| BMW WILL LAUNCH THE FIRST HYDROGEN-POWERED PRODUCTION MODEL IN 2028

With 45 years of experience in hydrogen and more than 20 in fuel-cell technology, the BMW Group is a pioneer in alternative drive technologies. As the energy transition continues, hydrogen has tremendous potential as a fuel of the future. Storable and transportable, it can be used in all kinds of ways. So, alongside electrical battery power, sustainably sourced hydrogen offers a further potential technology for sustainable individual mobility. That’s why the BMW Group is advocating not just for a better-developed charging grid but for an infrastructure of hydrogen filling stations as well.

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028 on the basis of the jointly developed next-generation powertrain technology. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, i.e. BMW will offer an existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant. As FCEV technology is another electric vehicle technology, the BMW Group explicitly views it as complementing the drive technology used by battery electric vehicles (BEV) and next to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and internal combustion engines (ICE).

BMW iX5 HYDROGEN – A PILOT PROJECT FOR H2-POWERED CARS.

For the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the BMW Group developed the world’s most powerful passenger-car fuel-cell system and a special, dedicated battery. Together, these two elements enable consistently high speeds and an electric output of 295 kW (401 hp) in total. Find out more about the development, production and workings of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen from our video.

TESTING WORLDWIDE.

Since 2023 the BMW iX5 Hydrogen has been out on the road in various parts of the world to demonstrate the technology and test it in different weathers and terrains. Hot-weather tests have exposed the vehicles to temperatures of up to 45°C as well as sand, dust, various inclines and fluctuating levels of humidity – and they performed impressively throughout.

Hydrogen technology has also proven suitable for everyday use in extreme sub-zero temperatures, the fuel-cell drive performing just as well as a conventional combustion engine. Full system output is available within moments of the car starting, and not even the coldest conditions are enough to compromise range.

The pilot fleet is still on the road in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the US, and the Middle East. Through the pilot fleet, the BMW Group gained essential insights for further development of the fuel cell technology, but already demonstrated the everyday usability of hydrogen-powered mobility.

| CHIPS JOINT UNDERTAKING AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA INITIATE GROUNDBREAKING SEMICONDUCTOR COLLABORATION

Chips Joint Undertaking has announced a strategic collaboration with the European Union and the Republic of Korea to advance semiconductor research, development, and innovation. This partnership aims to foster technological advancements, enhance supply chain resilience, and secure a leading position in the global semiconductor industry.

In a groundbreaking decision, the EU and the ROK have selected four jointly funded projects that focus on heterogeneous integration and neuromorphic computing technologies. These projects are designed to leverage the strengths of both regions, fostering collaboration between research institutions and innovation players.

The selected projects, which are co-funded by the Chips JU under Horizon Europe and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), include:

1. ENERGIZE – Developing brain-like circuits using two-dimensional materials to create energy-efficient AI systems.
2. NEHIL – Creating a laser-based radar system (LIDAR) that integrates various technologies for precise distance measurement.
3. HAETAE – Developing photonic brain-like chips that efficiently process AI tasks and can adapt to new functions.
4. ViTFOX – Enhancing visual data processing AI by using ferroelectric materials to save power and improve performance.

These initiatives reflect the EU and Korea’s commitment to advancing next-generation AI semiconductors and autonomous driving technologies. The total investment for these projects is approximately €6 million from the EU and a similar amount from the NRF over the next three years.

The Chips JU, along with the NRF and European Commission, will closely monitor the progress of these projects and seek additional opportunities for collaboration. This partnership not only aims to advance semiconductor technology but also to establish a robust network of cooperation among leading researchers and institutions from both regions.

About Chips Joint Undertaking:

Chips Joint Undertaking supports research, development, innovation, and capacity building in the European semiconductor ecosystem. Launched by the European Union Council Regulation No 2021/1085 and amended in September 2023 via Council Regulation 2023/1782, it contributes to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of the semiconductor technological and industrial base, engaging a significant EU, national/regional and private industry funding of nearly €11 billion. The Chips JU is funded by the European Union, Chips JU Participating States and the Private Members.

| EUROPEAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY PROGRAMME: AUDITORS CALL FOR A MORE ROBUST DESIGN

• The proposed European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) aims to increase the bloc’s defence readiness and buttress its armaments industry
• Auditors call for a sturdier policy design and a better balance between objectives, budget and timeline
• Accountability arrangements must be clarified and strengthened

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) calls for a more robust design of the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) and a better balance between the policy objectives, proposed budget and timeline. The auditors highlight the risk that the suggested €1.5 billion in spending along with the 2-year implementation period may not square with the ambitious objectives of strengthening the EU’s defence industry readiness and contributing to the industrial base for the defence of Ukraine.

