performance” category for existing buildings, with the nomination covering its entire residential portfolio of more than 28,000 homes rather than a single property. This makes Vesteda the largest certified residential portfolio in the world to be nominated for the award. The company uses the BREEAM framework to assess and improve energy use, water consumption and CO₂ emissions across its housing portfolio. As a result of targeted improvements, Vesteda has reduced energy consumption from 101.9 to 89.1 kWh per square metre, water consumption from 0.84 to 0.70 m³ per square metre, and CO₂ emissions from 23.1 to 19.5 kg per square metre. Vesteda says the progress reflects its broader view of sustainability as part of good property management, with benefits for tenants through more comfortable homes, lower energy costs and improved living environments. The award winner will be announced in London on 30 September.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Vesteda has been nominated for an international BREEAM Award in the “In-Use Performance” category for existing buildings, with recognition covering its full residential portfolio of more than 28,000 homes.

The nomination is notable because it is not linked to one individual building, but to Vesteda’s entire housing portfolio. This makes Vesteda the largest certified residential portfolio in the world to be nominated for the award, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability and property management strategy.

Vesteda uses the BREEAM framework to identify improvement opportunities across its portfolio, with a focus on energy use, water consumption and CO₂ emissions. By applying insights from the certification process and implementing targeted improvements, the company has reduced energy consumption from 101.9 to 89.1 kWh per square metre, water consumption from 0.84 to 0.70 m³ per square metre, and CO₂ emissions from 23.1 to 19.5 kg per square metre.

For Vesteda, these figures are also connected to the daily living conditions of its tenants. Improved insulation, more comfortable homes, lower energy costs and better neighbourhood environments are part of the wider impact the company associates with sustainable property management. Vesteda says sustainability is not treated as a reporting requirement, but as a central element of responsible housing management.

Astrid Schlüter, CEO of Vesteda, said the nomination shows that the company’s “Housing as a Force for Good” approach is reflected in practical action. She said being able to demonstrate progress across all 28,000 homes gives the company further motivation to continue improving its portfolio.

BREEAM has played an important role in Vesteda’s sustainability work by providing specific questions, indicators and metrics that support operational improvement and standardisation. The framework also enables Vesteda to compare its performance independently with other landlords in the Netherlands and internationally.

Stephan de Bie, Head of ESG at Vesteda, said portfolio-wide certification requires consistent data and a shared methodology across the organisation. He said the company’s progress reflects years of work to build an integrated approach, adding that the nomination both confirms Vesteda’s efforts and encourages further action.

The winner of the award will be announced at the official BREEAM Awards ceremony in London on 30 September.

Media Contacts:

Franc de Korte
Woordvoerder
f.dekorte@vesteda.com
06 48 75 49 93

Dulce Rustenberg
d.rustenberg@vesteda.com
06 18 43 61 46

SOURCE: Vesteda

Gasum Appeals Ruling in Case Concerning Demerger and Unbundling Provisions Under Finnish Natural Gas Law

(IN BRIEF) Gasum has appealed a Finnish Market Court ruling that ordered the company to pay a EUR 17 million penalty fee in a case involving the Finnish Energy Authority and unbundling obligations under Finland’s Natural Gas Market Act. The case is linked to Gasum’s demerger and began in 2020, when the Energy Authority asked the Market Court to impose a penalty fee for alleged non-compliance with the Act’s unbundling provisions. In 2022, the Market Court reversed the Energy Authority’s decisions concerning Gasum’s financial statements and dismissed the penalty fee proposal, but the Energy Authority appealed. In 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court reversed the Market Court’s decision and sent the penalty fee issue back for reconsideration. The Market Court then ruled on 13 May 2026 that Gasum must pay the penalty. Gasum has rejected the reasoning behind that decision and filed an appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court on 12 June 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Gasum has filed an appeal with the Finnish Supreme Administrative Court against a ruling issued by the Finnish Market Court in a case involving Gasum and the Finnish Energy Authority.

The matter concerns unbundling obligations under Finland’s Natural Gas Market Act and relates to Gasum’s demerger. Gasum submitted the appeal on 12 June 2026, following the Market Court’s decision of 13 May 2026, which found the company liable to pay a EUR 17 million penalty fee.

The case dates back to 2020, when the Finnish Energy Authority asked the Market Court to impose a penalty fee on Gasum, alleging non-compliance with the unbundling provisions of the Natural Gas Market Act in connection with the company’s demerger.

In 2022, the Market Court reversed the Energy Authority’s decisions concerning Gasum’s financial statements. At the same time, the court dismissed the Energy Authority’s proposal for a penalty fee. The Energy Authority then appealed that ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court.

