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The Climate-Space-Security Nexus

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Dr. Christine Nam (GERICS) discusses how climate risks can impact Europe’s burgeoning space sector, which in turn has cascading risks that can impact Europe’s peace and security

When was the last time you thought about a rocket launch? Yesterday? Never? And what does a rocket launch have to do with your peace and security? And where does climate come into this picture?

At first glance, the words climate, space, and security appear disconnected. Yet, as we will show, they are intrinsically intertwined in modern society’s peace and security.

Climate-security and critical infrastructure

A peaceful and safe society is more than the absence of war [1]. It also has a positive state of well-being that supports economic, environmental, political, and judicial stability that allows individuals and societies to flourish [2]. Climate change has the ability to disrupt the peace and security by amplifying inequalities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, increasing competition for resources, triggering social unrest, insecurity, and mass displacement [3].

Climate security, as described by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)[3], refers to the impacts of the climate crisis on peace and security. The impacts of climate change are cross-sectoral, touching upon human health, availability of natural resources, livelihoods and the economy, societal stability, and even foreign policy. Addressing cross-sectoral problems requires a whole-of-government approach to ensure the safe and reliable access to food, water, and other vital services.

In Europe, the European Commission ‘Directive on the Resilience of Critical Entities’ [4], commonly know as the CER directive, aims to ensure reliable access vital services by protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the operators of critical entities are resilient to natural or man-made disruptions.

The European Commission has identified eleven sectors operating infrastructure which is essential to modern societies, including: water, energy, food, health services, banking and financing services, digital infrastructure, public administration, transportation, and Space.

Climate-risks and space infrastructure

The Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), an institute within the Helmholtz hereon GmbH, has been supporting various critical sectors and governing bodies for over 15 years as they integrate climate change information into practice [5].

Most recently, GERICS scientists, as part of the Horizon Europe SUNRISE consortium [6], engaged in transdisciplianry dialogues with critical infrastructure operators across Europe as they aim to develop implement strategies to ensure resilence during pandemics and times of crisis.

These conversations lead to the realization that all critical infrastructure today, are reliant on space technologies including telecommunication, navigation, and Earth observations. There is an underlying assumption that these services will work without interuption.

The research which followed, identified the space sector as underestimating climate risk, in particular related to Europe’s launch facilities in Kourou, French Guiana [7].

Climate – Space – Security Nexus

The Guiana Space Center is Europe’s main launch site, allowing European nations automous access to space. The Guiana Space Center provides Europe access to different orbits for the deployment of satellites and their replenishment in case of damage or destruction. Without this ability, the space sovereignty of individual European nations is compromized.

This could have cascading effects on downstream users of data, including the Copernicus Security services and European Union Satellite Centre, which provide geo-spatial intelligence to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and European Union External and Security Actions (SESA) [8].

Given the importance of the Guiana Space Center, it is essential that it periodically undergoes a comprehensive climate risk assessment. Systemic climate risk assessments address changes in frequency, duration, and intensity of hazards using climate projections. They account for an overall changing environment, for example, degrading soil, prolonged exposure to heat stress, sea-level rise, salt-water intrusion, and coastal erosion that traditional hazard-by-hazard risk assessments do not capture. In addition, systemic risk assessments account for compounding and cascading risks.

A need for operationalized Climate Services

To support the European space sector in the face of climate change, GERICS scientists advocate for operationalized climate services. This would include both the regular production of high-resolution climate change projections, similar to weather forecasts, as well as the co-development of sector-specific climate impact indices. Climate services can support managers in prioritizing concerns, managing resources, and ultimately building up resilience in the space sector.

 

References

[1] https://www.fes.de/en/shaping-a-just-world/peace-and-security#c147918
[2]https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/peace-and-governance/peace-and-security_en#:~:text=The%20UN%20Security%20Council%20Resolution,is%20instrumental%20for%20global%20security.
[3] https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-climate-security-and-why-it-important
[4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2557/oj
[5] https://www.climate-service-center.de/products_and_publications/publications/index.php.en
[6] https://sunrise-europe.eu/about/
[7] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2025.101689
[8] https://www.copernicus.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Copernicus_Programme_Services.pdf

A better way to design performance shares

stock options and performance shares
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A major change in U.S. executive pay over the past 20 years has been the replacement of stock options with performance shares

A 2023 study found that 87% of S&P 500 companies use performance shares (vs only 18% using stock options). 72% of performance share companies used stock price or TSR as their vesting measure, and 70% of those companies used relative TSR as their vesting measure.[1]

The goal of performance shares is to avoid paying managers for stock price increases due to market and industry factors beyond their control. But we’ll see that relative TSR vesting leads to substantial pay for market and industry performance. It increases pay for industry performance instead of eliminating pay for industry performance.

We’ll show that there is a better vesting measure that eliminates pay for industry performance.

Pay and performance history of Aetna

The pay and performance history of Aetna CEO Mark Bartolini highlights the rationale for the shift from options to performance shares, but also highlights the weakness of relative TSR vesting.

Bartolini became the President of Aetna in 2007 and the CEO in 2010. When CVS announced its acquisition of Aetna in December 2017, the takeover price gave Aetna a 332% return, adjusted for inflation, under Bartolini’s leadership.[2] But over the same period, Aetna’s peers also did quite well.

Companies in Managed Health Care rose 272% over the same period, leaving Aetna with a relative TSR of only 24% (when we adjust for Aetna’s industry beta). Put another way, only 29% of Aetna’s 2017 stock value was attributable to its initial value plus Aetna’s excess return; the rest was due to industry performance.[3]

Bartolini’s total pay for 2007-2017 was $636 million. By contrast, market pay for the same period was only $115 million.[4] This means that Bartolini’s total pay was 453% above market when shareholder value was only 24% better than Aetna’s peers.

Approximately 48% of Bertolino’s total compensation, $304 million, was derived from stock and option grants without performance conditions. These are the gains that have led institutional investors to push for performance conditions. But another 48%, $305 million, came from stock and option grants with performance conditions.

For example, he received a grant in August 2013 of 600,000 options subject to a three-year relative TSR performance condition. 500,000 options vested in August 2016 because Aetna’s three-year TSR was better than 5 of 7 peer companies. The expected value of the performance options was $11.1 million at grant and roughly $18.1 million by the time CVS acquired Aetna[5].

The realised value of the vested option shares at the acquisition price was $71.4 million. Thus, the realised value of the performance options was 294% more than their expected value, even though Aetna’s relative TSR was only 24% over the whole 11-year period and only 19% over the three-year vesting period.

Bertolini’s performance options are so valuable because he fully participates in the industry return on the vested shares. Relative TSR operates as a gate, not a filter.  We can express the stock price at vesting as stock price at grant x (1 + iTSR) x (1 + rTSR) where iTSR is the industry TSR and rTSR is the relative TSR. This means that the vested stock value with relative TSR vesting is stock price at grant x (1 + iTSR) x (1 + rTSR) x (1 + rTSR).

We can see from this expression that relative TSR vesting does not eliminate the industry component of the stock return; it multiplies the industry return by (1 + rTSR)2.  The industry return will be eliminated if the vesting multiple is 1/(1 + iTSR). Multiplying this by one in the form of (1 + rTSR)/(1 + rTSR), we can see that the better vesting multiple can also be expressed as (1 + rTSR)/[(1 + iTSR) x (1 + rTSR)]. In other words, the vesting multiple should be the percentage of the stock value that’s attributable to the grant value plus the excess return.

 

References

[1] ClearBridge 200 Long-Term Incentive Plan Report, October 2023, available at www.clearbridgecomp.com.

[2] Stephen O’Byrne, “Aetna’s $640 Million CEO Is Overpaid by $440 Million”, Seeking Alpha, December 20, 2017, available at https://seekingalpha.com/article/4133015-aetnas-640-million-ceo-is-overpaid-by-440-million.

[3] (1 + 24%)/(1 + 332%) = 29%.

[4] His cumulative market pay was $93 million.  Market pay is a present value number, while Bartolini’s 2017 pay value is a future value number.  When we adjust for normal expected accretion, the expected future value of $93 million is $115 million.

[5] This assumes that the expected return on the option was 12%.

Why the Government urgently must focus on the next AI wave  

An abstract image of a large amount of multi-coloured squares in mid air moving at speed, with motion blur, to form a head looking towards the left side of the image. Could be used to illustrate many concepts including: AI, neuroscience, technology, creativity.
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Aaron Jones, Founder and CEO of Yepic AI, warns that the UK Government’s outdated focus on legacy issues in artificial intelligence regulation is risky

The second wave of generative AI is upon us, and unless the focus is adjusted and we begin having the right conversations with the right people, then we have no chance of creating an innovative, open AI economy where content creators are fairly compensated by the tech giants who profit from their work.

