Category Archives: News

General News & Press Releases distributed via EuropaWire

Vattenfall Names Johan Dasht as New Senior Vice President for Business Area Generation

(IN BRIEF) Vattenfall has appointed Johan Dasht as the new Senior Vice President of its Business Area Generation, effective November 1. Dasht, currently leading the company’s hydro operations in the Nordics, will oversee Vattenfall’s hydro and nuclear power divisions. He … Read the full press release

Lille Secures €276 Million for Sustainable Transport Revolution: EIB and European Commission Fund Green Mobility Initiative

(IN BRIEF) The Métropole Européenne de Lille has secured a €245 million green loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to modernize its urban transport system, alongside a €31.5 million grant from the European Commission. This joint financing will support … Read the full press release

Perovskia Solar Powers Up IoT Sector with New Funding and Innovative Solar Technology

(IN BRIEF) Perovskia Solar, an Empa spin-off, has secured over two million Swiss francs in seed funding and signed contracts with more than ten major IoT companies. Specializing in custom-printed perovskite solar cells, the company aims to provide sustainable energy … Read the full press release

Driving Change: Hydro and Mercedes-Benz Launch Ambitious Amazon Sustainability Initiative

(IN BRIEF) Hydro and Mercedes-Benz have launched the “Corridor” program at Climate Week 2024 in New York, aimed at fostering sustainable development in the Brazilian Amazon. This long-term initiative will promote positive impacts for local communities and nature through partnerships … Read the full press release

Eviden Selected by CFL to Upgrade Railway Communication Systems for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) Eviden has been selected by the Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL) to implement next-generation critical communication solutions to upgrade its GSM-R command and control network, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. The project, expected to be operational by late … Read the full press release

Eviden Secures RATP Contract to Enhance Metro Communication with TETRA Technology

(IN BRIEF) Eviden, part of the Atos Group, has won a contract from RATP to equip its MP14 and new MF19 metro trains and TW20 tramways with TETRA radio communication systems. This agreement includes the supply of 132 radio units, … Read the full press release

Schroders Solutions Chosen by Merseyside Pension Fund for £3.8 Billion Equity Protection Initiative

(IN BRIEF) Schroders Solutions has been selected to implement a £3.8 billion equity protection strategy for the Merseyside Pension Fund. This collaboration, part of the Northern LGPS framework, aims to safeguard the fund’s equity portfolios from market downturns ahead of … Read the full press release

Hanwha Ocean’s Rotor Sail Technology Receives Certification from DNV for Hazardous Zone Installation

(IN BRIEF) DNV has awarded Hanwha Ocean Type Approval Design Certification (TADC) for its innovative rotor sail technology, marking it as the first rotor sail certified for use in hazardous zones in South Korea. The certification confirms that the rotor … Read the full press release

BNP Paribas Expands Wealth Management Footprint in Germany by Acquiring HSBC’s Private Banking Division

(IN BRIEF) BNP Paribas has signed an agreement to acquire HSBC’s private banking operations in Germany, aiming to enhance its wealth management services and increase its assets under management to over €40 billion. This strategic acquisition targets growth within the … Read the full press release

Ahold Delhaize Repurchased 250,000 Shares as Part of €1 Billion Buyback Program

(IN BRIEF) Ahold Delhaize has repurchased 250,000 common shares between September 16 and September 20, 2024, at an average price of €30.85, totaling €7.7 million. This buyback is part of a larger €1 billion program announced in November 2023. To … Read the full press release

Energiekontor and Salzgitter Flachstahl Sign Pioneering Power Purchase Agreements for Solar Energy in Germany

(IN BRIEF) Energiekontor AG and Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH have signed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for two solar park projects in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Energiekontor will supply Salzgitter with over 120 gigawatt-hours of green electricity annually, aiming to cut CO2 emissions … Read the full press release

Knorr-Bremse AG Launches 1.1 Billion Euro Bond, Paving the Way for Sustainable Investment

(IN BRIEF) Knorr-Bremse AG has successfully issued a dual-tranche bond totaling 1.1 billion Euro, marking its first Green Bond of 500 million Euro aimed at financing eligible green projects. The remaining 600 million Euro bond has a five-year maturity and … Read the full press release

wpd Highlights Global Growth and Wind Energy Expansion at WindEnergy 2024

(IN BRIEF) wpd will showcase its ongoing growth and future plans at WindEnergy 2024 in Hamburg from September 24 to 27. The company, a leader in wind farm development, operates in 31 countries and has a project pipeline exceeding 19 … Read the full press release