In 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court reversed the earlier Market Court decision and returned the penalty fee proposal to the Market Court for reconsideration. Following that review, the Market Court issued its decision on 13 May 2026, determining that Gasum should pay a EUR 17 million penalty fee for non-compliance with the unbundling requirements under the Natural Gas Market Act.

Gasum said it does not accept the reasoning presented in the Market Court’s decision and has therefore appealed the matter to the Finnish Supreme Administrative Court.

Media Contact:

Olga Väisänen, Vice President, Communications and Sustainability, Gasum
+358 40 55 40 578, olga.vaisanen@gasum.com

SOURCE: Gasum

Stellantis, Wayve and Uber Advance Ecosystem Approach to Autonomous Ride-Hailing Services

(IN BRIEF) Stellantis, Wayve and Uber have formed a partnership to explore the development and global deployment of Level 4 driverless robotaxi services. The collaboration combines Stellantis’ L4-Ready Platforms™, Wayve’s AI Driver technology and Uber’s global mobility network, bringing together the vehicle, autonomous driving software and marketplace elements needed to scale robotaxis. Stellantis will design, engineer and manufacture vehicles equipped for high-utilisation driverless operations, Wayve will provide adaptive end-to-end AI driving software, and Uber will connect riders to autonomous trips through its app. The partnership builds on existing collaborations between the companies, including Stellantis and Wayve’s L2++ agreement and Wayve and Uber’s autonomous ride deployment plans in London, Tokyo and other cities. The companies will work on integration, testing, validation and deployment across Europe, North America and beyond, while the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework for future agreements on technology development, licensing, production and vehicle procurement.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM/LONDON, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stellantis, Wayve and Uber have entered into a partnership to explore the development and deployment of Level 4 driverless robotaxi services at global scale, combining vehicle manufacturing, advanced AI driving technology and a worldwide mobility platform.

The collaboration brings together Stellantis’ L4-Ready Platforms™, Wayve’s AI Driver and Uber’s global mobility network. The companies aim to accelerate the rollout of autonomous ride-hailing services by combining the core elements needed to commercialise robotaxis: purpose-built vehicles, scalable autonomous driving technology and a platform capable of connecting riders with autonomous trips.

The partnership builds on existing relationships between the companies, including the recent Stellantis and Wayve L2++ agreement, as well as Wayve and Uber’s plan to deploy autonomous rides in London, Tokyo and ten other cities around the world starting this year.

Under the new collaboration, Stellantis will design, engineer and manufacture vehicles at scale using its L4-Ready Platforms™. These platforms are being developed with embedded sensor suites and the safety, redundancy and operational requirements needed for high-utilisation driverless mobility services.

Wayve will provide the AI driving software that enables the vehicles to understand and navigate complex real-world environments without a human driver. The company’s end-to-end AI driving approach is designed to adapt across different regions and driving conditions without relying on city-by-city mapping or extensive re-engineering, which could support faster and more cost-efficient expansion.

Uber will bring the autonomous vehicles to riders through its global mobility network. The vehicles are expected to be made available through the Uber app, allowing passengers to access autonomous rides through a platform they already use.

Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis, said the collaboration brings the companies closer to delivering smarter, safer and more efficient mobility for customers. He said Stellantis’ L4-Ready Platforms™, combined with Wayve’s adaptive AI and Uber’s global network, can help accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles designed for everyday mobility needs at scale.

Kaity Fischer, Vice President of Commercial and Operations at Wayve, said the partnership brings together Stellantis’ vehicle expertise, Uber’s global mobility platform and Wayve’s embodied AI technology. She described the collaboration as another indication that the industry is moving toward Wayve’s approach as a path to scaling autonomous vehicles globally.

Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber, said successful autonomous mobility requires the right vehicles, technology and platform working together. He said Uber is looking forward to working with Stellantis and Wayve to bring safe and reliable autonomy to more riders around the world.

The companies plan to collaborate on vehicle integration, testing, validation and deployment, with the goal of bringing autonomous mobility services to cities across Europe, North America and other regions.

The relationship is structured through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes a framework for future agreements covering technology development, licensing, production and vehicle procurement. Each company will retain the flexibility to pursue other partnerships in the autonomous driving sector.

Stellantis is a global automaker with a portfolio of brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Wayve, founded in 2017, develops embodied AI technology for automated driving, including mapless and hardware-agnostic autonomy solutions for automakers and fleet operators. Uber operates a global mobility platform that has supported more than 75 billion trips and continues to expand how people, food and goods move through cities.

Through the partnership, Stellantis, Wayve and Uber are positioning ecosystem collaboration as a key route to scaling autonomous mobility and bringing robotaxi services to more riders worldwide.

About the Collaboration

The non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes the framework for future agreements covering technology development, licensing, production, and vehicle procurement. Each company retains the flexibility to pursue additional collaborations in the autonomous driving space.