It seems the Government is currently stuck in the past when it comes to its focus – bringing sector representatives together to discuss past training data and legacy grievances, rather than keeping a keen eye on the developments happening right now. These conversations may feel like industry consultations, but they are unlikely to result in legislation that stands the test of time as AI continues to evolve and grow.

To ensure that the new legislation being proposed has favourable outcomes, not just for ‘Big Tech’ but for everyone, we urgently need to look ahead; otherwise, we will be unprepared for the impacts of this second wave.

The future of artificial intelligence

What we have seen so far could be characterised as an ‘AI experiment’: organisations beginning to implement new technologies and investigate the impact upon their business operations. We are now moving into the next stage, where AI becomes a core business enabler that can automatically complete complex tasks and add measurable value to operations.

This second wave will see the rise of Agentic AI. No longer are systems merely reactive; instead, they are proactive agents capable of autonomous decision-making and problem-solving. Using Large Language Models (LLMs), they will reason, retrieve knowledge, and work towards specific goals by interacting with the world around them, gathering feedback which they can then act upon to improve their performance.

These Agentic systems act independently, purchase for us, summarise the world for us – and they are going to obliterate the current value chains we are trying to regulate.

Full-scale disruption is predicted across publishing, advertising, e-commerce and many other sectors by those who are already anticipating the impacts of wave two. And we are nowhere near ready for it.

In the future, people won’t enter queries into search engines or browse product pages: they will ask their personal assistant, and it will know the answer. Publishing as we know it won’t exist. Journalism, commerce, and content discovery will be entirely restructured by these generative AI agents. And focusing new legislation on training data alone won’t prepare us for any of that.

AI legislation: Moving on from the past

As the Government seeks to shape AI legislation, specifically around copyright issues, it needs to be talking to the right people – those who are shaping the future, not those early adopters who have already profited in the last few years.

If they don’t do so, we’re in danger of seeing a carbon copy of the situation which happened when social media emerged and subsequently proliferated. By shaping the moderating and prioritisation of content, and essentially putting their own financial and business goals above public interest, these tech giants were able to create their own digital eco-systems and leverage their power and influence for their own gain. We let Big Tech rewrite the rulebook then, and we are about to let them do it again with generative AI – unless we radically reframe the debate.

What we need is a policy shift, ideally worldwide, that draws a clear line in the sand. Forget chasing organisations for past data scraping, but from now on, where generative outputs are monetised, a percentage of revenue (not profit) must be given back to creators.

We already have the tech stack to enable us to do this: watermarking, traceability and AI-native digital rights management. But there does not seem to be a political will, and there certainly isn’t clear legislation, to compel companies to pay creators fairly.

AI shaping the future

It has already been proved that revenue-sharing models can work, as was done with YouTube and TikTok, so there is absolutely no reason to shy away from these models when it comes to ensuring a universal basic income in an AI future. Except, this ‘future’ the tech giants talk about is imminent, not years or decades away, so the legislative framework which will be necessary to implement these kinds of models needs to be put in place now.

Crucially, as well as switching its focus from the past to the here and now, the Government needs to ensure it is talking to the right people. There are a few prominent voices who are speaking up about the second wave, about the impact on content creators, and about the establishment of a fair AI economy. Political leaders must ensure these voices are being listened to, because they are the people who understand what’s happening right now, and how generative AI is set to evolve over the next decade.

The alternative is to continue having the same conversations with the same tech people, focusing on data scraping and addressing past issues. This approach simply isn’t going to allow politicians to move forward with creating legislation with any real impact in the short time frame they have within which to act. If we don’t talk to the right people, then any consultation is simply a tick-box exercise that adds little value to the process of shaping future regulations around AI, and specifically the recompense creators can expect when AI agents utilise their content for monetary gain.

When it comes to navigating real-life waves, you have to be looking at those approaching you, not those which have already passed. The same principle applies here: it’s sink or swim time, and the Government has no chance of rescuing and creating fairness within the AI economy if it doesn’t quickly adjust its focus and start looking ahead, not behind.

How delayed CO2 rules for automakers undermine cities’ clean air plans

Long exposure shot of a downtown street at sunset. Skyscrapers on background with red and white traffic lights. Brussels, Belgium.
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Eurocities Head of Advocacy, Thomas Lymes, explains how delayed CO2 rules for automakers are undermining cities’ clean air plans

Cities are at the forefront of delivering the EU’s climate and air quality goals. However, by relaxing emissions deadlines for automakers, the European Commission creates regulatory uncertainty, making it harder for cities to plan and enforce Low and Zero Emission Zones (LEZs and ZEZs). The result: stalled local action and slower progress towards the EU’s own climate and public health objectives.

Relaxed rules raise doubts over Europe’s zero-emission transition

Earlier this year, the European Commission released its Automotive Industrial Action Plan. The plan outlines measures to support the transition of the automotive industry to 2035. While it includes some welcome proposals, it weakens short-term CO2 reduction targets.

Under the previous framework, carmakers were required to cut emissions by 15% by 2025, based on 2021 levels. The newly revised approach effectively postpones compliance by averaging those reductions from 2025 to 2027 instead. This change has raised concerns about the pace of Europe’s shift to zero-emission mobility.

The revision sends a contradictory message. The same EU institutions that set air quality and climate targets are now easing the regulations required to achieve them. The consequence is a growing gap between ambition and implementation, undermining local efforts and eroding trust in the EU’s commitment to its own goals.

Planning LEZs requires foresight and regulatory certainty

LEZs and ZEZs are not only designed to reduce CO2 emissions. They also protect citizens from the harmful effects of air pollution. According to the European Environment Agency’s 4th Clean Air Outlook, poor air quality remains responsible for thousands of premature deaths annually. Data shows that in 2022, citizens in the EU were exposed to air pollutant concentrations well above the levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Meeting these guidelines could prevent an estimated 239,000 deaths in the EU from exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), 70,000 from ozone (O3), and 48,000 from nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Planning these zones requires long-term foresight. Delays in EU regulation have serious knock-on effects that complicate planning and enforcement. Policymakers depend on reliable emission projections and vehicle fleet forecasts to define zone boundaries, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms. Public consultation infrastructure upgrades, and phased implementation are all part of the process carefully aligned with expected trends in the EV market.

Stable market conditions are necessary to gauge the availability and affordability of EVs that consumers need to make the switch. Slower EV rollout and a weakened second-hand market hit vulnerable groups hardest, limiting access to clean mobility.

Policy uncertainty is bad for cities and worse for Europe’s EV leadership

While the rationale for relaxing CO2 targets is to support a struggling automotive industry, it raises an important question: does lowering ambition help in the long term? Weak rules don’t just hold cities back. They also disincentivise investment in clean technologies across the automotive sector.

Mixed signals from the EU risk undermining Europe’s position in the global race for EV innovation and production. Easing regulatory pressure may provide short-term relief, but it delays the shift to zero-emission manufacturing, leaving European carmakers less prepared to compete internationally.

Cities are taking action despite regulatory delays

Strong CCO2 targets are not a burden. They are a driver of innovation, encouraging faster development, scaling of production, and long-term competitiveness. Initiatives like the forthcoming Greening Corporate Fleets proposal prove that climate policy and industrial growth can go hand in hand. The Greening Corporate Fleets initiative will potentially set purchase quotas of zero-emission vehicles for large fleet operators. Such an initiative complements cities’ work with businesses on zero-emission mobility, rather than working against cities.

The Brussels-Capital Region’s Urban Logistics Green Deal is a strong local example of how clear regulations can drive meaningful progress. The Region aims to achieve zero-emission mobility by 2035, at which point only vehicles powered by zero-emission fuels will be allowed to operate within its territory. As part of its “Shifting Economy” strategy and “Good Move” mobility plan, the Brussels-Capital Region launched this public-private partnership to accelerate the shift to low-emission logistics. Now in its second cycle, the initiative has already brought together over 60 companies, each committing to concrete actions such as fleet electrification, multimodal transport, and last-mile delivery by cargo bike. By offering clear expectations and support, the Region creates the certainty needed for businesses to plan and invest in clean urban freight solutions – something that EU-wide CO2 rules should also be enabling.

Stockholm offers another model of best practice. The city has implemented a tiered approach to LEZs and ZEZs, supported by robust stakeholder engagement and clear regulatory planning. The upcoming ZEZ, backed by the European Commission and set for full implementation in 2026, was developed through extensive consultation with businesses, residents, and transport operators. This included matching affected companies with ZEZ-compliant transport providers and conducting citizen panel surveys to gauge support. Thanks to early dialogue and adaptive solutions, the city secured strong buy-in, especially from those who had already invested in clean vehicles and wanted a fair, competitive environment. Stockholm shows how early, inclusive planning builds trust and delivers cleaner air without leaving key groups behind.