Faced with the return of high-intensity warfare on the European continent, the EU has moved defence much higher up the agenda. The EDIP proposal is intended to be the first step in implementing the European defence industrial strategy. The aim is to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), in particular to ensure the timely availability and supply of defence products, while at the same time contributing to the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s defence capacity.

The auditors highlight the risk that the proposed financial envelope of €1.5 billion may not be commensurate with the programme ambitions. They point out that the Commission did not assess how much EU budgetary support would be necessary to implement the proposed policy instruments. They also warn that the EU’s resources could be spread across a wide array of projects that may not have a measurable impact at EU level. For this reason, it will be important to define milestones and targets to reflect the achievements that can realistically be expected by the end of 2027. What is more, complementary implementing provisions may be needed to provide a robust basis for the EDIP’s implementation and the targeted allocation of funds. Lastly, to reap the full benefits of the EU’s budgetary support the Commission should consider complementing the current defence industrial strategy by means of a long-term funding strategy for the EDTIB under the EU’s next multi-year budget.

The auditors call for the programme’s accountability arrangements to be clarified and reinforced, including in regard to the ECA’s audit rights, which must be upheld. This is important because of the complexity of governance arrangements around defence, in particular where programmes are not managed directly by the Commission or in parts where execution is entrusted to the Ukrainian authorities.

There is no fixed financial envelope for the Ukraine Support Instrument, which is part of the proposal. The member states have agreed to use the profits generated by investing frozen Russian assets for the purpose of supporting Ukraine; a percentage of the resulting revenue could be channelled to the Ukraine Support Instrument. However, there is a risk given the unpredictability of the amount and timespan of funding from this source.

The proposal also confers new responsibilities and rights on the Commission to ensure the security of supply of defence products. The auditors stress that the effective functioning of this mechanism will ultimately depend on the member states’ willingness to cooperate.

| REMIT BREACH: SPANISH ENERGY REGULATOR FINES NEURO ENERGÍA Y GESTIÓN €1+ MILLION FOR ELECTRICITY MARKET MANIPULATION

The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has imposed a €1,081,502 fine on Neuro Energía y Gestión for manipulating the Spanish electricity market between 23 August 2022 and 15 March 2023.

This penalty comes under the REMIT Regulation (EU) No 1227/2011, which prohibits market manipulation and seeks to protect the integrity and transparency of the EU’s wholesale energy markets.

In its decision, CNMC found that Neuro Energía y Gestión had breached Article 5 of REMIT, specifically Article 2.2.a.i by:

• Issuing and withdrawing non-genuine orders to be in an advantageous position to execute cross-border sales with France.
• Manipulating the market by providing false or misleading signals as to the supply, demand, and price of wholesale energy products.

The investigation revealed that Neuro Energía y Gestión, in 125 trading sessions, issued and withdrew non-genuine orders using the digital certificates of 34 other market agents. The goal was to control the offer processing queue on the continuous intraday electricity cross-border sales contracts with France.

ACER welcomes this decision by CNMC, which seeks to promote the transparency and integrity of the Spanish electricity market.

The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) was established in March 2011 (Third Energy Package legislation) to foster cooperation among the EU’s energy National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and help ensure that a single Eu​​ropean market for electricity, and similarly natural gas​, functions well. ACER’s headquarters are in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) is the body that promotes and ensures the proper operation of all markets in the interest of consumers and corporations.

It is a public body with its own legal personality. It is independent from the Government and subject to parliamentary oversight. It went into operation on 7 October 2013.

| EUROPOL SUPPORTS LATVIA IN DISMANTLING MAJOR SYNTHETIC DRUG LAB NETWORK

The Latvian State Police (Valsts policija) in collaboration with Europol, has successfully dismantled a large-scale clandestine laboratory involved in the production of synthetic drugs across the European Union.