About Stellantis

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

About Wayve

Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology for automated driving. Its advanced AI software and foundation models for autonomy enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any environment, enhancing the usability and safety of autonomous driving systems. Wayve develops mapless and hardware-agnostic Embodied AI products for automakers and fleet owners, accelerating the path from assisted to automated driving. To learn more, please visit www.wayve.ai.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 75 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Stellantis Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements. In particular, statements regarding future events and anticipated results of operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, future financial and operating results, the anticipated closing date for the proposed transaction and other anticipated aspects of our operations or operating results are forward-looking statements. These statements may include terms such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “could”, “should”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “remain”, “on track”, “design”, “target”, “objective”, “goal”, “forecast”, “projection”, “outlook”, “prospects”, “plan”, or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Rather, they are based on Stellantis’ current state of knowledge, future expectations and projections about future events and are by their nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. There can be no assurance that the contemplated transactions will be completed or that the expected scope or timing will be achieved.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: the ability of Stellantis to launch new products successfully and to maintain vehicle shipment volumes; changes in the global financial markets, general economic environment and changes in demand for automotive products, which is subject to cyclicality; Stellantis’ ability to successfully manage the industry-wide transition from internal combustion engines to full electrification; Stellantis’ ability to offer innovative, attractive products and to develop, manufacture and sell vehicles with advanced features including enhanced electrification, connectivity and autonomous-driving characteristics; Stellantis’ ability to produce or procure electric batteries with competitive performance, cost and at required volumes; Stellantis’ ability to successfully launch new businesses and integrate acquisitions; a significant malfunction, disruption or security breach compromising information technology systems or the electronic control systems contained in Stellantis’ vehicles; exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes, credit risk and other market risks; increases in costs, disruptions of supply or shortages of raw materials, parts, components and systems used in Stellantis’ vehicles; changes in local economic and political conditions; changes in trade policy, the imposition of global and regional tariffs or tariffs targeted to the automotive industry, the enactment of tax reforms or other changes in tax laws and regulations; the level of governmental economic incentives available to support the adoption of battery electric vehicles; the impact of increasingly stringent regulations regarding fuel efficiency requirements and reduced greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions; various types of claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations and other contingencies, including product liability and warranty claims and environmental claims, investigations and lawsuits; material operating expenditures in relation to compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations; the level of competition in the automotive industry, which may increase due to consolidation and new entrants; Stellantis’ ability to attract and retain experienced management and employees; exposure to shortfalls in the funding of Stellantis’ defined benefit pension plans; Stellantis’ ability to provide or arrange for access to adequate financing for dealers and retail customers and associated risks related to the operations of financial services companies; Stellantis’ ability to access funding to execute its business plan; Stellantis’ ability to realize anticipated benefits from joint venture arrangements; disruptions arising from political, social and economic instability; risks associated with Stellantis’ relationships with employees, dealers and suppliers; Stellantis’ ability to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting; developments in labor and industrial relations and developments in applicable labor laws; earthquakes or other disasters; risks and other items described in Stellantis’ Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 and Current Reports on Form 6-K and amendments thereto filed with the SEC; and other risks and uncertainties.

Any forward-looking statements contained in this communication speak only as of the date of this document and Stellantis disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Stellantis and its businesses, including factors that could materially affect Stellantis’ financial results, is included in Stellantis’ reports and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and AFM.

Media Contact:

communications@stellantis.com

Massimo De Micheli
+ 39 335 40 15 30
massimo.demicheli@stellantis.com

SOURCE: Stellantis

Aalborg University Professor Frede Blaabjerg Ranked World’s Leading Researcher in Electronics and Electrical Engineering

(IN BRIEF) Professor Frede Blaabjerg of Aalborg University has been ranked number one in the world in electronics and electrical engineering in Research.com’s 2026 ranking, placing him ahead of researchers from Northwestern University and Princeton University. The recognition highlights the strength of Danish energy and electrical engineering research at a time when power electronics, electrification and efficient energy systems are central to the green transition. Blaabjerg’s work covers areas such as wind turbines, solar cell systems, Power-to-X, power quality, reliability and controllable electric drive systems. While welcoming the ranking, he emphasised the importance of collaboration, long-term research environments and the 85 PhD students he has educated during his career. Aalborg University Rector Per Michael Johansen described the ranking as a major recognition of both Blaabjerg and Danish research, while DTU professor Tejs Vegge praised him as an outstanding scientific authority in electrical engineering. The Research.com result follows several other top rankings and international honours, including recognition from ScholarGPS, the Stanford Ranking, the IEEE Edison Medal and an honorary doctorate from Aalto University.

(PRESS RELEASE) AALBORG, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Aalborg University professor Frede Blaabjerg has been ranked as the world’s leading researcher in electronics and electrical engineering by the internationally recognised platform Research.com, marking a major international recognition for Danish energy research and its contribution to the green transition.