Aligning ambition with action at all levels of government

Europe cannot afford to blur the roadmap to zero-emission mobility. A strong and enforceable CO2 framework is essential to meet climate goals and ensure cities can deliver on the ground. The future of clean air and sustainable transport depends on regulatory ambition that is clear, timely, and consistent.

Policymakers must strike a careful balance between supporting industry, protecting the environment, and empowering cities. Delaying CO2 targets risks disrupting that balance, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and slowing progress at a time when every year counts. At a time when the EU is looking for a solution to the green and competitiveness equation, cities can offer food for thought.

The EU must reaffirm its commitment to fully decarbonise the road transport sector by 2035 and align industrial policy with its climate and air quality commitments to restore momentum. This requires a stable and predictable regulatory pathway through to 2030 that cities, industry, and citizens can trust. Above all, it requires recognising that ambition is not an obstacle but a driver of innovation, investment, and equity.

Cities are ready to deliver. Now, the EU must do the same.

Assistive technology set to support thousands of SEND children across UK

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Thousands of children with SEND will benefit from new assistive technology aimed at improving learning, communication, and classroom inclusion

The UK Government launches £1.7m assistive technology pilot to help children with SEND thrive in school. The ‘lending libraries’ will be set up in up to 32 local authorities and will enable schools in the area to borrow and trial a range of devices to suit their pupils’ needs. 

Trialling assistive technology in up to 4,000 schools

The lending libraries will be stocked with a range of tools, including reading pens that scan text and read it aloud, dictation tools that convert spoken words into text, and tablets that utilise images to help non-verbal pupils communicate. 

The technology will help schools support a wide range of needs, including dyslexia, autism, and ADHD, while also promoting independence and belonging and contributing to the government’s mission of achieving excellence for every child. 

The lending libraries model adopts a ‘try before you buy’ approach. This allows schools to measure the impact of different devices before making an upfront investment, building confidence in what works and reducing the risk of wasted expenditure. 

Assistive technology has proven successful in trial schools, with  86% of school staff surveyed identifying a positive impact on behaviour and 89% witnessing greater confidence amongst pupils with SEND. 

Minister for School Standards Catherine McKinnell said: “We’re committed to reforming the SEND system to break down barriers to learning and achieve excellence everywhere for every child.  

Assistive technology can play a crucial role in unlocking learning for many children so that attention difficulties, communication issues, or struggles with literacy don’t hinder their ability to learn alongside their peers at their local school. 

We’re committed to driving inclusivity across all schools, and this pilot is a brilliant step towards making that happen, supporting teachers and giving all children the tools they need to achieve and thrive.”

Identifying pupils’ needs and delivering support

Government statistics have revealed that the number of children with EHCPs has increased by 11% to 638,700, clearly highlighting that needs are not being met early enough. 

The government aims to reduce this figure by identifying needs at the earliest point and having the expertise and resources to deliver the support that’s needed, reassuring parents that their children can achieve and thrive in mainstream education.   

Julian Govier, Curriculum Lead and Digital Champion & Cheryl Shirley, Director of Digital Learning at LEO Academy Trust schools, said: “Assistive technology has been a fantastic way to promote innovative and creative ways to access learning.

Before using assistive technology, we recognised many challenges children faced in fully accessing the curriculum. A handful of our students with dyslexic tendencies often felt frustrated as they were unable to vocalise themselves and found it difficult to communicate through traditional methods.

The integration of assistive technologies, which offer screen masks, screen readers, picture dictionaries, and translators, along with voice-to-text features, has profoundly transformed student learning and well-being. These tools enable students to increase their focus by eliminating distractions and reducing cognitive overload and to communicate and demonstrate their understanding in ways that best suit their individual preferences. All our students are now able to integrate into their classrooms with their peers, giving them dignity and confidence by working privately and in ways that work best for them.”

This pilot builds on the extension to the PINS and ELSEC programmes, which upskill the teacher workforce and embed specialist support in mainstream settings to ensure children with autism, ADHD or speech and language difficulties don’t go unnoticed.

Annamarie Hassall MBE, Chief Executive at Nansen, said: “At Nasen, we have seen the benefit of technology in the classroom. It’s useful for all and particularly beneficial for pupils with learning differences and SEND needs.

Assistive technology (AT) tools are increasingly built into everyday technology, ready to be enabled, and likewise there is a growing range of tailored AT products and resources available.

From our work on AT with schools, colleges and settings, we know that having an opportunity to test out resources would build confidence. That’s confidence of classroom staff and pupils alike, ensuring the best match of resources for the learning or access need.”

EIC accelerator selects 40 start ups for €230 million in funding

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The European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced funding support for 40 high-potential start-ups and small businesses through its EIC Accelerator program

The 40 selected companies span a range of industries, including clean energy, AI, aviation safety, and sustainable agriculture. These companies were chosen for their transformative technologies and strong potential for market impact.

After a long selection process, which included interviews for 150 shortlisted proposals, these 40 companies were selected as the final recipients. The total proposed funding is approximately €230 million, combining non-dilutive grant support with equity investments through the EIC Fund.

Blended finance

Of the selected businesses, 87% will receive blended finance, a combination of up to €2.5 million in grant support and up to €10 million in equity investment. This flexible approach allows companies to tailor funding to their specific development and scaling needs. The equity component is managed by the EIC Fund, which often helps further private investment.

A smaller number of companies secured either grant-only or equity-only support based on their business models and readiness for market.

Encouraging gender diversity and cross-border innovation

A key part of this round is the continued progress toward gender diversity in deep tech. Women have key leadership positions in 32% of the selected companies. This is a significant step forward for inclusion and leadership equity in high-growth innovation sectors.

The selected start-ups represent 16 EU members and associated countries. Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden led the way in terms of the number of successful applicants, reflecting strong national innovation ecosystems.

Examples of breakthrough technologies

This round features several stand-out technologies that address global challenges:

  • OligoFeed (France): A natural supplement for honey bees that boosts immunity and hive survival, helping combat the decline in pollinator populations without leaving residues in honey.
  • Turbulence Solutions (Austria): Advanced real-time turbulence-cancellation for aviation, using LiDAR and adaptive control surfaces to enhance flight comfort and safety.
  • Copenhagen Atomics (Denmark): Compact thorium molten salt reactors powered by nuclear waste, offering a scalable clean energy solution.
  • Singularly (Spain): AI-driven security tools that help organisations deploy generative AI safely and in compliance with regulatory frameworks.
  • Apisense (Poland): AI and satellite-powered diagnostics for early detection of bee diseases, reducing dependency on chemical treatments and improving hive health.

Seal of Excellence and STEP Seal awards

In addition to the funded companies, 109 positively evaluated proposals that could not be funded due to budget limitations received a Seal of Excellence, recognising their high quality and aiding in securing alternative EU support.

All 20 applicants who reached the interview stage under the EIC Accelerator’s five strategic challenge areas received a STEP Seal. This label marks their alignment with the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), opening doors to complementary funding options.

Next steps and application opportunities

The finalisation of grant agreements for this round is expected within the next three months, while equity investments will follow based on each company’s specific strategy. All funded projects will also gain access to Business Acceleration Services, offering valuable connections with investors, corporates, and innovation networks.

Applications for the EIC Accelerator are accepted year-round, with the next full proposal deadline set for 1 October 2025, as per the EIC 2025 Work Programme.

UK Government and industry leaders hope to power AI through AI energy grid

Abstract Neural Network Technology Background
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The UK Government is hosting the second meeting of the AI Energy Council today (30 June)

This meeting will bring together senior leaders from technology firms and regulatory bodies to accelerate the transformation of the national grid in preparation for the growing demand for artificial intelligence

Co-chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, the meeting aims to ensure that the UK’s energy infrastructure can support a twenty-fold increase in computing capacity over the next five years.
Compute, the processing power essential to AI training and operation, is vital to maintaining the UK’s position as a global leader in AI innovation.

Scaling energy for AI innovation

The rapid evolution of AI is fuelling exponential increases in energy demand. As AI systems become more sophisticated, they require larger data centres and more advanced processing power. This means that there needs to be a reliable and sustainable energy source.

The Council is trying to figure out how much energy will be required to support AI advancements, identify where and how quickly demand will surge, and plan the necessary grid upgrades. With the backing of £2 billion from the UK Government through the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the aim is to facilitate faster access to computing resources for researchers and innovators across various sectors, including healthcare, education, transport, and environmental science.

Unlocking grid capacity and reforming access

A key priority for the Council is reforming the UK’s electricity connections process. Currently, many projects, including new data centres, face long waits for access to the grid due to existing bottlenecks. By streamlining this process in coordination with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the government aims to release over 400GW of capacity currently stalled in the queue. This would significantly accelerate AI project rollouts and associated economic benefits.

