Pensions

The net periodic pension costs of defined-benefit pension plans amounted to a cost of EUR 3 million in 2009 compared to EUR 21 million credit in 2008, due to lower expected returns on lower assets in 2009. The defined-contribution pension cost amounted to EUR 107 million, EUR 11 million higher than in 2008, mainly due to a gradual shift from defined-benefit to defined-contribution pension plans. 2009 included a curtailment gain for retiree medical benefit plans totaling EUR 131 million. For further information, refer to note (18) Pensions and other postretirement benefits in the Group financial statements.