The 2026 Research.com ranking places Blaabjerg first worldwide in electronics and electrical engineering, ahead of Edward H. Sargent of Northwestern University and H. Vincent Poor of Princeton University. The ranking reflects his long-standing work in power electronics, energy systems and technologies that help make electricity use more efficient, stable and sustainable.

Electrical engineering plays a key role in enabling more efficient and stable use of energy across modern technologies, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, motor control systems, solar power, energy storage and other critical energy applications. Blaabjerg’s research has helped advance solutions that support the electrification of society and the wider transition to cleaner energy systems.

Blaabjerg, who is a professor at AAU Energy at Aalborg University, said he appreciates the recognition but believes the value of research cannot be measured by rankings alone. He said he is equally proud of having educated 85 PhD students during his career and of the many research outcomes that have emerged from long-term collaboration with talented colleagues and students.

He noted that research is not achieved alone, but depends on strong academic environments, capable teams and sustained work on challenges that matter.

Per Michael Johansen, Rector of Aalborg University, described the ranking as an important recognition of both Frede Blaabjerg and Danish research. He said Blaabjerg has for many years been one of the world’s leading researchers in energy technology and that his work has had a major impact on the green transition. Johansen added that Blaabjerg and his international team have helped build a strong Danish and global position in energy research, benefiting both Aalborg University and Denmark more broadly.

The recognition from Research.com is not the first time Blaabjerg has reached the top of a major international ranking. On ScholarGPS, he is ranked first both over the past five years and across his full career. In the Stanford Ranking, he was listed as number one in electrical engineering in both 2024 and 2025 and as number two across his career.

Tejs Vegge, professor at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at DTU, described Blaabjerg as the world’s greatest scientific capacity in electrical engineering. Vegge, who works closely with Blaabjerg as co-lead of the Pioneer Center CAPeX, said Blaabjerg combines exceptional scientific impact with a down-to-earth approach and is highly valued as a collaborator.

Blaabjerg’s research areas include power electronics and applications in wind turbines, solar cell systems, reliability, Power-to-X, power quality and controllable electric drive systems. These fields are increasingly important as societies seek to integrate renewable energy, improve electricity systems and support more efficient use of power across industrial and consumer technologies.

Throughout his career, Blaabjerg has received numerous international awards. These include the IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award in 2014, the Global Energy Prize in 2019 and the IEEE Edison Medal in 2020. He was also recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Aalto University in Finland.

The Research.com ranking further underlines Aalborg University’s strong position in engineering and energy research and highlights the international impact of Danish scientific work in technologies that support the global green transition.

Facts: Frede Blaabjerg and the ranking

• Frede Blaabjerg is a professor at AAU Energy at Aalborg University.
• He is ranked No. 1 in the world in “Electronics and Electrical Engineering” in Research.com’s 2026 ranking.
• On the same list, Edward H. Sargent of Northwestern University is number 2 and H. Vincent Poor of Princeton University number 3.
• His research areas include power electronics and applications in wind turbines, solar cell systems, reliability, Power-to-X, power quality and controllable electric drive systems.
• He has received a large number of international awards, including the IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award in 2014, the Global Energy Prize in 2019, the IEEE Edison Medal in 2020 and just last Friday, Frede Blaabjerg was awarded an honorary doctorate at Aalto University in Finland.

Media Contact:

Frede Blaabjerg
Professor
AAU Energy
Aalborg University
+45 2129 2454 / 9940 9254
fbl@energy.aau.dk

Caspar Birk
Press advisor
Aalborg University
+45 2249 1303
cabi@adm.aau.dk

SOURCE: Aalborg University

Accenture to Acquire Industries eXcellence Group to Strengthen Siemens Digital Industries Software and Automation Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Accenture has agreed to acquire Industries eXcellence Group, a division of Engineering Group and long-standing Siemens Digital Industries partner, to strengthen its capabilities in industrial software, automation, data and AI-enabled manufacturing transformation. IndX specialises in Siemens technologies for discrete and process manufacturers, including digital thread solutions, product lifecycle management, simulation, digital twins, SCADA, industrial edge computing and cloud computing. Its more than 650 professionals support clients across sectors such as aerospace and defence, automotive, energy, industrial equipment, life sciences and utilities. Once completed, the acquisition is expected to support the growth of the Accenture Siemens Business Group, which combines Siemens industrial technology with Accenture’s AI-enabled engineering and manufacturing expertise. Accenture also plans to establish new Centers of Excellence for Siemens Digital Industries solutions in Italy and India, with the Italian centre aimed at strengthening the country’s industrial innovation ecosystem. Transaction terms were not disclosed, and closing remains subject to customary conditions.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Accenture has agreed to acquire Industries eXcellence Group, known as IndX, a division of Engineering Group and a long-standing partner of Siemens Digital Industries. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Accenture’s capabilities in industrial software, automation, data and AI-enabled technologies for manufacturers.