Planning for AI Growth Zones

Alongside energy planning, discussions will touch on the development of AI Growth Zones. These designated hubs across the country are intended to attract substantial private investment and generate new jobs, forming the backbone of the government’s Plan for Change. The zones are expected to be a focal point for AI application in real-world sectors, with significant implications for local energy use.

By anticipating which industries will rapidly adopt AI, such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, and digital healthcare, the Council hopes to make more accurate projections of future energy demand and direct infrastructure investment accordingly.

Building a clean, energy future

Today’s meeting shows the importance of powering AI while staying on course for net zero. The UK Government continues to position itself as a clean energy superpower, aiming to meet the energy needs of cutting-edge technology without compromising its environmental commitments.

The meeting includes key stakeholders such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Equinix, Brookfield, ARM, and EDF Energy, alongside regulatory and industry bodies like Ofgem, NESO, the Energy Networks Association, and the International Energy Agency.

MHRA seizes 7.7 million illegal medicines and cracks down on online listings

Woman Choosing Medication Online Pharmac. Purchase of drugs and medicine online.
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The MHRA has executed a significant operation, seizing a staggering 7.7 million doses of illegal medicines and eliminating hundreds of illicit online listings. This operation, part of a global effort to combat the illegal supply of drugs and medical devices, underscores the scale of the issue

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seized almost eight million doses of illegal medicines as part of Operation Pangea, aimed at tackling the illegal online sale of drugs and medical devices.

Interpol coordinates Operation Pangea and involves around 90 countries. It is the world’s largest initiative of its kind, bringing together health regulators, customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners to tackle the threat posed by criminal networks operating in the global supply of illegal medicines.

Seizing medication with an estimated value of £17.2 million

This year’s operation took place between December 2024 and May 2025. Working with law enforcement partners, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) seized 7.7 million doses of illicit medicines with an estimated value of £17.2m. Among the products seized in the UK were various prescription-only medications, including powerful painkillers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills.

The CEU also coordinated several arrest operations, denied gangs access to almost £1.4m in criminal profits, and removed 367 websites and social media accounts offering medical products to the public illegally.

Andy Morling, who heads the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU), said: “Criminals trade in illegal medicines for no other reason than to make money. Not only are these people breaking the law, but they also have no regard for your health.

Buying medicines from unverified sources, online or elsewhere, means there is no guarantee that the products are safe or effective. Some can contain dangerous or illegal ingredients that could result in severe illness, addiction or even death.

People also need to be aware that turning to illegal online sellers can leave them exposed to bank fraud and identity theft.

This year’s operation is another example of how the MHRA and its international partners are joining forces to tackle the criminal gangs causing so much misery and harm around the world.”

The global operation seizes 50.4 million doses of medications

In total, the INTERPOL operation resulted in 50.4m doses of illegal medicines worth USD 65m and saw the arrest of 769 suspects. The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation’s 17-year history.

Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines the second highest. Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic drugs, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.

David Caunter, Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said: “Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients, potentially resulting in severe illness or even death.

“The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.

“Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people’s health and keep healthcare systems safe.”

Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), said: “During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including products that were found to be substandard or falsified.

This operational partnership represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community and diversion of profits from those that would usually benefit from the illegal sale and supply.”

World-first AI system launched to detect NHS patient safety risks

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A groundbreaking AI system has been developed to identify patient safety risks across the NHS, aiming to prevent harm and improve care outcomes through early intervention

The NHS has introduced the world’s first AI system designed to help detect patient safety risks before they cause harm. By scanning and analysing real-time patient data, the system can alert healthcare teams to potential issues, such as delayed care or worsening conditions, so they can take early action. This marks a significant step in how the NHS is utilising technology to enhance care and safeguard patients nationwide.

Patient safety risks: Preventing harm before it happens

The new AI early warning system automatically identifies safety concerns across the NHS, preventing failures from escalating. This is part of the pledge by the Health and Social Care Secretary to guarantee patient safety and drive quality NHS care, following growing concerns about safety within the NHS after multiple scandals in mental health and maternity services.

The new safety warning system will analyse healthcare data and send an alert on emerging safety issues.  

Maternity Outcome Signal System will launch in November

The rollout of the AI system is currently underway. A new Maternity Outcomes Signal System will launch across NHS trusts in November, using near real-time data to flag higher-than-expected rates of stillbirth, neonatal death and brain injury.  

Once this system is implemented, it could analyse hospital databases to identify patterns of abuse, serious injuries, deaths, or other incidents that can slip through the net, cause harm and stop hospitals from running safely. 

Once concerns are raised, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will deploy specialist inspection teams as soon as possible to investigate and take swift action.

A new era of transparency for the NHS

The upcoming 10 Year Health Plan aims to bring a new era of transparency to the NHS, renewing focus on patient and staff voice. This intervention will boost patient safety and drive high-quality care for all.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “While most treatments in the NHS are safe, even a single lapse that puts a patient at risk is one too many. Behind every safety breach is a person – a life altered, a family devastated, sometimes by heart-breaking loss.

Patient safety and power are at the heart of our 10 Year Health Plan. By embracing AI and introducing world-first early warning systems, we’ll spot dangerous signs sooner and launch rapid inspections before harm occurs.

This technology will save lives – catching unsafe care before it becomes a tragedy. It’s a vital part of our commitment to move the NHS from analogue to digital, delivering better, safer care for everyone.”

 The AI system is built on the NHS Federated Data Platform, which allows healthcare staff to access the information they need in one place securely. That means less paperwork and manual inspections for staff and more time caring for patients.

Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director of secondary Care, said: “The NHS in England will be the first country in the world to trial an AI-enabled warning system to flag patient safety issues, which will rapidly analyse routine hospital data and reports submitted by healthcare staff from community settings.

The move will turbo-charge the speed and efficiency with which we identify patient safety concerns and enable us to respond rapidly to improve patient care.”

CQC’s Chief Executive, Sir Julian Hartley, said: “We will develop a stronger focus on all dimensions of quality, using data which we and partners hold on inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes to spot and act on risk earlier.  

We are already developing our new, clearer, and simpler assessment approach. In the future our experienced teams of inspectors, led by our newly appointed Chief Inspectors, will be able to conduct more inspections and share feedback on the findings more quickly – so that providers can make faster improvements. The public has timely care information.”

EU migration and home affairs policy overview

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Open Access Government outlines the European Commission’s migration and home affairs policies. This includes discussions on the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the hosting of refugees from Ukraine, the fourth State of Schengen report, and the new European Internal Security Strategy

The Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) is the department of the European Commission responsible for border management, internal security and migration. Under the leadership of Commissioner Magnus Brunner, DG HOME collaborates closely with European Union (EU) Member States, agencies, international organisations, and other stakeholders to implement and develop effective EU policies.

To create a safer and more secure Union, both online and offline, DG HOME’s work in internal security focuses on preventing radicalisation, organised crime and countering terrorism, protecting critical infrastructure and public spaces, and combating cybercrime and child sexual abuse.

DG HOME oversees the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, working with Member States to manage migration, establish legal pathways, and develop a unified approach to returns. DG HOME is implementing an integrated border management strategy for the EU to strengthen common borders, enhancing border security to ensure a fully functional Schengen area. (1)

The Pact on Migration and Asylum and hosting refugees from Ukraine

On April 16, 2025, the Commission proposed accelerating the implementation of certain aspects of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, set to take effect in June 2026. The proposal aims to expedite two key elements of the Asylum Procedure Regulation to help Member States process asylum claims more efficiently, particularly for those likely to be unfounded.

Additionally, the Commission plans to establish an EU list of safe countries of origin, allowing faster processing of applications from their nationals. EU candidate countries may qualify as safe, given their efforts to achieve democratic stability and human rights protections. However, they could be excluded under certain conditions, such as conflict-related violence or higher than 20% asylum recognition rates across the EU. This proposal is informed by analysis from the EU Agency for Asylum and other sources. (2)

On May 9, 2025, the Commission approved an additional €3 billion to assist Member States in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum and hosting Ukrainian refugees. This funding includes €1.8 billion from the revised Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and €1.2 billion from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI).

This new allocation complements nearly €11 billion designated for migration and border management from 2025 to 2027 and €450 million for Member States hosting temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine since 2022. The support is available until the end of 2027, with specific amounts allocated to each Member State based on eligibility criteria. Member States must also update their national programs by the end of 2025 to include this funding, and the Commission is in close contact to provide necessary support.

“We need to be ready for the application of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, in June next year, a key milestone for the EU. I am happy that today the EU is providing an additional substantial support to help Member States getting ready for the Pact, and hosting and providing protection to refugees from Ukraine,” Commissioner Brunner said. (3)

Fourth State of Schengen report

On April 23, 2025, the Commission published its fourth State of Schengen report, reviewing the past year’s developments and setting priorities for the following year.

