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The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom awards its Freedom Prize 2026 to the courageous people of Iran who are fighting for freedom, civil rights and democracy.

Berlin, 10 September 2026 – The Sovereignty Alliance for European Network Technology (SAFENet) welcomes five new members: Genexis, IPmotion, MB connect line, Teldat and Waystream. The alliance is growing rapidly, expanding from four to nine European network technology companies just a few weeks after its founding. With this growth, the alliance significantly broadens its European base. Their shared goal: to strengthen Europe's technological capacity to act – and to ensure that European network technology is given the weight it deserves in Brussels and in national capitals.

Los Angeles/DNA - Although Europe’s place among the world’s democracies remains at the top of the heap, the latest research from governance experts warns that the continent is slipping from its lofty perch as the runaway global leader. According to the report - based on the European Berggruen Governance Index (EBGI), which analyses states’ governance performance according to the quality of democracy, government, and lives of citizens - European states’ years-long dominance is stagnating. Over time, this could undermine democratic accountability and raise questions about the region’s long-term stability. The findings of the report, titled “Sustaining and Expanding Europe’s High Governance Performance”, show that complacency, what researchers refer to as the “silent killer of governance”, is a cause for concern that must be addressed by a renewed focus on bolstering democracy and engaging citizens. The report was produced by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA),

FEV Consulting has once again been recognized among the world's leading management consulting firms. The company has been included in the World's Best Management Consulting Firms 2026 ranking by Forbes and Statista. The recognition highlights FEV Consulting's international consulting expertise and underscores its successful expansion as a global partner for technology-driven transformation.

The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) is bringing together a fully integrated pathway at the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich from laboratory preparation through parabolic flight test and qualification to low Earth orbit. With international partners across Europe and the United States, the hub now provides a practical route to orbital research and development aboard the International Space Station (ISS) - including three initial free competitive experiment slots provided jointly by the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) and Starlab Space - and, in the future, to commercial space stations such as Starlab.

Berlin, Germany - Today at IFA, Antigravity, an aerial technology brand incubated by Insta360, announced its latest innovation, the Antigravity Cellular Module, which is designed to give creators greater freedom and reliability in flight. The Cellulare Module enhances A1's transmission reliability by adding a 4G connection. Working alongside the A1’s OmniLink 360 system, the module provides an additional connection when the primary transmission link encounters interference or obstruction. In complex urban environments, it helps maintain a stable video connection while supporting smoother transmission over longer distances. The module can be mounted directly onto the drone and Vision Goggles and features an integrated eSIM for convenient connectivity while traveling. The Antigravity Cellular Module will be available by the end of September 2026. At IFA 2026, Antigravity will give attendees the chance to experience the award-winning Antigravity A1 for themselves. Visitors can head to the

Berlin, 3 September 2026 A change in leadership is planned at PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG at the end of 2026: Managing Director Ingo Kästner will be leaving the company at his own request and retiring after many successful years. Natascha Thomas will take over as his successor, supported by Désirée von Domarus as Commercial Director. Ingo Kästner has played a key role in shaping PMG over many years. Under his leadership, new business areas were developed, digital services were expanded, and the company’s position as a leading provider of media monitoring, press reviews and media analysis in the German-speaking world was significantly strengthened. “The past few years at PMG have been characterised by dedicated colleagues, trusting partnerships and many successful developments,” says Ingo Kästner. “I am delighted to hand over responsibility to Natascha Thomas. She has known the company, the market, and our customers for many years and has the experience needed to successfully lead

HAMBURG -The opening of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg will mark its tenth anniversary on 11 January 2027. At the start of the anniversary season, the spectacular concert hall presented key figures from its success story: annual attendance at classical concerts in Hamburg has tripled since the Elbphilharmonie opened. 7.4 million people have attended around 6,400 concerts and events at the Elbphilharmonie, while 29.5 million have visited the Plaza, the public viewing platform 37 metres above ground. Ten years after opening the Elbphilharmonie has become a landmark of Hamburg and an internationally established concert venue. Its impact extends far beyond the concert hall itself: its architecture, public Plaza and a programme combining musical excellence with a spirit of discovery have transformed the perception of Hamburg as a city of music. What was once a controversial construction project has become a concert hall that inspires the people of Hamburg as much as artists, orchestras and cur

