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
Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Aid: Impact Felt from Somalia’s Food Lines to Afghanistan’s Clinics
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has not eliminated sporadic hostilities and uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global energy and shipping. This situation has impacted global supply chains, increasing transport and fuel costs, and straining aid operations facing severe funding shortfalls.
Tangible Impacts
Speaking at the UN Headquarters, World Food P
Kosovo PM’s Party Poised for Victory in Third Election in 18 Months
However, with the Serbian minority party refusing to cooperate and other opposition parties unlikely to reach a compromi
7 Smart IPO Investing Strategies Investors Use Before Buying New Stocks
AI Can Enhance, Not Replace, Human Relationships, Elder Gong Teaches in New Video
Elder Gong poses the question, &
Exit polls indicate pro-EU ruling party leads Armenia parliamentary election
The Central Election Commission will release preliminary results on Monday.
Elections faced concerns about Russian interference. Authorities revealed over 40 arre
New Third-Country Deportation Agreement Ignites Global Debate: International Deportation Policy Bangui 2026
Ongoing Discussions Between Altice France Group and
Press ReleaseThis article is based on a press release or official communication from Wire News Service. The European Times republishes it as a public service.
Press release
Paris, 5 June 2026
Continued talks between Altice France group and Bouygues Telecom, Free-iliad Group and Orange
On 17 April 2026, Bouygues Telecom, Free-iliad Group and Orange announced they had submitted a new offer valui
Israel Strikes Hezbollah in Beirut Despite Ceasefire
France Sanctions Update: Five New Measures Under Review Amid Growing Global Attention for Paris 2026
Leave a Reply