Over the past 40 years, the Schengen area has become essential to the EU, benefiting almost 450 million citizens and driving economic growth. In 2024, it welcomed over half a billion visitors, reaffirming its status as the world’s most visited destination. With EU support, the Schengen system allows Member States to manage external borders, security, and migration effectively.

The 2025 report highlights the achievements and challenges within Schengen since 2024. The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area enhances EU cooperation and strengthens the economy. Additionally, all EU candidate countries must establish fully functioning national Schengen governance systems to join. Recent EU efforts have reduced irregular crossings at Schengen’s external borders to around 240,000, the lowest since 2021.

“Today, Schengen is a living testament to Europe’s commitment to a free, united, prosperous, and safe continent. As the world’s largest and most popular area of free movement, we must step up our efforts to further develop, reinforce and modernise Schengen. That means improving security cooperation between law enforcement in Member States, accelerating digitalisation of border management systems such as the Entry-Exit system to prevent security risks and ensure more effective returns,” Commissioner Brunner said.

Moving forward, the Commission will work with Member States to adapt Schengen to new realities and address remaining challenges, focusing on improving policy coordination, police cooperation, and the digitalisation of procedures to enhance security. (4)

ProtectEU: European Internal Security Strategy

On April 1, 2025, the European Commission unveiled ProtectEU, a strategy to enhance internal security across Member States and ensure citizen safety. This initiative includes a stronger legal framework, improved information sharing, and increased cooperation.

Given the changing security landscape marked by hybrid threats from hostile foreign states and the rise of organised crime and online criminal activity, Europe must reassess its internal security approach.

ProtectEU promotes a cultural shift by engaging researchers, businesses, citizens, and civil society in security efforts. It also aims to integrate security considerations into new initiatives, supported by a robust governance framework.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that safety is a fundamental requirement for open, vibrant societies and a thriving economy. This is why the Commission has launched a significant initiative to more effectively address security threats such as terrorism, organised crime, increasing cybercrime, and attacks on our critical infrastructure.

“We will strengthen Europol and give law enforcement up-to-date tools to fight crime. But also researchers, businesses and even citizens can contribute to greater safety for all,” President von der Leyen continued. (5)

The road ahead for DG HOME

We wish the dedicated team at DG HOME great success as they tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the 2024-2029 period. (6) This time will be crucial for advancing key migration and home affairs policies, underscoring the EU’s commitment to internal security, the Pact on Migration and Asylum, strengthening common borders and ensuring that the Schengen area is complete and fully functional. (1)

References

  1. https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/migration-and-home-affairs_en
  2. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1070
  3. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1176
  4. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1087
  5. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_920
  6. https://commission.europa.eu/about/organisation/college-commissioners/magnus-brunner_en

A breakthrough process set to boost methanol production efficiency using carbon dioxide

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A new method could transform fuel and manufacturing industries by turning C02 into a valuable chemical

A team of scientists has developed a groundbreaking chemical process that significantly improves the efficiency of producing methanol by converting carbon dioxide (CO₂).

This new method, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and recently published in Nature Nanotechnology, marks a significant step forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while producing a versatile resource more affordably.

A more innovative way to make methanol

Methanol is a vital building block for numerous everyday products, including plastics, chemicals, paints, and solvents. It is also gaining attention as a low-cost, cleaner-burning fuel for electricity generation, marine transport, and even as a gasoline additive.

Typically, producing methanol from carbon dioxide is an energy-intensive and inefficient process. However, this new method improves that process by around 66% compared to previous techniques. It achieves this by using a specially designed catalyst, a substance that accelerates chemical reactions without being consumed, made from a combination of nickel and cobalt on a base of nanotubes.

The science behind the innovation

The key to this improved efficiency is in the catalyst’s design. The research team created a “dual-site electrocatalyst.” This means the catalyst has two different active components, nickel and cobalt compounds, each playing a role in transforming CO₂ into methanol through a series of chemical and electrochemical reactions.

Unlike older, single-site catalysts, the dual-site version allows for better charge transfer and reaction control. This results in an electrochemical charge transfer efficiency of 50%, surpassing the roughly 30% efficiency of previous single-site systems. Not only does the method convert more CO₂ into methanol, but it also does so with reduced electricity consumption, making the process more sustainable and cost-effective.

Benefits for industry and the environment

By turning a greenhouse gas like CO₂ into a usable product more efficiently, the process addresses two major challenges: emissions reduction and sustainable resource production. The process isn’t limited to capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere, it could also work with CO₂ generated from agricultural and municipal waste, offering another route to a circular, waste-reducing economy.

Methanol’s versatility means that improving its production could have a wide ripple effect. It could lead to cleaner fuels for vehicles, ships, and power plants and provide manufacturers with a more reliable and affordable chemical feedstock.

This advancement shows how innovative chemistry can play a vital role in the transition to a low-carbon future. By using less energy and generating less waste during the methanol production process, this method brings renewable chemical manufacturing closer to reality.

The findings represent a promising step forward in aligning industrial productivity with environmental sustainability. As global industries seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint, this technology could become a crucial component of the solution.

Full fibre connectivity: What you need to know before you buy

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Dominic Norton from Spitfire Network Services emphasises the importance of understanding the differences in fibre connectivity, highlighting the need to discern variations in quality and technology, while cautioning consumers against making choices based solely on price

People who sell insurance battle with an eternal challenge. At a glance, which is all most people give to the detail when they buy insurance, two competing policies can seem more or less the same. Few buyers have the attention or understanding to immerse themselves in the deep detail that actually differentiates one policy from another. As a result, the decisive factor is very often price; low cost wins the day. It’s not until the cover is tested and a claim is made, that the details that make all the difference to the cover’s actual suitability become apparent.

But by that time, of course, it’s too late.

Just like insurance policies, full fibre connectivity setups are not all the same. Although they may all fall under the same general term, they do not all use the same technology or deliver the same level of service. The issue is that, similar to the situation with insurance sales, all fibre can appear to be the same to an unsuspecting customer. This confusion is further compounded by providers who use misleadingly generic names, which can lead to lower-quality options being mistaken for or grouped together with better, but more expensive, choices.

If the buyer isn’t aware of the differences between one kind of fibre connectivity and another, then lowest cost becomes the likely decisive factor. It’s then, only ‘down the road,’ when its shortcomings become clear in use, that an unwitting buyer pays closer attention to what they purchased and realises what they should have purchased instead.

So, how does fibre connectivity actually work? What are the differences between the two key but quite different options? And what about making the right choice?

image: ©Spitfire

How fibre connectivity works

A fibre connectivity setup consists of four basic parts.

At your premises, you install a local access circuit (part 1) from your fibre connectivity provider. This transfers your data to and from a POP (point of presence – part 2), which may be, for example, located at a BT exchange. From there, your provider uses its backhaul network (part 3) to transfer the data to and from the POP to your Internet Service Provider. Your ISP then uses its core network (part 4) to connect you to the internet and to other networks you may access worldwide.

When you buy an ‘internet circuit’ fibre connectivity deal from a provider, you’re buying all four components of this journey. Now, both the quality of the backhaul (part 3) and the way the ISP core handles data transmission (part 4) are extremely important. For our purposes right now, the critical part to think about is part 1 – that local access circuit. That’s the part for which you can very easily end up with ill-suited and inadequate tech, quite possibly helped by providers who’d be happy to let you do so.

The two options for local access circuits

There are two main technologies available for providing premises with a full fibre local access circuit.

The lower-cost choice is GPON (or its higher-bandwidth cousin, XGS-PON). Without delving too deeply into the technical whys and wherefores, GPON is a ‘shared user’ network technology designed to provide smaller organisations (and consumers) with cost-effective fibre access. Networks using GPON are referred to as ‘passive’ networks.

For organisations on a tight budget, GPON may prove satisfactory. However, that shared user technology, in which data belonging to multiple entities is sent down the same fibre line, with its non-intended destinations being filtered out only at a late stage, latency is higher and more variable; faults may take longer to locate and so repair; maximum performance SLAs are harder to find; and there’s significant potential for network congestion in the future.

In contrast, the other option is Ethernet Access Direct (EAD). EAD-based networks are referred to as ‘active’ networks. EAD provides each organisation with a dedicated fibre connection (part 1) between its premises and the POP (part 2). The data is sent via that single access circuit only. No other entity’s data is anywhere in sight. As there is no shared path, there is no contention, minimal delays, consistent performance, and stable and predictable latency, regardless of other users’ activity on the network. Because of this, active networks using EAD can be bought with maximum performance service levels with very low latency.

How should you choose?

There are many GPON-based passive connectivity products being marketed under generic names such as ‘Fibre’ or ‘Leased Line’. These aren’t technically incorrect, but they’re being used to flatter a solution that will fall short of the expectations of many users.