The planned acquisition will support the continued growth of the Accenture Siemens Business Group, a dedicated global business practice created to combine Siemens industrial technology with Accenture’s AI-enabled engineering, manufacturing and transformation capabilities.

IndX is headquartered in Rome and Chicago and specialises in Siemens software for discrete and process manufacturing. The company helps manufacturers connect product development, engineering, production, automation and supply chain operations through digital thread solutions that bridge information technology and operational technology environments.

Its expertise spans product lifecycle management, simulation, digital twins, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, industrial edge computing and cloud computing. These capabilities are increasingly important as manufacturers seek to modernise engineering and factory operations and make them more intelligent, flexible and connected.

Tracey Countryman, Global Supply Chain and Engineering Lead at Accenture, said manufacturers are investing more heavily in software, data and AI, but many still face challenges in integrating these technologies across products, factories, plants and supply chains. She said Accenture will combine IndX’s expertise in Siemens technologies with Accenture’s AI capabilities and industry knowledge to help clients address these challenges more quickly.

IndX serves leading companies across sectors including aerospace and defence, automotive, consumer goods, energy, high tech, industrial equipment, life sciences and utilities. The company has more than 650 professionals based in Italy, the United States, India, Germany, other European countries and Mexico.

After completion of the acquisition, IndX’s team and capabilities are expected to become part of the Accenture Siemens Business Group and support its further expansion. The business group was formed last year to help clients use industrial technology, artificial intelligence and digital engineering to modernise manufacturing and engineering operations.

Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries Software, said Accenture’s acquisition of IndX is a milestone for the Accenture Siemens Business Group. He said IndX brings proven expertise in Siemens industrial solutions for digital manufacturing, engineering, automation, digital twin and simulation, as well as long-standing client relationships.

Vivek Kaushik, Global Lead of the Accenture Siemens Business Group at Accenture, said Accenture and Siemens are developing industrial AI-enabled solutions to shorten engineering time to market, improve manufacturing efficiency and strengthen clients’ digital core. He added that IndX will reinforce the group’s ability to scale these solutions.

Following completion of the transaction, Accenture plans to establish two new Centers of Excellence for Siemens Digital Industries solutions in Italy and India. These centres will bring together professionals with expertise in industrial software and advanced digital technologies to help clients improve product design, factory operations and supply chain management.

Teodoro Lio, Market Unit Lead of Accenture Italy, said Italy combines manufacturing excellence, engineering capabilities and innovation talent. He said expanding Siemens industrial software capabilities and creating a new Center of Excellence in Italy will strengthen an ecosystem that can help Italian industry become more globally competitive, accelerate digital transformation and create highly specialised skills and jobs.

Accenture said it will integrate IndX’s assets and services for other technologies into its relevant business units. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and completion remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “aspires,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook,” “goal,” “target” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance nor promises that goals or targets will be met, and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Many of the following risks, uncertainties and other factors identified below may be amplified by conflict in the Middle East, as well as any escalation or expansion of economic disruption or the conflict’s current scope. These risks include, without limitation, risks that: Accenture and Engineering Group will not be able to close the transaction in the time period anticipated, or at all, which is dependent on the parties’ ability to satisfy certain closing conditions; the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations have been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining client demand for the company’s solutions and services including through the adaptation and expansion of its solutions and services in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the evolving technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; risks and uncertainties related to the development and use of AI, including advanced AI, could harm the company’s business, damage its reputation or give rise to legal or regulatory action; if Accenture is unable to match people and their skills with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; Accenture faces legal, reputational and financial risks from any failure to protect client and/or company data from security incidents or cyberattacks; the markets in which Accenture operates are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; if Accenture does not successfully manage and develop its relationships with its ecosystem partners or fails to anticipate and establish new alliances in new technologies, the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer due to pricing pressure, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies or fail to satisfy certain agreed-upon targets or specific service levels; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture’s debt obligations could adversely affect its business and financial condition; as a result of Accenture’s geographically diverse operations and strategy to continue to grow in key markets around the world, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; Accenture might not be successful at acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture’s global operations expose the company to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements; if Accenture is unable to protect or enforce its intellectual property rights or if Accenture’s solutions or services infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company loses its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.

About Accenture
Accenture helps the world’s leading enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI to create value at speed for organizations across industries. Our strategy is to be the reinvention partner of choice for our clients and lead in the safe, widespread adoption of AI, and to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled, great place to work in the world. We bring together the talent of our approximately 786,000 people with proprietary assets and platforms, deep process and industry expertise, and leading ecosystem relationships to deliver end-to-end solutions and measurable outcomes at scale. Through our Reinvention Services, we offer broad expertise across Cybersecurity, Digital Core, Finance, Industry and Enterprise, Song, Supply Chain and Engineering, and Talent, with advanced capabilities in AI and Data, Industry and Process, and Technology. We serve approximately 9,000 clients and generated approximately $70 billion in FY25 revenue. Visit us at accenture.com.