The illegal laboratory was a key site for synthetic drug production in Europe, highlighted by its repeat appearance in multiple investigations across Europe.

Europol worked closely with Latvian partners to identify and track the criminal network responsible for the production and distribution of synthetic substances, including synthetic cathinones and other high-risk drugs.

The operation, which culminated in coordinated raids across Latvia in the beginning of October, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals suspected of involvement in the production. Among the arrested were key figures within the organisation.

Seizures during the action

• Over one tonne of finished synthetic drugs;
• Over 38 000 litres of various chemical liquids, including precursors and base substances for the production of synthetic drugs;
• Laboratory equipment and various items related to drug production;
• 5 vehicles – 3 passenger cars and 2 lorries;
• Several mobile phones, SIM cards, routers, a laptop, and other items relevant to the investigation.

To support the Latvian authorities, Europol deployed its tactical laboratory dismantling team to Aluksne, close to the Russian border, to assist in taking the laboratory down. There, Europol provided full operational support to quickly and accurately identify the drugs and chemicals on site. This rapid identification was essential in securing crucial evidence.

Dismantling such clandestine drug laboratories is a priority for Europol in its fight against the production and distribution of illicit drugs across Europe. These clandestine facilities pose a significant threat to public safety, not only due to the harmful substances they produce, but also because of the environmental and health risks associated with their illegal operations.

By targeting these laboratories, Europol and its partners aim to disrupt organised crime groups’ supply chains. This effort is a critical component of Europol’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking

| GENERAL COURT UPHOLDS SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA

On October 2, 2024, the General Court (a constituent court of the Court of Justice of the European Union, seated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg), delivered three rulings (Cases T-797/22, T-798/22, and T-828/22), affirming the 2022 prohibition on legal services to the Russian Government and entities as necessary and proportionate. The Court ruled that these measures do not breach the right to a fair trial under Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

In response to Russia’s escalated aggression against Ukraine in 2022, the Council of the European Union implemented restrictive measures, including a prohibition on providing legal advisory services to the Russian government and entities based in Russia.

This prohibition aimed to increase pressure on Russia to end its war. Several Belgian Bar associations, lawyers, the Ordre des avocats à la Cour de Paris, one of its members, and the Association Avocats Ensemble (ACE) challenged this prohibition in the General Court of the European Union, arguing that it lacked proper justification and infringed upon fundamental rights such as access to legal advice, professional secrecy, lawyers’ independence, rule of law values, and principles of proportionality and legal certainty.

The General Court dismissed these actions, affirming that the prohibition does not violate the fundamental right to effective judicial protection, which includes the right to legal advice and representation. The court clarified that the prohibition applies only to legal advice unrelated to judicial, administrative, or arbitral proceedings and does not cover advice given to natural persons. Therefore, it does not interfere with legal advice linked to judicial processes or the independence of lawyers in such contexts.

Regarding exemptions from the prohibition, the General Court ruled that these do not

inherently interfere with the protection of lawyers’ professional secrecy. However, it emphasised that Member States must ensure that the implementation of exemption procedures respects the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The court acknowledged the crucial role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law but noted that this role can be subject to restrictions justified by the EU’s general interest objectives, provided these restrictions are not disproportionate or intolerable and do not undermine the essence of lawyers’ tasks in a democratic society. The court found that the prohibition, with its exceptions and exemptions, pursues general interest objectives without compromising the fundamental role of lawyers.

In summary, the General Court upheld the validity of the prohibition on providing legal advisory services to the Russian government and entities, stating that it does not infringe upon the fundamental right to legal advice related to judicial proceedings and is proportionate to its aims.

These rulings underscore the importance of adhering to fundamental freedoms and principles, even in challenging circumstances.

| COMMISSION ADOPTS €1.8 BILLION SUPPORT PACKAGE TO UNDERPIN MOLDOVA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN ON ITS PATH TO THE EU

The European Commission has adopted a Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova worth €1.8 billion and underpinned by a Reform and Growth Facility for the period 2025-2027. The Plan, which is the largest EU financial support package since Moldova’s independence, will boost Moldova’s economy, bring the country closer to EU membership by accelerating reforms, and provide significant financial assistance.