Ramboll Joins UN Green Jobs Pact, Pledges to Train 1,000 Young Professionals for Low-Carbon Economy by 2025

(IN BRIEF) Ramboll has partnered with the UN-led Green Jobs for Youth Pact, committing to train 1,000 young professionals by 2025 to address the skills gap in the low-carbon economy. In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNEP, and … Read the full press release

voestalpine Railway Systems Showcases Digital Innovations at InnoTrans 2024, Supports Major Global Rail Projects

(IN BRIEF) voestalpine Railway Systems is showcasing its advanced rail solutions at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, the world’s leading transport technology trade fair, which attracts over 130,000 visitors. The company is presenting a range of products and services, including digital … Read the full press release

Top African Venture Capital Leaders Recognized for Transforming Start-up Ecosystem at Oxford Programme

(IN BRIEF) At the Africa Venture Finance Programme hosted by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, top African venture capital fund managers were recognized for their contributions to supporting start-ups across the continent. Awards were given to First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest, … Read the full press release

University of York Academics Celebrated Among World’s Top-Cited Scientists in New Global Rankings

(IN BRIEF) More than 150 researchers from the University of York have been recognized in the prestigious Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings, which highlights the most-cited scientists globally. The rankings, based on 2022 citation data, reflect the significant global impact … Read the full press release

Krka Strengthens Commitment to Sustainability with Car-Free Day and Electric Truck Initiative

(IN BRIEF) Krka employees participated in the European Mobility Week for the ninth consecutive year, promoting sustainable commuting through the company’s Car-Free Day campaign. Employees from 13 countries adopted eco-friendly travel methods such as cycling, public transport, and walking. This … Read the full press release

Eviden and Selartag Launch Advanced Wine Inventory System Powered by AWS Cloud

(IN BRIEF) Eviden, a division of Atos Group, has partnered with Selartag to develop an innovative wine cellar management solution hosted on AWS hybrid cloud architecture. The system uses smart labels, RFID technology, and a mobile app to provide real-time … Read the full press release

Stora Enso and Södra Join Forces to Advance Kraft Lignin as a Sustainable Bio-Based Material

(IN BRIEF) Stora Enso and Södra have entered into a long-term agreement to collaborate on advancing the use of kraft lignin, a sustainable material derived from the pulping process. Under the partnership, Södra will supply kraft lignin from its new … Read the full press release

Lloyds Banking Group Enhances Accessibility with British Sign Language Support on Job Search Pages

(IN BRIEF) Lloyds Banking Group has become the first FTSE 100 company to implement Signly on its job search pages, a service providing British Sign Language (BSL) translations to enhance accessibility for d/Deaf users. This initiative reaffirms Lloyds’ commitment to … Read the full press release

Skanska Awarded $630M Contract for Sustainable Hillview Reservoir Project in Yonkers

(IN BRIEF) Skanska, in partnership with ECCO III Enterprises, Inc., has been awarded a USD 848 million contract by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for the Hillview Reservoir Chemical Addition Facilities project in Yonkers, New York. Skanska’s … Read the full press release

AFRY’s Fossil Detox Report Outlines Key Steps for Accelerating the Global Transition from Fossil Fuels

(IN BRIEF) AFRY’s newly released Fossil Detox Report, unveiled during New York Climate Week, highlights the urgent need for a global transition away from fossil fuels. The report identifies critical technologies like smart grids, energy storage solutions, and carbon capture, … Read the full press release

Capgemini Report Highlights Corporate Sustainability Progress Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Doubts

(IN BRIEF) A new report by the Capgemini Research Institute, titled “A World in Balance 2024: Accelerating Sustainability Amidst Geopolitical Challenges,” reveals that despite global geopolitical tensions, organizations are continuing to advance their sustainability goals. Key areas of progress include … Read the full press release

BT Group Unveils £4 Million Apprenticeship Fund to Strengthen SME Workforce and Drive Economic Growth

(IN BRIEF) BT Group has launched a £4 million Apprenticeship Fund aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, and public sector organizations in England. Over the next four years, the fund will support these entities by providing access … Read the full press release

UN and Multilateral Development Banks Unite to Boost Global Efforts for 2030 SDG Targets

(IN BRIEF) On September 23, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with the heads of major Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to strengthen collaboration aimed at accelerating progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion centered on MDB reforms … Read the full press release

TotalEnergies Announces Production Start at Fenix Offshore Gas Field in Argentina

(IN BRIEF) TotalEnergies has commenced production at the Fenix gas field, located off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Argentina. Part of the Cuenca Marina Austral 1 concession, the field has a production capacity of 10 million cubic … Read the full press release