Media Contacts:

Jens Derksen
Accenture
+49175 5761393
jens.derksen@accenture.com

Armando Barone
Accenture
+393485608969
armando.barone@accenture.com

SOURCE: Accenture

Accenture Targets Healthcare Modernisation in Italy Through Alfahealth’s Clinical and Administrative Technology Platform

(IN BRIEF) Accenture has agreed to acquire Alfahealth, a subsidiary of Engineering Group, to strengthen its digital health capabilities and healthcare transformation services in Italy. Alfahealth brings more than two decades of experience in developing and operating healthcare technology through a services-plus-product model that supports clinical workflows, diagnostics, patient journeys, administrative processes and operational activities. Its platform helps healthcare organisations connect data, modernise care delivery and support more integrated models of care within the regulatory requirements of the Italian market. The acquisition aligns with Accenture’s strategy of combining services, software, data and AI-powered platforms to drive end-to-end transformation. Around 1,200 specialised Alfahealth professionals will join Accenture Italy’s Health practice, while Accenture plans to enhance Alfahealth’s offering with its capabilities in artificial intelligence, data, cloud and cybersecurity. The transaction terms were not disclosed and closing remains subject to customary conditions.

(PRESS RELEASE) MILAN, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Accenture has agreed to acquire Alfahealth, a subsidiary of Engineering Group, in a move aimed at expanding its digital health capabilities and strengthening its healthcare transformation services in Italy.

The acquisition will add to Accenture’s healthcare practice a service-led digital health platform designed for the Italian market. The platform helps healthcare organisations modernise clinical processes, connect data across the care continuum, improve patient access and enhance patient experience and outcomes.

Alfahealth has more than 20 years of experience developing and operating technology capabilities for the healthcare sector. Its services-plus-product model supports different parts of the patient journey, including clinical workflows, diagnostics, administrative processes and operational activities.

The company’s technology enables healthcare providers to connect data and support more integrated models of care, while meeting the scale, regulatory requirements and operational needs of the Italian healthcare market.

For Accenture, the planned acquisition fits into its broader strategy of combining services, software, data and AI-powered platforms through an integrated services and product model. The goal is to help clients achieve sustainable end-to-end transformation across complex industries such as healthcare.

Alfahealth’s position in the Italian healthcare sector is expected to be strengthened further through Accenture’s capabilities in data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud technologies.

Teodoro Lio, Market Unit Lead for Accenture in Italy, said Italy is at an important stage in the transformation of its healthcare system, with growing investment in digital health, interoperability and new models of care. He said Alfahealth brings deep healthcare expertise, trusted relationships with healthcare organisations across Italy and capabilities for digitising and orchestrating clinical and administrative processes.

Lio added that the combined capabilities of Accenture and Alfahealth will help healthcare providers and institutions accelerate innovation, improve care delivery and create more connected, data-driven and personalised experiences for people across Italy, supported by data and artificial intelligence.

The acquisition will bring around 1,200 specialised professionals into Accenture Italy’s Health practice. Alfahealth also brings a strong position in the Italian healthcare sector, including experience supporting national programmes in a regulated environment.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “aspires,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook,” “goal,” “target” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance nor promises that goals or targets will be met, and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Many of the following risks, uncertainties and other factors identified below may be amplified by conflict in the Middle East, as well as any escalation or expansion of economic disruption or the conflict’s current scope. These risks include, without limitation, risks that: Accenture and Engineering Group will not be able to close the transaction in the time period anticipated, or at all, which is dependent on the parties’ ability to satisfy certain closing conditions; the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations have been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining client demand for the company’s solutions and services including through the adaptation and expansion of its solutions and services in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the evolving technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; risks and uncertainties related to the development and use of AI, including advanced AI, could harm the company’s business, damage its reputation or give rise to legal or regulatory action; if Accenture is unable to match people and their skills with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; Accenture faces legal, reputational and financial risks from any failure to protect client and/or company data from security incidents or cyberattacks; the markets in which Accenture operates are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; if Accenture does not successfully manage and develop its relationships with its ecosystem partners or fails to anticipate and establish new alliances in new technologies, the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer due to pricing pressure, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies or fails to satisfy certain agreed-upon targets or specific service levels; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture’s debt obligations could adversely affect its business and financial condition; as a result of Accenture’s geographically diverse operations and strategy to continue to grow in key markets around the world, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; Accenture might not be successful at acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture’s global operations expose the company to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements; if Accenture is unable to protect or enforce its intellectual property rights or if Accenture’s solutions or services infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company loses its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.