The Moldova Growth Plan is based on three pillars, aimed at:

1. Increasing financial assistance over the next three years through a dedicated Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova, based on the upcoming Reform Agenda and of discussed priority investments needs with Moldova, the Facility could support, for example:

• New roads, bridges and rail infrastructure, such as the Chisinau ring road, advancing the connection Odesa-Chisinau-Iasi and bridges over the Prut river.
• Energy Security by completing a new electricity powerline & starting to build two more, linking Moldova to the EU electricity grid.
• Energy subsidies
• Healthcare by starting to build two new well-equipped hospitals in Cahul and Balti.
• The integration of Moldova in the EU’s ‘roam like at home’ area and bringing broadband internet to remote areas of Moldova.
• Improved access to financing and support for 25 000 businesses, including small family businesses.

2. Enhancing access to the European Union’s single market. The Moldova Growth Plan proposes immediate steps that Moldova can take to reap the benefits of the single market in five key areas, once the required standards are met:

1. free movement of goods and integration in supply chains;
2. facilitation of trade and transport connections;
3. integration into the EU energy market and decarbonisation;
4. integration into the Digital Market;
5. access to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

3. Supporting Moldova’s socio-economic and fundamental reforms. Moldova is undertaking reforms for socio-economic development, building on key economic growth drivers: economic competitiveness; economic resilience, including infrastructure and energy; economic governance; social capital; and the green transition. The reforms will attract foreign investment, improve the business environment, support small and medium sized enterprises, improve skills and qualifications, strengthen trade and exports thus boosting economic growth and increasing the economic convergence with the EU. Payments will follow upon the delivery of the pre-agreed reforms.

Economic convergence is an essential element in preparing candidate countries for EU accession and for joining the Single Market. Integration with the EU’s single market has been the main driver of economic growth for all countries that previously joined the EU.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Europe stands firmly by Moldova’s side – today and every step of the way on the path to our Union. We can start bringing the Moldovan economy closer to ours already now. Today I’m in Chișinău to present a support package with the potential of doubling the size of the country’s economy in a decade. To do so we invest in jobs, growth, services and infrastructure – from new hospitals in Balti and Cahul to the road from the capital to Odesa. We open the doors to our Single Market to Moldovan companies. And we support Moldova’s reform efforts.”

Next steps

It is now for the European Parliament and the Council to examine the European Commission proposal for the Growth Facility for Moldova. Once adopted, Moldova will be invited to submit its Reform Agenda outlining the key socio-economic and fundamental reforms it intends to undertake to accelerate growth and convergence with the EU.

| REVAMPING AIRPORT GATE STRATEGIES

Gate allocation for incoming and outgoing aircraft at airports is a surprisingly intricate task.

Dr. Joseph Doetsch, a quantum computing expert at Lufthansa Industry Solutions, points out that, for example, with 15 gates and 10 aircraft, there are over 570 billion possible combinations. Smart gate assignments can minimise taxi times and reduce congestion, which means less waiting on the tarmac and lower fuel consumption, leading to fewer emissions.

Gates are usually assigned when flight schedules are published—sometimes up to a year in advance—but adjustments are made a month, a week, and even on the day of the flight.  These assignments can, of course, be influenced by a number of factors, such as:

• Airlines needing proximity to their lounges
• Flights with many connecting passengers
• Budget carriers opting for cheaper remote stands
• The aircraft’s origin and type
• Expected runway and gate availability

Last-minute changes, like flight delays, can complicate matters further, often necessitating rapid gate reassignment that frustrates passengers.

Surprisingly, many airports still rely on basic technology for gate allocation.

According to a survey by AeroCloud, a venture capital-backed technology business serving airports, airlines and ground handlers across the UK, Europe and the United States, 40% of airport executives use Excel or Word to manage operations, including gate assignments.

Designed to streamline and optimise airport operations, AeroCloud’s comprehensive solutions help airports operate efficiently and cost-effectively. Their cloud-native intelligent Airport Operations System (AOS) uses predictive AI and machine learning to make the jobs of airport operations, IT and commercial teams easier.

In addition to a range of Passenger Processing Solutions, AeroCloud Optic, their industry-first passenger track and count solution, is revolutionising airport operations across the globe.