So, here’s how to decide. If you are using business-critical applications that require guaranteed bandwidth, specific performance, and reliability, these may not be reliably delivered by a GPON solution.

You should consider instead an active EAD technology. It may cost more, and take a little longer to install, but for improved security, a maximum performance SLA, ease of maintenance and reliability, you’ll never look back.

In contrast, if you want a cost-effective fibre connection, then a passive GPON (or XGS-PON) connection may be adequate. You’ll be sharing network infrastructure and will likely have to settle for an average, rather than maximum, performance Service Level Agreement (SLA). (To offer a maximum, the provider would have to reduce the number of users on the shared fibre line, increasing cost and so negating one of the key advantages of GPON!) Lastly, latency will be higher and less predictable. Yet maybe that’s actually fine for you?

Now you can decide

The key question to ask of that full-fibre provider quoting something described only loosely as just ‘Fibre’ or ‘Leased Line’: “Is that a passive (GPON) or an active (EAD) connection?”

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Record number of proposals for MSCA COFUND programme

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The 2025 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme has closed with a record 136 proposals submitted, which is a significant increase from previous years

This scheme, funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, supports the development of high-quality doctoral and postdoctoral training schemes across Europe. 

Massive demand for doctoral and postdoctoral funding

The COFUND scheme allows organisations to launch or expand their fellowship programmes by co-funding excellent doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities. The 2025 call, which closed on 24 June, will allocate €105.6 million in EU funds to support around 30 new projects.

In 2024, the COFUND call received 81 proposals, 27 of which were selected for funding. Those included 12 doctoral training programmes and 15 postdoctoral fellowship initiatives. The 2025 figures show an almost 70% increase in applications, indicating the growing appeal and reputation of the MSCA COFUND scheme.

Wider geographic participation

Proposals for this year’s COFUND call came from organisations based in 27 countries.

Successful projects often involve multiple partners from the EU, and this further strengthens international collaboration in research and innovation.

Selected programmes will recruit and train researchers in a variety of disciplines, reinforcing the scheme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility. 

Participating institutions are expected to have high standards in researcher recruitment, working conditions, and career development.

Supporting excellent research and career development

The COFUND scheme is designed to improve the quality of research training and career development for both doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers.

  • Doctoral programmes provide structured research training, enabling candidates to develop a broad range of academic and transferable skills while pursuing their doctoral degree.
  • Postdoctoral programmes support individual researchers with advanced research training and professional development opportunities, helping them build sustainable careers in and beyond academia.

By combining EU funding with additional institutional resources, COFUND helps host organisations boost their research capacity and attract top-tier international talent. This contributes not only to scientific excellence but also to regional socio-economic development.

Seal of Excellence to recognise high-quality proposals

To further support innovation, the European Commission will award Seal of Excellence certificates to applicants whose proposals meet the scheme’s high standards but cannot be funded due to budget limitations. This recognition is intended to help organisations seek alternative funding sources by validating the quality of their proposals.

Promoting sustainable, global research networks

The MSCA COFUND programme aims to spread best practices in research training and foster international mobility. Participating researchers benefit from diverse learning environments, exposure to multiple sectors, and opportunities to collaborate across borders and disciplines.

By equipping researchers with a wide range of skills and experiences, the programme enhances their employability, nurtures creativity, and builds resilient global research networks.

Rural Europe faces a disproportionate burden of energy poverty, new report reveals

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Nearly 48 million Europeans are struggling to heat their homes, and rural households are at the forefront of the crisis, according to a new report from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC)

The study emphasises how rural areas across the EU face higher levels of energy poverty, driven by a mix of socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, but also have strong potential for sustainable, long-term solutions.

Rural households hit hardest by energy poverty.

Energy poverty, defined as the inability of households to afford the energy required for essential services such as heating and cooling, has significant implications for health and well-being, particularly during prolonged winters or increasingly frequent summer heatwaves. The JRC report, “Exploring Rural Energy Poverty and Needs,” provides a comprehensive look at how the issue unfolds differently across European regions.

Rural areas are particularly vulnerable due to lower-than-average incomes, combined with a housing stock that is often older, larger, and less energy-efficient than homes in urban areas. On average, rural households spend about 7% of their income on energy.

However, the report reveals that rural communities are leading the way in energy efficiency upgrades. Between 2018 and 2023, 29% of rural residents undertook renovations to improve energy performance, compared to 23% in cities. These upgrades included better insulation, new windows, and more efficient heating systems.

Rural regions are also particularly well-suited for renewable energy installations, especially rooftop solar panels. The combination of larger roof space and a higher rate of homeownership— 78% in rural areas compared to 55% in cities —makes them ideal candidates for self-consumption solar energy systems. According to the JRC, rural rooftop solar could generate approximately 2,200 kWh per person annually, accounting for over a third of the average household’s energy needs.

Eastern and Southern Europe were most affected.

Despite these opportunities, the energy challenge is incredibly high in parts of Eastern and Southern Europe. The report identifies Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece as having the highest rural energy poverty rates, with countries like Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia, and Lithuania also facing significant challenges. In Northern nations such as Latvia, Estonia, and Sweden, the combination of cold climates and ageing buildings intensifies the need for improved insulation and heating.

A new tool to measure the problem

To better understand these patterns, JRC researchers developed a new energy poverty index, combining energy expenditure with four key indicators: inability to keep homes warm, arrears on utility bills, poor housing conditions, and income levels below 60% of the national average.
The EU has made tackling energy poverty a core goal of its just energy transition strategy. Energy use in buildings accounts for 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 35% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Improving building efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy are crucial for achieving both climate goals and social equity.

The JRC’s findings are contributing to the EU’s Rural Observatory initiative, which gathers data and insights to support targeted, place-based policies. “Addressing energy poverty in rural areas is not just a social priority,” the report states. “It’s a major opportunity to boost energy resilience and accelerate decarbonisation across Europe.”

As the EU pushes for climate neutrality, the rural energy transition could become a cornerstone of a greener Europe.

WHO issues first global guideline for pregnant women with sickle cell disease

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guideline on the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders characterised by abnormally shaped red blood cells that look like crescents or sickles. These cells block blood flow, causing severe anaemia, episodes of severe pain, recurrent infections, and medical emergencies such as strokes and sepsis.

These health risks are heightened during pregnancy due to additional demands on the body’s oxygen and nutrient supply. Women with sickle cell disease face a 4- to 11-fold higher likelihood of maternal death than those without. Along with being more likely to face obstetric complications like pre-eclampsia, their babies are also at greater risk of stillbirth or prematurely.

“With quality health care, women with inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease can have safe and healthy pregnancies and births,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO and the United Nations Special Programme for Human Reproduction (HRP). “This new guideline aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for those affected. With sickle cell on the rise, more investment is urgently needed to expand access to evidence-based treatments during pregnancy as well as diagnosis and information about this neglected disease.”

The prevalence of sickle cell disease has surged by over 40% since 2000

Approximately 7.7 million people worldwide are affected by sickle cell disease, a condition that has been steadily increasing in prevalence. The condition is estimated to cause over 375,000 deaths per year and is most prevalent in malaria-endemic regions.  However, the sickle cell gene is becoming more widespread globally. Therefore, global guidelines for the condition will support maternity care providers in managing the disease.

Previous clinical guidelines for managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy draw upon protocols from high-income countries. The WHO’s new guidance aims to provide evidence-based recommendations relevant to low- and middle-income countries, where most cases and deaths occur.  The guideline includes recommendations on:

  • folic acid and iron supplementation, including adjustments for malaria-endemic areas;
  • management of sickle cell crises and pain relief;
  • prevention of infections and blood clots;
  • use of prophylactic blood transfusions and
  • additional monitoring of the woman and the baby’s health throughout pregnancy.

Helping women make informed decisions during their pregnancy

Sickle cell disease remains underfunded and under researched. The guideline outlines the need for respectful, individualised care whilst highlighting the importance of tackling stigma and discrimination within healthcare settings.

“It’s essential that women with sickle cell disease can discuss their care options early in pregnancy—or ideally before—with knowledgeable providers,” said Dr Doris Chou, Medical Officer and lead author of the guideline. “This supports informed decisions about any treatment options to continue or adopt, as well as agree on ways of handling potential complications, to optimise outcomes for the woman, her pregnancy, and her baby.”

While treatment options are improving, the guideline underscores the pressing need for more research into the safety and efficacy of sickle cell disease treatments for pregnant and breastfeeding women, two populations that are often excluded from clinical trials.

This publication is the first in a new World Health Organisation (WHO) series on managing non-communicable diseases in pregnancy. Future guidelines will address cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, respiratory diseases, mental health disorders and substance use. Chronic diseases are increasingly recognised as major contributors to maternal and newborn deaths and ill health.