About Accenture
Accenture helps the world’s leading enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI to create value at speed for organizations across industries. Our strategy is to be the reinvention partner of choice for our clients and lead in the safe, widespread adoption of AI, and to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled, great place to work in the world. We bring together the talent of our approximately 786,000 people with proprietary assets and platforms, deep process and industry expertise, and leading ecosystem relationships to deliver end-to-end solutions and measurable outcomes at scale. Through our Reinvention Services, we offer broad expertise across Cybersecurity, Digital Core, Finance, Industry and Enterprise, Song, Supply Chain and Engineering, and Talent, with advanced capabilities in AI and Data, Industry and Process, and Technology. We serve approximately 9,000 clients and generated approximately $70 billion in FY25 revenue. Visit us at accenture.com.

Media Contacts:

Maggie Nolan
Accenture
+1 917 432 3964
margaret.d.nolan@accenture.com

Armando Barone
Accenture
+39 348 5608969
armando.barone@accenture.com

SOURCE: Accenture

JYSK to Enter Cyprus in 2027 with Initial Store Openings and Plans for Wider Market Growth

(IN BRIEF) JYSK plans to open its first stores in Cyprus in the spring of 2027, marking the Danish family-owned home furnishing chain’s entry into a new Mediterranean market. The company expects to launch with two to four stores initially and aims to grow to ten stores in the Republic of Cyprus over the following years. The Cypriot market will be managed as part of JYSK Greece, which already operates close to 70 stores and has an established organisation to support the expansion. JYSK expects the move to create up to 80 local jobs, and recruitment for the first District Manager role has already drawn strong interest. The Cyprus launch will follow JYSK’s 2025 entry into Morocco and will bring the company’s international presence to 50 countries, including 30 markets with company-owned stores and 20 operated through franchise partners.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRABRAND, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — JYSK is preparing to enter Cyprus, with the Danish family-owned home furnishing chain planning to open its first stores in the country in the spring of 2027.

The expansion marks another step in JYSK’s international growth journey, which began in 1979 when Danish entrepreneur Lars Larsen opened the company’s first store. Since then, JYSK has developed into a major home furnishing retailer with a growing presence across Europe and beyond.

In Cyprus, JYSK expects to open between two and four stores in the first phase. Over the longer term, the company plans to expand to a total of ten stores in the Republic of Cyprus within the next few years. The Cypriot operations will be organised under JYSK Greece, which already manages a well-established store network and will support the new market entry.

Rami Jensen, President and CEO of JYSK, said expansion is part of the company’s identity and that JYSK continues to look for new growth opportunities. He said the company believes its Scandinavian home furnishing offer will appeal to customers in Cyprus, as it has in other European markets.

The move is also expected to create up to 80 local jobs in Cyprus. Recruitment has already started for the first District Manager role, which has attracted almost 100 applicants so far.

Jensen said the early interest in working for JYSK in Cyprus is encouraging. He added that Cyprus offers attractive growth opportunities and can be developed through the company’s Greek organisation, where JYSK already operates close to 70 stores and has a strong local structure in place to welcome new colleagues.

The planned Cyprus launch follows JYSK’s most recent country opening in Morocco, where two stores began operating in April 2025. Once the first stores open in Cyprus, JYSK will be present in 50 countries. Thirty of these markets will be operated through JYSK’s own stores, while the remaining 20 are run by local franchise partners.

Through the expansion, JYSK aims to bring its Scandinavian home furnishing concept to a new Mediterranean market while strengthening its retail presence in Southern Europe.

In short

• In the spring of 2027, the Danish, family-owned home furnishing chain JYSK plans to open its first stores in Cyprus.
• Initially, JYSK expects to welcome customers in two to four stores, and in the longer term, the goal is to open a total of ten stores – all in the Republic of Cyprus.
• With the expansion to Cyprus, JYSK expects to create up to 80 local jobs, which organisationally will become part of JYSK Greece.

KfW Report Finds German Municipalities Expect Major Investment Increase While Financial Strain Continues to Deepen

(IN BRIEF) KfW’s latest Municipal Panel shows that German municipalities plan to increase infrastructure investment significantly in 2026, with expected spending rising to around EUR 50 billion, up 14.8% from the EUR 44 billion planned in 2025. Most planned investment is directed toward schools, roads and transport infrastructure, and fire safety and disaster management. However, the perceived municipal investment backlog has also climbed to a new record high of EUR 231.2 billion, with major gaps remaining in schools and roads and sharp increases reported in sports facilities, disaster management and administrative buildings. Many municipalities are struggling to fund even routine maintenance, particularly in transport infrastructure, and the situation is especially difficult in eastern Germany. The report also highlights the role of municipal companies, with most municipalities holding stakes in utilities, housing, transport, sports facilities or waste management. While energy utilities are generally financially self-sustaining, cultural institutions, sports facilities and public transport companies often require municipal support. KfW Chief Economist Dr Dirk Schumacher said the Special Fund may stabilise investment activity, but structural reforms are needed to align municipal financial resources with their responsibilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — KfW’s latest Municipal Panel shows that German municipalities are planning a significant increase in infrastructure investment this year, with expected spending on physical assets rising to around EUR 50 billion in 2026.