However, investments in more advanced systems are generally on the rise. For example, American Airlines has implemented a machine-learning system called Smart Gating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.                                                                                                         This system can assign gates in just 10 minutes—compared to four hours previously—reducing taxi times by 20% and saving about 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel each year.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa is exploring quantum computing to tackle gate allocation challenges. Unlike traditional computers, quantum algorithms can quickly find optimal gate assignments, even in large airports. Initial trials suggest that these solutions could cut average passenger transit times by nearly 50%.

With rising airport capacity pressures, these advanced techniques could help optimise existing resources, minimising the need for physical expansions and improving overall efficiency in air travel.

| UK TRADE MISSION VISITS KYIV TO DEEPEN INDUSTRY TIES

Trade mission agrees key requirements for Ukraine’s future equipment and capability needs.

A UK trade mission, formed of representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Department for Business and Trade, and the defence trade association ADS, visited Ukraine to hold meetings with Ukrainian Government and industry representatives.

It is the latest step in the growing relationship between the UK’s defence industrial sector and Ukraine’s, following the signing of a major agreement in July which will enable Ukraine to harness the power of UK industry by drawing on £3.5 billion worth of export finance to purchase further military capabilities.

The cross-government group, led by the Minister for the Armed Forces, travelled to Kyiv, where the trade mission visited the Ukraine Defence Industrial Forum to take part in a series of meetings and forum discussions.

Whilst there the minister discussed the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine as long as it takes, the ever-growing relationship between the UK and Ukraine’s defence industry and the government’s pledge to continue to boost investment into our own industry which will in turn support Ukraine’s fight.

Agreements were made with Ukrainian officials on their requirements for complex weapons and land systems support during the event, which provides a signal to UK industry as to the types of equipment they most need and for which the MOD will now contract with UK industry on Ukraine’s behalf.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

The UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad. We continue to lead the way in providing military aid, but our support is much broader than simply providing equipment. Our flourishing defence industrial relationship symbolises the work happening across Government and the private sector to ramp up and speed up our support.

By deepening our ties with Ukraine’s defence industry, we are expanding own industrial capacity, while boosting Ukraine’s own capabilities. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and we will provide support for as long as it takes.

The MOD already placed contracts with Thales for air defence missiles and Sheffield Forgemasters for artillery gun barrels forgings, in order to warm up industry in preparation for further orders.  Future orders are in the pipeline and will be funded by Ukraine, drawing on their own reserves and the £3.5 billion of United Kingdom export finance made available by the UK to support Ukraine’s war effort.

Task Force HIRST is the UK cross-government team incorporating MOD, DBT and UK Export Finance to stimulate UK industrial production and international collaboration in support of Ukraine, including collaboration with Ukrainian companies.

Last week, the Defence Secretary confirmed the Government is delivering on its commitment to speed up and ramp up deliveries of support for Ukraine, surpassing its pledge to deliver 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office.

A total of 16 units are now on course to be delivered, with 10 already provided, and six more to follow in the coming weeks.

| VENTURI SPACE AND VENTURI ASTROLAB INTRODUCE LUNAR ROVER TO ADDRESS GROWING DEMAND TO DELIVER SMALL PAYLOADS TO THE MOON

Venturi Space, which invents, studies, designs and manufactures mobility solutions capable of handling the extreme environmental conditions found on the Moon and Mars, and Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab), the designer, manufacturer, and operator of multi-purpose rovers for the Moon and Mars, announced their collaboration to produce a lunar rover, designed to respond to the growing number of institutional, businesses and scientific organizations in the U.S. and European markets, that are seeking access to the Moon for smaller payloads. A development prototype of the rover was unveiled today in Venturi Space’s exhibition booth at the 75th International Astronautical Congress here.

Known currently by its internal name FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform), the rover uses the same technology used by Astrolab’s FLEX rover, which was introduced in 2022. Just as with FLEX, Astrolab is responsible for the overall design and manufacturing of the rover. Specifically, the company has developed the vehicle’s actuators, chassis, launch mount and release, avionics, solar panel, communications system, flight and ground software. As is also the case with FLEX, this rover relies on three key technologies when it comes to facing the extreme conditions of the lunar South Pole: proprietary materials for cryogenic conditions, hyper-deformable wheels and batteries as well as the related testing systems and fabrication processes. Those have been designed and developed by Venturi Space within its facilities in Monaco, Switzerland, France, and the United States. Astrolab is leading and conducting the vehicle’s integrated testing and operations, from its headquarters in California.