Vivendi Realigns Assets to Strengthen Canal+ Group’s Global Media Presence and Revenue Potential

(IN BRIEF) Vivendi has restructured Canal+ Group by integrating several of its assets, including GVA (a telecom provider in Africa), the video platform Dailymotion, and performance venues like L’Olympia in France. This move creates a more unified global media entity, … Read the full press release

Infineon Expands OptiMOS™ 6 Lineup with New 135 V and 150 V MOSFETs for Power and Drive Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) Infineon Technologies has expanded its OptiMOS™ 6 MOSFET lineup by introducing new 135 V and 150 V MOSFETs, designed for enhanced efficiency in drives and switched-mode power supply (SMPS) applications. These MOSFETs offer up to a 50% reduction … Read the full press release

ZF Introduces Enhanced Safety and Automation Features for Commercial Vehicles with OnGuardMAX and mBSP XBS Platforms

(IN BRIEF) At IAA Transportation 2024, ZF introduced the latest version of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), OnGuardMAX, and its modular brake platform, mBSP XBS, for the European commercial vehicle market. OnGuardMAX offers enhanced safety features like Moving Off … Read the full press release

Barry Callebaut Sets Path to Net Zero by 2050 with New Decarbonization Roadmap

(IN BRIEF) Barry Callebaut has launched its Net Zero Roadmap, outlining its plan to fully decarbonize its value chain and reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. The roadmap sets an interim target of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030, focusing … Read the full press release

Pfizer and BioNTech’s Omicron KP.2-Adapted COVID-19 Vaccine Receives Positive EU Opinion, Awaiting Approval

(IN BRIEF) Pfizer and BioNTech’s Omicron KP.2-adapted COVID-19 vaccine has received a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) CHMP for use in individuals aged six months and older. Pending final approval from the European Commission, the vaccine will … Read the full press release

FluMist Becomes First At-Home Self-Administered Flu Vaccine Approved by FDA

(IN BRIEF) FluMist, a needle-free nasal spray influenza vaccine, has been approved by the FDA for self-administration in the US, making it the first flu vaccine of its kind to be used at home. Adults up to 49 years old … Read the full press release

Garanti BBVA Introduces Türkiye’s First End-to-End Digital Vehicle Loans for Individuals

(IN BRIEF) Garanti BBVA has become the first Turkish bank to offer fully digital vehicle loans for individual customers, expanding a service previously available only to companies and self-employed clients. The entire loan application process, covering nearly 40 automobile brands, … Read the full press release

Scania Unveils Autonomous Truck and Sustainable Solutions for Agile Mining at MINExpo 2024

(IN BRIEF) At the 2024 MINExpo in Las Vegas, Scania introduced its fully autonomous mining truck and showcased its “Think big, act small” approach to boosting mining efficiency. The company emphasized its focus on payload efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effective solutions … Read the full press release

Loughborough University Wins Sports University of the Year for the Fourth Time, Continuing Athletic and Academic Excellence

(IN BRIEF) Loughborough University has been named Sports University of the Year for the fourth time by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. This recognition follows a successful summer where athletes linked to the university won … Read the full press release

Reardon Court Extra Care Housing Named ‘Construction Project of the Year’ at National Awards

(IN BRIEF) Reardon Court, an extra care housing project in Enfield, London, has won ‘Construction Project of the Year’ at the Procure Partnerships Framework National Project Excellence Awards 2024. The project, led by Enfield Council and constructed by GRAHAM, provides … Read the full press release

EIB Funds €125 Million Campus Expansion and Affordable Housing at Cyprus University of Technology

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €125 million in loans to the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) to fund new student housing and upgrade academic, research, and sports facilities in Paphos and Limassol. The project, which will … Read the full press release

EIB Supports Deutsche Glasfaser with €350 Million Loan to Expand High-Speed Internet in Rural Germany

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €350 million loan to Deutsche Glasfaser to expand fibre-optic broadband access to around 460,000 rural homes and businesses in Germany. This initiative, supported by the EU’s InvestEU programme, addresses the … Read the full press release

Multilateral Banks Boost Climate Finance to Record $125 Billion in 2023, Doubling Private Sector Mobilization

(IN BRIEF) Multilateral development banks (MDBs) have reached a new milestone in climate finance, committing a record $125 billion in 2023. A significant portion, $74.7 billion, was allocated to low- and middle-income countries, primarily for climate mitigation and adaptation. High-income … Read the full press release