The planned investment volume is 14.8% higher than the EUR 44 billion municipalities had planned for the 2025 fiscal year. This increase is far above the average annual variation of 4.2% recorded in planned investment between 2019 and 2025. Schools remain the largest planned investment area, accounting for 27% of expected spending, followed by roads and transport infrastructure at 23%, and fire safety and disaster management at 10%.

Dr Dirk Schumacher, Chief Economist of KfW, said the sharp rise in planned municipal investment can likely be explained by expectations linked to the Special Fund. However, he noted that it remains uncertain how much of the planned investment will actually be implemented. Past experience shows that municipalities complete fewer projects than planned and typically spend only around two thirds of the intended investment volume.

KfW said the gap between planned and realised investment is now a well-documented issue. It is partly caused by non-financial barriers that delay or prevent projects, including complex approval procedures, public procurement requirements, extensive building regulations and staffing shortages in building authorities. Schumacher said it is positive that the Federal Government is working to remove some of these obstacles.

Despite the higher investment plans, the financial situation of municipalities has continued to deteriorate. The perceived municipal investment backlog has reached a new record high of EUR 231.2 billion, an increase of EUR 15.2 billion or 7.2% from the previous year. Since 2018, the backlog has grown by 67% in nominal terms, although the real-terms increase remains at 7%.

The largest investment gaps remain in school infrastructure, at EUR 68.9 billion, and roads, at EUR 53.7 billion. These areas have grown only slightly, but other categories have seen more notable increases. Municipal treasurers reported widening backlogs in sports facilities, which increased by EUR 6.0 billion, disaster management, which rose by EUR 3.2 billion, and administrative buildings, which grew by EUR 2.8 billion.

KfW also highlighted concerns that many municipalities no longer have sufficient resources to carry out ongoing infrastructure maintenance, including smaller repairs. The issue is especially severe in roads and transport infrastructure, where 30% of municipalities said they had no or only very limited resources available for maintenance work. In some cases, this means potholes and road unevenness cannot be repaired. The situation is particularly difficult in eastern Germany, where 47% of municipal treasuries reported that they could ensure none or only a small share of the maintenance required for transport infrastructure.

Looking ahead, only 23% of municipalities expect their perceived investment backlog to decline in the coming years. By contrast, 42% expect the backlog to continue growing, while 36% believe it will remain unchanged.

This year’s KfW Municipal Panel also focuses on municipal holding companies. Around nine in ten municipalities have a participation in municipal companies. Approximately two thirds reported having a stake in a water or energy utility, while just over half hold interests in housing companies. Forty-eight percent own sports or aquatic facilities, another 48% are involved in mass public transport, and 45% have holdings in waste management.

The financial strength of municipal companies varies significantly by sector. Energy utility companies are the strongest, with 97% able to sustain themselves and 51% recently transferring profits to the municipal core budget. Water utilities and housing companies also contributed funds in some cases, with 27% and 23% respectively transferring money to municipalities.

Other areas remain financially dependent on municipal support. Sixty-one percent of municipalities with a stake in cultural institutions had to offset losses, while the same was true for 60% of sports facilities and 52% of public transport companies. Municipalities support these companies mainly through guarantees and by waiving profit distributions.

KfW said the heating transition and wider climate transformation will require investment volumes that many utility companies cannot finance on their own, meaning debt capital is likely to become more important in the future.

Dr Dirk Schumacher said the financial position of municipalities has continued to worsen noticeably and that the mood among municipal treasuries is gloomy. He said the Special Fund can help stabilise municipal investment activity, but it will not be enough to reverse the budget situation. Structural reforms are needed to bring municipal financial resources back into line with their responsibilities. One possible option, he said, would be to adjust how tax revenues are distributed between the federal government, the states and municipalities.

The KfW Municipal Panel is based on a representative national survey of treasuries in German cities and municipalities with more than 2,000 inhabitants, as well as all rural districts. It has been conducted annually since 2009 by KfW Research and the German Institute for Urban Affairs. The current edition is based on a survey carried out in the first quarter of 2026, covering 2,900 communities, municipalities and districts. The response rate was 37%, which KfW describes as very high for this type of survey.

Media Contact:

Nina Luttmer
+49 69 7431 41336
nina.luttmer@kfw.de

SOURCE: KfW