Former SoftwareOne COO and executive board member assumes CEO role on 1 September 2026 Harald Holberg joins Eye-Able as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tripled in under two years: over 5,000 customers in more than ten countries form the basis for the next phase of international growth Founding team continues to focus on product innovation and growth projects

The companies of Schwarz Group aim to invest up to 5.6 billion euros by 2033 in the construction of a data center, strengthening critical infrastructure in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Digital Sovereignty: The investment is intended to promote the development and operation of cloud and AI solutions under German law, thereby fostering value creation in Germany and Europe. Sustainability: Plans include the exclusive use of renewable energy during regular operations, the development of a district heating network, and state-of-the-art air cooling to ensure the ecological efficiency of the data center. Blueprint for Germany: The first flagship projects of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state government and Schwarz Digits include a digital building permit system and the introduction of OpenDesk in the education sector.

The Bertelsmann Stiftung's new Policy Brief uses 50 case studies from 22 countries to illustrate how AI can support citizen participation and to identify the risks that must be considered. The study was conducted in collaboration with the OECD.

Kao continues its strategic expansion of its cosmetics business by launching Curél, Japan’s No. 1*1 skincare brand for sensitive skin, in four Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Curél will launch exclusively at KICKS and Matas in the Nordics. This launch marks a step in Curél’s global growth strategy, with Europe positioned as a priority region.

Taking over manroland sheetfed lifecycle business and POLAR production operations strengthens core business ONBERG pursuing partnership with Skyeton in European defense sector Move into production of sodium-ion battery storage systems taps into new potential First-quarter incoming orders lay solid foundation for further business development Sales and EBITDA margin at start of year in line with expectations Forecast for financial year 2026/2027 confirmed

Düsseldorf, 18. August 2026 – Polarise Holding GmbH (“Polarise”), a European provider of sovereign AI cloud solutions, has secured a debt financing partnership with SWI Stoneweg Icona Group (“SWI Group”) to accelerate the expansion of its European AI cloud platform. The financing of up to a high double-digit million-euro amount strengthens Polarise’s funding base for the continued execution of its growth strategy. As part of the new financing structure, Polarise and SWI Group have agreed to transition the previously announced majority equity investment agreement into a debt financing arrangement. Michel Boutouil, CEO of Polarise, said: “Our growth strategy is aimed at building Europe’s AI infrastructure of the future – with sustainable, highly efficient AI Factories and sovereign AI compute for businesses. We are executing this strategy with significant momentum and strong partners. Polarise develops and operates AI data centres – so-called AI Factories – in Germany and across Europe.

Commemorative event to mark the European Holocaust Remembrance Day for Sinti and Roma on 2 August 2026 in Auschwitz-Birkenau

Cologne – CHRIST Juweliere und Uhrmacher, one of Europe's most renowned jewelry retailers, is partnering with fulfillmenttools to transform the way it manages and orchestrates orders across its retail network. CHRIST is implementing the Agentic Order Management System (OMS) – as part of a broader transformation in which the retailer is building a modular, future-proof commerce architecture powered by commercetools Sphere, the autonomous commerce platform. The new system landscape spans stores and digital channels across Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

Uslar – The Bikeleasing Group announces strategic investment in Workride, New Zealand’s market leader for company bike leasing as an employee benefit. Around 2,000 New Zealand employers already use Workride’s offering. The investment extends the Bikeleasing Group’s international presence and marks its next cross-continental step in its growth trajectory.

Heidelberg/Germany, July 27, 2026—It is with deep sadness that the family and the Institute for Plastination announce the passing of Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of Plastination and creator of the BODY WORLDS exhibitions. He died on July 24, 2026, at the age of 81.

Mainz - A new form for media leaders Leading Today – Shaping Tomorrow As media organizations navigate fundamental shifts in streaming, distribution, artificial intelligence and platform ecosystems, ZDF and SRF are bringing together senior industry leaders for Streamium Days 2026 (September 7–8, 2026), a new international forum dedicated to the future of audience engagement and media distribution.

TOSYALI continues to accelerate its energy transition by securing long term international financing for supporting its decarbonization agenda and sustainability investments. The company has signed Export Finance Buyer Credit Agreements worth 187 million euros with BBVA, under Spanish Export Credit Agency Cesce’s cover, for Osmaniye and Niğde Projects in its first phase of solar power plant (SPP) investments with total capacity of 1.2 GW.