Actuarial gains and losses reflect unforeseen increases or reductions in the present value of a defined benefit obligation or of the fair value of the corresponding plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses resulting from changes in the present value of liabilities under a defined benefit plan stem, firstly, from experience adjustments (differences between the previous actuarial assumptions and what has actually occurred) and, secondly, from the effect of changes in actuarial assumptions.
Publicis Groupe also recognizes various long-term benefits, primarily seniority payments, long-service awards, in France in particular, and certain multi-year plans for which the deferred compensation is linked to continued employment.
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions of euros) | Pension plans | Medical cover | Total | Pension plans | Medical cover | Total |
| Opening actuarial benefit obligation | (719) | (22) | (741) | (752) | (22) | (774) |
| Cost of services rendered | (37) | - | (37) | (27) | (27) | |
| Benefits paid | 49 | 2 | 51 | 59 | 1 | 60 |
| Interest expense on benefit obligation | (12) | - | (12) | (14) | (1) | (15) |
| Effect of remeasurement | 32 | 1 | 33 | (34) | (1) | (35) |
| Experience gains (losses) | 12 | 1 | 13 | (6) | 1 | (5) |
| Gains (losses) arising from a change in economic assumptions | 18 | - | 18 | (33) | (2) | (35) |
| Gains (losses) arising from other changes in demographic assumptions | 2 | - | 2 | 5 | 5 | |
| Acquisitions, disposals | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Translation adjustments | (40) | (2) | (42) | 41 | 2 | 43 |
| Actuarial benefit obligation at year-end | (727) | (21) | (748) | (724) | (21) | (745) |