Rebalancing wound care: Challenging the overuse of sub-therapetic compression through evidence based pathways

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Adam Mence from L&R Medical UK walks us through rebalancing wound care, explaining the challenge of overusing sub-therapeutic compression through evidence-based pathways

The UK’s wound care system is under immense pressure. Despite unprecedented investment in resources, clinical outcomes for patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) remain suboptimal. This imbalance between expenditure and efficacy points to a systemic flaw – most notably, the overuse of reduced or sub-therapeutic compression therapy.

The current crisis in wound care

A 2020 study by Guest et al. revealed that leg ulcers alone cost the NHS an estimated £3.1 billion annually, accounting for a significant share of the £8.3 billion spent managing all wounds (Guest et al., 2020). The prevalence of wounds has increased by 71%, with over one million people, or 2% of the adult population, affected by leg ulcers in any given year.

Click here to view Table 1

Alarmingly, despite this outlay, only 49% of chronic wounds heal within 12 months, and up to 69% of VLUs reoccur annually. This reflects a care model where root causes are not systematically addressed, and when compression therapy is used, it’s often under-applied or inappropriate.

Sub-therapeutic compression: A hidden drain

Reduced or sub-therapeutic compression remains a widespread issue. Whether due to lack of training, fear of litigation, or product complexity, too many patients are managed with inadequate levels of compression.
This contributes directly to prolonged healing times, ulcer recurrence, and increased visits to overstretched community teams.

Click here to view Table 2

Yet evidence shows that strong, effective compression (≥40 mmHg), such as that delivered by systems like ReadyWrap®, Actico® or Activa®/ ActiLymph® Hosiery Kits, leads to significantly better outcomes in terms of healing, recurrence, and resource use (Ehmann, 2016; Muldoon & Hampton, 2017).

The L&R Medical UK model: A proven pathway

L&R Medical UK’s Lower Limb Wound Care Pathway (Atkin & Tickle, 2016) offers a systematic, evidence-based solution to this evolving crisis. Designed to drive consistency in assessment and treatment, the pathway integrates:

  • Accurate and timely diagnosis.
  • Appropriate use of strong compression therapy.
  • Upskilling of clinical teams.
  • Patient empowerment through supported self-care.

This approach, recently highlighted in their “Advancing Lower Limb Care” article (L&R Medical UK, 2024), not only improves outcomes but significantly alleviates pressure on clinical teams.

Unlocking self-care to transform services

Supported self-care is the backbone of this model. Mirroring strategies from diabetes and respiratory care, L&R Medical UK’s pathway and self-care delivery system gives patients the tools, knowledge, and confidence to manage their condition independently.

The results from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPT), in collaboration with L&R Medical UK, are compelling. According to Hallas-Hoyes et al. (2021), their advanced self-care model achieved:

  • 72% healing at 18 weeks.
  • 99% healing at 42 weeks.
  • Reduction in nursing hours from 24.5 to 1.3 per patient.
  • Per-patient cost savings of £1,539.
  • 6 FTE nursing hours saved per 100,000 population.

The benefits extend beyond direct care: 67% of staff reported a reduction in workplace stress, and 100% said they felt more motivated to support patient self-care. Moreover, the environmental gains – such as a 60% drop in travel- related CO2 emissions – further support the NHS’s net-zero goals.

Scaling for system-wide impact

The pathway’s design allows for national scalability. If just 25% of leg ulcer patients adopted the self-care model:

  • £903,500 could be saved per 100,000 population.
  • £226,000 in product-related savings could be achieved.
  • 6 full-time equivalent (FTE) nursing roles could be reallocated.

If scaled to 40% of eligible patients, national cost savings could reach £404 million annually, with £1.45 million saved locally across SWYPT (Hallas-Hoyes et al., 2021).

These savings are not just financial – they reflect improved clinical outcomes, greater patient autonomy, and workforce sustainability at a time when community nursing faces critical shortages.

Driving best practice: Compression that works

At the core of L&R’s pathway is compression, which is effective and easy to apply. Their ReadyWrap® adjustable compression system delivers strong compression (40–60 mmHg) with a high Static Stiffness Index (SSI), which is essential for managing oedema and supporting venous return (Wigg & Lee, 2014). Its intuitive Velcro® design ensures safe and reproducible application, supporting broader skill mixes in care delivery (Crinchley & Atkin, 2017).

Alongside ReadyWrap®, hosiery kits like Activa® and ActiLymph® support ulcer healing to long-term maintenance, whilst reducing recurrence and reinforcing patient independence.

A call to action for procurement leaders and ICBs

With evidence, financial modelling, and clinical backing, the case for changing the VLU care model is overwhelming. Procurement leaders, ICB board members, and NHS decision-makers must now ask:

  • Are we investing in therapies that deliver outcomes?
  • Are care models enabling or inhibiting clinical efficiency?
  • Can we scale proven models to deliver financial and workforce sustainability?

The L&R Medical UK model demonstrates that transformation is not only possible, but evidently, necessary.

Conclusion: A pathway to sustainable care

The wound care burden is growing, both financially and operationally. Continuing to invest in models that rely on sub-therapeutic compression and repeated clinical interventions is unsustainable.

By adopting evidence-based pathways, such as those offered by L&R Medical UK – anchored in strong compression, structured self-care, and scalable service delivery – the NHS can reclaim control of wound care and, more critically, eliminate unnecessary waste.

The challenge now lies not in the evidence, but in the will to implement it at scale.

References

Table 1: Guest JF, Fuller GW, Vowden P (2020) Cohort study evaluating the burden of wounds to the UK’s National Health Service in 2017/2018: update from 2012/2013. BMJ Open 10(12): e045253. Available online: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/12/e045253

Table 2: Data from GPrX, 2024
Atkin, L., & Tickle, J. (2016). A new pathway for lower limb ulceration. Wounds UK, 12(2)

Crinchley, A. & Atkin, L. (2017). The leg ulceration pathway: impact of implementation. Wounds UK, 13(4).

Ehmann, S. (2016). Multinational, pilot audit of a VELCRO adjustable compression wrap system for venous and lymphatic conditions. Journal of Wound Care, 25(9), p513–p520.

Guest, J.F., Fuller, G.W., & Vowden, P. (2020). Cohort study evaluating the burden of wounds to the UK’s NHS in 2017/2018: update from 2012/2013. BMJ Open, 10(12): e045253. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/12/e045253

Hallas-Hoyes, L., Williamson, S., Kerr, A., Andrews, T., & Calladine, L. (2021). An advanced self-care delivery model for leg ulcer management: a service evaluation. Journal of Wound Care, 30(9): 751–762.

L&R Medical UK. (2024). Advancing lower limb care: L&R Medical UK’s pathway to sustainable care. Open Access Government. https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/advancing-lower-limb-care-lr-medical-uks-pathway-to-sustainable-care/191075/

Muldoon, J. & Hampton, S. (2017). Validity, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of an adjustable compression device application. SAWC, San Diego.

Wigg, J. & Lee, N. (2014). Redefining essential care in lymphoedema. British Journal of Community Nursing.

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New certified reference materials improve the reliability of nanomaterial testing

Close-up on a group of spherical nanoparticles, in glass material, with depth of field on black background
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The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has introduced two new certified reference materials, titanium dioxide and barium sulfate powders, to improve the accuracy and reliability of nanomaterial testing

These materials will help laboratories across Europe align with regulatory requirements, especially in light of the European Commission’s updated definition of nanomaterial.

Nanomaterials are materials containing particles with dimensions typically between 1 and 100 nanometres. At this small scale, where one nanometre is one billionth of a metre, materials can exhibit unique physical and chemical properties. These features make nanomaterials highly valuable in various sectors, including healthcare, electronics, energy, and agriculture.

Enhancing risk assessment and compliance

Under EU regulations, manufacturers and importers of nanomaterials are required to submit detailed information about their products to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). One of the most essential parts of this data is particle size, which influences a nanomaterial’s behaviour in the human body and the environment, as well as its toxicity and effectiveness in various applications.

Accurate and consistent measurement of particle size is essential for ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. The two newly released reference materials by the JRC provide a reliable standard for laboratories to validate their methods, helping to reduce discrepancies and ensure trustworthy results.

These materials complement existing nanoparticle suspension reference materials already produced by the JRC, collectively forming a comprehensive suite of tools for the identification and measurement of nanomaterials.

Tackling the measurement challenge

Measuring particle size, particularly at the nanoscale, is a complicated task. Differences in equipment, methods, and interpretation can lead to inconsistent results, posing challenges for both industries and regulators. The JRC’s certified reference materials are specifically designed to help laboratories:

  • Develop robust and reproducible methods for measuring particle size and size distribution
  • Validate existing in-house analytical procedures
  • Fulfil legal obligations related to the safe use of nanomaterials

By providing standardised benchmarks, the materials hope to create consistency across testing facilities, improving confidence in reported data and facilitating better decision-making in risk management.