This rover is a key step in Astrolab’s rapid spiral development approach for FLEX: design-build-test-fly cycles that demonstrate increased capabilities and incorporate lessons learned during development and qualification testing.

The rover has a mass of a half ton, a payload capacity of 30 kg, and has been designed to be compatible with the growing number of medium-class lunar landers now entering the commercial space market. In addition, the rover offers customers opportunities to perform technology demonstrations and commercial exploration as well as gather valuable science data. It also features critical components, subsystems, and processes common to the core platform used by the FLEX rover.

“For 25 years, we have been pioneers in the field of high-performance electric terrestrial vehicles. This expertise now allows us to offer viable and efficient solutions, in the long term, to face ‘the hell’ of the lunar South Pole. Our batteries and hyper-deformable wheels can withstand temperature variations of more than 300°C, aggressive solar radiation, and 180 hours of nights under -180°C. To say that I am proud of my Team is an understatement!” said Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space & Venturi.

“This rover offers customers many of the same payload space configurations as the larger FLEX rover we are using on our upcoming commercial mission, Mission One. This continues a goal we set for ourselves when we introduced the FLEX in 2022,” said Jaret Matthews, founder and CEO, Astrolab. “We want to set the standard for lunar logistics. Just as there are standard sizes of shipping containers used in intermodal shipping on Earth, we seek to do the same on the Moon.”

| US$ 1 BILLION IN NEW AND REAFFIRMED FUNDING COMMITMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR WHO’S ONGOING INVESTMENT ROUND

In a powerful demonstration of high-level support, the World Health Organization (WHO) received nearly US$ 700 million in new funding commitments from European countries, foundations and others, and another US$ 300 million in reaffirmed commitments.

Announced at the WHO Investment Round Signature Event at the World Health Summit in Berlin hosted by Germany, France, and Norway, the commitments highlighted the urgent need for investments in the Organization’s mission to improve health outcomes worldwide.

The world’s global health strategy, WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work 2025-2028, was approved by WHO’s 194 Member States at the World Health Assembly in May. The Organization’s first ever Investment Round, also launched at the Assembly, aims to ensure that WHO has the predictable, flexible, and resilient funding it needs to effectively partner with countries to implement the strategy.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; the Prime Ministers of Estonia (Kristen Michal), Montenegro (Milojko Spajić), and Norway (Jonas Gahr Støre); government Ministers and representatives of Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK); Wellcome CEO John-Arne Røttingen; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates; and Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar were among leaders making commitments or speaking in support of WHO during the high-level event.

Federal Chancellor Scholz said Germany was committing nearly US$ 400 million of funding to WHO over the next four years, including more than US$ 260 million in new voluntary funding

Global health foundation partners and CEOs made pledges including Wellcome, with a US$ 50 million commitment, and the Institute for Philanthropy, Resolve to Save Lives, and the World Diabetes Foundation each committing or recommitting US$ 10 million.

The WHO Foundation’s CEO Anil Soni announced a US$ 50 million commitment to the Investment Round, which includes part of a US$ 57 million pledge from Foundation S and Sanofi to support WHO’s global health agenda, and at least US$ 30 million in contributions from other philanthropic and private sector partners, including new commitments from Boehringer Ingelheim and Novo Nordisk.

Governments and partners have already been making significant pledges to the Investment Round, including 16 African governments so far, and in Berlin the Minister of Health for Mauritania, speaking on behalf of the African Union, reconfirmed support for a successful outcome to the Investment Round. Announcing plans to pledge or continue funding WHO were France, Spain, the UK, and the Gates Foundation.

The event marked a milestone in the Investment Round engagement process which will culminate at next month’s G20 leaders’ Summit, chaired by Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The Summit will be a moment for leaders to pledge additional resources for WHO, further advancing global health equity.

The event in Berlin, moderated by Isabelle Kumar, former news anchor, ended with a musical finale by Quire, symbolizing the unity and determination of all participants to work towards a fully funded WHO, capable of addressing the world’s most pressing health challenges.