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
Delhi Police Tighten Security After Ban on Parliament March by Cockroach Activists
New Delhi, July 19 Eurotoday — Delhi Police security has been strengthened across central New Delhi after authorities barred a planned march to Parliament by activists linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Police said organizers had not received permission for the demonstration, which was scheduled to coincide with the opening of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Barricades have been installed
Russia Launches One of the Largest Ballistic Barrages Against Ukraine in the War
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that the strikes damaged residential buildin
Pogacar Dominates the Vosges
Susan Collins Election Race Shifts as Bellows Withdraws and Maine Democrats Regroup
Augusta, Maine, July 19 Eurotoday Newspaper — Susan Collins election developments took another turn after Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows withdrew from the Democratic Senate race. Her decision comes as Maine Democrats prepare to select a replacement nominee following the earlier withdrawal of former candidate Graham Platner. The party is expected to choose its new challenger before the s
US and Iran Exchange Strikes as Washington Retaliates for American Deaths
Kuwait’s electricity ministry reported that Iranian attacks targeted a Kuwaiti power and water desalination plant for the second time in two consecutive days, causing a fire. Kuwait
EU Rule-of-Law Report Focuses on Implementation
The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report raises the issue of whether annual democratic monitoring is bringing about practical changes. Released on Friday and influencing debates in Brussels on Saturday, the report highlights progress on nat
Fuel Crisis Puts Pressure on Russian Farmers, Impacting Food Supply Chain
Moscow, July 17 Eurotoday Newspaper — Food supply chain concerns are increasing after fuel shortages and continued security risks around the Azov Sea created new challenges for Russian farmers during the summer harvest. Diesel availability has tightened in several farming regions while transportation routes linked to southern export terminals remain under pressure, making it more difficult to mo
Merz Considers Government Reshuffle Following Top Conservative’s Resignation
During the interview, Merz also refrained from defending Spahn personally, noting his surprise at the level of outrage. “It probably also had something to do with h
Latvia Border Tensions Highlight Schengen Issues
Riga’s rising Belarus frontier numbers prompt regional discussions on security, solidarity, and migrant rights
Latvia is experiencing increased pressure on the EU’s eastern border due to a sharp rise in attempted crossings from Belarus, which is causing Lithuania to consider temporary border checks with Latvia. This situation has expanded a common security issue with Minsk into a broader Schenge
Sources Report Delayed Orders and Command Confusion Hamper Venezuela Quake Response
Caracas, July 18 Eurotoday Newspaper — Venezuela’s emergency response to the devastating June earthquakes is under renewed scrutiny after multiple sources familiar with the rescue operation said delayed military orders and command confusion slowed the initial deployment of troops and emergency personnel. The reported delays occurred during the critical first hours following the disaster, when lo
Leave a Reply