Brussels (Eurotoday) – EU Parliament approved aid worth €700,000 to help 632 dismissed workers in Belgium.
The European Parliament Committee on Budgets endorsed Belgium’s request for €704,135 in EU support through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). The aid will help 632 former workers from machinery and paper companies Purmo and Sappi in the Flemish region of Limburg.
As reported by EU Parliament Press, MEPs stated that the profiles of the displaced employees, one-third of which are aged 55 years or more and 30 % with low education, translate into extreme barriers in the labour market.
What caused the layoffs at the Sappi and Purmo plants?
Both Sappi Lanaken and Purmo Group had to expel employees due to dropping demand for their products and economic difficulties. Sappi Lanaken shut its plant because digitalization decreased the need for woodfree coated paper and shifting production was too expensive, while Purmo Group’s Zonhoven plant stopped production due to a 60% reduction in panel radiator demand, higher operational expenses, and unfavorable market conditions affected by the war in Ukraine and EU ruling favoring alternative heating systems.
How will the €700,000 EU aid help displaced workers?
According to the EU Parliament, the EGF funding will assist in paying for counseling and vocational orientation, job search allowances, as well as skills activity in vocational, digital, and language skills. The total calculated cost of these actions is €1.2 million, with 60% (€700,000) spent by the EGF and the remaining 40% (€500,000) funded by the Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB).
What role does the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund play?
Moreover, under the EGF regulation 2021-2027, the Fund helps displaced employees and self-employed people who have lost their activity due to unexpected significant restructuring events. Since 2007, the EGF has assigned €696 million in 180 cases, providing support to more than 169,000 people in 20 Member States. EGF-supported efforts complement national active labour market measures.
Comments
5 responses to “EU Parliament Approves €700,000 Aid Package for Displaced Workers in Belgium”
-
Ah, €700,000 for 632 displaced workers in Belgium—because nothing says “we care” quite like tossing a few coins into a fountain while the real heavy lifting of job creation clearly remains a job for the next EU committee meeting, right?
-
Ah, the EU Parliament has graciously approved a whopping €700,000 to help 632 Belgian workers displaced by the whims of digitalization and market trends—because who needs a stable career when you’ve got a charmingly bureaucratic safety net to fall back on, right?
-
Ah, nothing like a €700,000 aid package for 632 displaced workers in Belgium to remind us that in the EU, even the crumbs of compassion come with a side of bureaucratic theatrics—because what’s more reassuring than an EU safety net that’s frayed at the edges and still costs more than your average Belgian waffle?
-
Ah, €700,000 to help 632 workers find new careers in Belgium—because nothing says “let them eat cake” quite like a bureaucratic band-aid on a digital age bullet wound!
-
Ah, the EU Parliament’s generous €700,000 gift to help 632 displaced workers in Belgium—because nothing says “compassionate governance” like a financial band-aid for a gaping wound in the job market, eh?
Last News
ICICI Bank Q1 Profit Surges 15.9%, Exceeding Expectations in Private Sector Banks India
Mumbai, July 18 Eurotoday Newspaper — Private sector banks India remained in focus after ICICI Bank reported a 15.9% year-over-year increase in first-quarter net profit, beating market expectations as strong loan growth and lower provisions boosted earnings. The lender reported standalone net profit of ₹148 billion for the April-June quarter, exceeding analyst estimates of about ₹131.8 billion.
Isaac Hammouch – Irak : un État entre renaissance et rivalités géopolitiques
Le défi d’Ali al-Zaidi face à l’Iran, aux États-Unis et aux fragilités d’un pays en reconstruction
L’Irak est aujourd’hui l’un des pays les plus stratégiques du Moyen-Orient. Sa position géographique, ses immenses ressources pétrolières et son histoire en font un acteur central des équilibres régionaux. Depuis la chute de Saddam Hussein en 2003, le pays s’efforce de reconstruire un État capable
Spain’s Sánchez to Attend FIFA World Cup Final Alongside Trump
A spokesperson emphasized the brief natur
Apple Intelligence Drives Apple’s Quest for World’s Highest Market Value
Cupertino, California, July 17 Eurotoday Newspaper — Apple Intelligence is helping strengthen investor confidence as Apple closes the gap with Nvidia in the race to become the world’s most valuable publicly traded company. Strong gains in Apple’s stock have reduced the difference in market capitalization, highlighting growing optimism about the company’s artificial intelligence strategy and futu
Antarctic Volcano Erupts Daily with Pure Gold Crystals
The Erebus volcano, the Earth’s southernmost active volcano, is situated on Ross Island, about 1,350 kilometers from the South Pole. It features a constant lava lake. Besides lava and gases, it releases something
How Food Delivery Works in Ukraine’s ‘Killing Zone’
EU Sanctions Hit Russia’s Defense Sector, Targeting Executive and Five Companies
Brussels, July 17 Eurotoday — Russia defense sector has come under renewed pressure after the European Union announced sanctions against one Russian executive and five companies linked to drone production. The measures are part of the EU’s latest effort to limit access to financial resources, technology, and international business networks that could support Russia’s military capabilities. The s
Morocco’s Ambitious Plan to Construct the World’s Largest Football Stadium
The stadium will be situated in the El Mansouria region, about 38 kilometers north of Casablanca, with a capacity of 115,000 spectators. It will feature modern architecture with 32 monumental entrances, incorpora
Merz and Macron Commit to Swift Action on EU Priorities Before Possible Le Pen Presidency
Merz emphasized the urgency. “Collaboration between Germany and France is essential when Russia threatens our security, the People’s Republic of China challenges our economy, and the transatlantic partnership is no longer a
US Equity Funds Face Outflows Amid Decline in Chip Stocks: Federal Reserve News
Washington, July 17 Eurotoday — Federal Reserve news remained a key focus for investors as US equity funds posted fresh outflows during the latest reporting period. A broad decline in semiconductor stocks weakened market sentiment, prompting investors to reduce exposure to technology-focused funds. Concerns over interest rate expectations, corporate earnings, and slowing momentum in high-growth
Leave a Reply