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
Canadian Dollar Remains Steady Following Inflation Data in Currency Market Update
Toronto, Canada, June 22 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Currency market update shows the Canadian dollar remained under pressure after touching a 14-month low, though fresh inflation data helped limit further losses. Investors continued to favor the stronger U.S. dollar while assessing the latest economic indicators and future interest rate expectations. The inflation report suggested that price pressu
The Visegrád Four Revitalized
Gatherings of these nations had largely halted following Russia’s 2022 large-scale invasion of Ukraine — mainly due to former PM Viktor Orbán. Now, with the Hungarian leader out, the format is renewed, but can the group effectively collaborate?
Additionally, w
UN Cautions EU About New Returns Legislation
The United Nations human rights chief expressed concerns about the European Union’s newly implemented returns law, emphasizing that efforts to expedite deportations should not compromise safety protections, lead to arbitrary detention, or involve transfers to countries where individuals may face danger.
UN High Commissioner f
Ford and Unifor Begin Discussions Amidst Key Auto Sector Investments
Canada, June 22 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Auto sector investment is in focus as Unifor officially begins contract negotiations with Ford, opening the first round of bargaining among the Detroit Three automakers. Canada – June 2026: The discussions are expected to influence future agreements with General Motors and Stellantis while shaping Canada’s manufacturing outlook.
The negotiations will cente
Andy Burnham Dreaded Brexit; Now He May Need to Address It.
Heatwave in Europe Reveals Readiness Gaps
With a new heatwave sweeping across parts of Europe, schools, rail networks, health services, and authorities are under pressure to respond. The immediate focus is on public safety: safeguarding children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and vulnerable groups. The broader challenge is ensuring Europe adapts swiftly enough to a climate where extreme heat is more frequent, intense, and challenging to
Federal Court Halts Trump Voter Database Plan for Election Rule Review
Washington, D.C., June 22 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Federal election law moved back into the national spotlight after a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using a revamped immigration database to assist states with voter eligibility checks. The ruling pauses implementation of the verification system while the court reviews legal arguments concerning executive authority
Pressure Mounts on Sánchez After Former Minister Is Convicted of Corruption
The decision adds pressure on Pedro Sánchez, who appointed Ábalos to significant roles in the ruling Socialist Party an
Starmer Steps Down Amid Fresh UK Turmoil
Starmer’s resignation
Millions Remain Displaced Amid Ongoing Ukraine Refugee Crisis Despite Battlefield Changes
Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment
Leave a Reply