Sustainability goals

Nanomaterials are increasingly viewed as key contributors to sustainable innovation. Their use can enhance the efficiency of products and processes in various fields, including renewable energy, environmental cleanup, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing. By improving testing and regulatory oversight, the JRC’s reference materials indirectly support these applications, helping drive the EU’s green transition.

Accurate testing not only helps ensure safety but also boosts public and regulatory confidence in nanotechnology. As industries integrate more nanomaterials into their products and operations, reliable standards become crucial for balancing innovation and responsibility.

The new materials are part of the EU’s effort to refine nanomaterial regulations. In 2022, the European Commission updated its official definition of ‘nanomaterial’ to ensure consistent application across EU legislation. This new definition supersedes the 2011 version and is expected to be progressively incorporated into key regulatory frameworks, such as REACH, the EU’s flagship legislation on chemicals.

In support of this policy shift, the JRC published a guidance document in 2023 to help industries and regulatory authorities effectively implement the new definition.

UK hopes to lead in global sustainable finance

Sustainble green building. Eco-friendly building. Sustainable glass office building with tree for reducing carbon dioxide. Office with green environment. Corporate building reduce CO2. Safety glass.
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The UK government is hoping to transform the UK into the world’s sustainable finance capital through new transition planning and investment frameworks

The UK government has created a strategy to establish the country as the global centre for sustainable finance, revealing a package of proposals that support climate transition planning and boost private investment in clean energy. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband presented the plans during the Climate and Innovation Forum at London Climate Action Week on 25 June.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which aims to unlock billions in clean energy investment and accelerate the country’s journey to net zero. A significant part of the strategy involves the development of high-quality climate transition plans by banks and large businesses, a move aimed at attracting green investment and providing long-term certainty for the financial markets.

The transition plans

Transition planning involves companies creating a clear roadmap to align their operations, strategies, and business models with climate goals. The government aims to standardise this process, providing investors with reliable information to guide their financial decisions and direct capital toward sustainable business models.

Around 70% of FTSE 100 companies have already incorporated core elements of transition plans voluntarily. The new proposals aim to extend this practice across the broader economy, establishing consistent expectations for disclosure and enabling the UK financial sector to become a hub for green finance innovation.

Driving investment through policy certainty

With net zero economies growing three times faster than the broader economy, according to CBI Economics, the UK government is seeking to capitalise on this momentum. Since July last year, over £40 billion in private clean energy investment has been committed, underlining the market’s appetite for environmentally responsible growth.

To maintain and grow this investment, the government will act on recommendations from the Transition Finance Market Review. This includes launching consultations on three key areas:

  • How to implement transition planning requirements across industries
  • The introduction of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards
  • A new voluntary registration regime for sustainability assurance providers

These steps are expected to enhance transparency and investor confidence while stimulating competition in the growing sustainability assurance market.

Aligning growth with green goals

The proposals aim to strike a balance between rigorous sustainability standards and the government’s commitment to reduce regulatory compliance costs by 25%. By aligning new reporting requirements with international frameworks, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the UK aims to streamline reporting for global investors while maintaining high-quality data and ensuring comparability.

Improved transition and sustainability reporting is expected to provide the information needed for financial institutions to make informed low-carbon investment decisions. This not only supports the UK’s net zero ambitions but also helps businesses future-proof themselves against the physical and economic risks of climate change.

Creating a resilient, competitive economy

These measures demonstrate an economic strategy that positions the green transition as a driver of industrial growth and job creation. With a focus on innovation, skills, and long-term resilience, the government aims to maintain the UK’s industry’s global competitiveness while attracting high levels of green investment.

By creating a clear and trusted framework for transition finance, the UK aims to capitalise on a time-sensitive opportunity to become a leader in sustainable finance, delivering both environmental progress and economic prosperity.

Survey solutions experts help staff under pressure

Colin Wheeler, Managing Director at Survey Solutions, describes how the firm assists in implementing comprehensive long surveys or short pulse surveys in high-pressure work environments

Staff are feeling the pressure at the moment, and keeping track of their feelings is crucial for any organisation.

Whether it’s a comprehensive long survey or a short pulse survey, being able to implement one can be a time-consuming activity in and of itself.

Introducing Survey Solutions

Survey Solutions aims to help clients through the process, making it as smooth and painless as possible to design the questionnaire, get the survey out to participants, and then ensure that solid, actionable insights are identified in the results. These allow organisations to focus attention on the areas which will make a difference to staff.

Organisations that demonstrate their commitment to listening, attracting and retaining the best staff are more likely to achieve goals and deliver better services.

At Survey Solutions, our clients come in all shapes and sizes, including public sector, not-for-profit, and commercial businesses. We can compare survey results to help show ‘what good looks like’ and where improvements can be achieved.

Office-based staff and ‘deskless’ workers, such as drivers, staff who work outside, and building maintenance personnel, are all encouraged to participate. A range of approaches are available to ensure they have access to the survey and can share their views.

Issues challenging the working environment

So many issues are challenging the working environment – the constant need to ensure limited budgets are spent well, changes in working practices such as introducing AI tools or managing hybrid/remote working, and the need for organisations to change and adapt – often causing uncertainty and stress for staff. Expectations of employers are also shifting, with those who have joined the workforce having different views on working life.

Exploring perceptions on topics such as well-being, bullying and harassment, leadership and management, communications, rewards and benefits, etc., is a means for employers to stay on top of key issues and take action quickly to avoid small concerns from becoming major issues.

Expert researchers at Survey Solutions

The team at Survey Solutions comprises expert researchers who can provide advice to clients, offering examples of how other clients have responded to feedback or how to design surveys to investigate specific challenges.

We work closely with clients to ensure they get the most value from the survey results and are available for any follow-up needed for a year after the survey closes.

If you’d like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Wildfires leave long-lasting impacts on water quality across the Western U.S.

Tomas Fire Santa Barbara, California.
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Wildfires can often be viewed as short-term disasters, but their impacts can linger for years, particularly in the rivers and streams downstream of burned landscapes

A new study led by researchers at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) reveals that wildfire damage can continue to degrade water quality for nearly a decade after the flames have gone out.

Published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, the study analysed more than 500 river basins across the Western United States, creating the first large-scale dataset to assess post-wildfire water quality impacts. By examining over 100,000 water samples, researchers found that harmful contaminants, including organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, sediment, and turbidity, can remain elevated for years.

Long-term contamination

Previous studies have typically focused on local or regional effects in the immediate aftermath of wildfires. This new research, however, reveals that water quality degradation can persist for much longer and affect a significantly wider area than previously understood.

The data showed that organic carbon, phosphorus, and turbidity often spike within the first five years following a wildfire. Nitrogen and sediment levels can persist at high levels for up to eight years. This prolonged pollution can make drinking water treatment more difficult and expensive, and it can also harm aquatic ecosystems.

One key factor is the type of landscape that burns. More forested areas were found to experience worse water quality degradation. Fires strip away vegetation and destroy soil structure, making it easier for ash and sediment to wash into rivers and streams during rain. In some cases, the full impact isn’t felt until a major storm arrives, mobilising the leftover contaminants.

Burned vs. unburned basins

To understand these patterns better, the researchers compared water quality data from basins affected by wildfires with those that hadn’t burned. This side-by-side comparison allowed them to isolate the impact of fire from other environmental factors. The findings confirmed that fire-affected watersheds consistently showed more severe and longer-lasting contamination.

The effects varied widely depending on local conditions. Watersheds, where fires occurred near rivers or in areas with loose, erosion-prone soil, tended to suffer more severe water quality impacts. In contrast, some areas exhibited surprisingly little sedimentation, highlighting the interplay of topography, vegetation, and weather patterns in shaping post-fire water quality outcomes.

Implications for water management

This study provides essential information for water managers across the Western U.S., who are increasingly facing the challenge of preparing for and responding to the aftermath of wildfires. As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, understanding their impact on water quality is crucial for long-term planning.

The researchers hope their findings will support the development of more targeted resilience strategies. By providing concrete, data-driven estimates of the duration and severity of water quality impacts after wildfires, the study fills a significant gap in wildfire planning and recovery efforts.

Working towards resilience

The variability in post-fire impacts makes it difficult to apply a one-size-fits-all solution, but having real numbers helps agencies prioritise resources and plan more effectively. For communities across the West, this research provides a clearer picture of what to expect in the years following a fire, highlighting the importance of investing in water system resilience.

As wildfires continue to reshape landscapes and ecosystems, understanding their hidden and long-term impacts on water quality remains crucial.

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