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
Roma Campaigners Applaud "New Commitment" to Inclusion
Western Balkan governments and Germany have committed to a work plan for those classed as “vulnerable” groups, such as Roma.
They formally named Roma as a target group for active labour market measures.
The Roma Foundation for Europe, whose close collaboration with the Montenegrin government secured the inclusion, welcomed the move and has now called on participating governments to “move from co
UK Commits Drone Boats to Enhance Security in Strait of Hormuz
Australian Court Orders Fortescue to Pay $108M in Indigenous Ruling, Perth 2026
The ruling is already being described as one of the most significant compensation dec
French PM calls for ‘closer coordination’ with EU countries on hantavirus
The WHO has advised that passengers, crew, and any clos
Carlyle and Yum China Aim for Major KFC Asia Deal in Singapore 2026
Could Influencers Disrupt Future EU Summits?
Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss Europe’s potential role in peace negotiations, featuring Nick’s interview with Ukrainian Foreign Minister
South Korea Alerts to Major Global Shipping Threats Following Strait of Hormuz Cargo Ship Attack Dubai 2026
South Korean officials warned the incident threatens not only regional stability but also critical global energy transportation systems and international
Norway’s Pro-EU Voices Sense Their Moment
Norway and Iceland maintain a similar relationship with the EU: They ar
AI-Driven Cyberattacks Surge Amid Rising Global Security Concerns in 2026 Brussels
Cybersecurity analysts warn that AI-powered cyber operations are evolving faster than traditional digital defense systems,
Leave a Reply