Budgets Committee backs EU support for workers made redundant in Belgium 

MEPs voted by 25 in favour, one against and with 2 abstentions on the Commission’s proposal to unlock €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 803 workers laid off after the Belgian high-tech car glass manufacturer Soliver declared bankruptcy on 1 July 2025.

The measures supported include career counselling and guidance, job search assistance, training in new professional and horizontal skills, and recruitment events to help laid off workers find new jobs. The total cost is estimated at €2.5 million, of which 85% (€2.1 million) will be covered by the EU and 15% (€0.4 million) by the Flemish public employment services.

Background

Under the 2021-2027 EGF Regulation, the fund supports displaced workers and self-employed people who have lost their jobs due to unexpected major restructuring events. Member states can apply for EU funding when at least 200 workers are made redundant within a defined reference period. If the application meets the EGF criteria, the Commission makes a proposal to mobilise funds, which must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council. According to the Commission, the EGF has intervened in 191 cases across Europe with €735 million disbursed to support 184,818 people in 20 EU countries.