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
Belgian Jews Condemn Leuven’s Ban on Israeli Club Match as Antisemitic
Leuven (Eurotoday Newspaper) -The Mayor of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, has banned the playing of the Europa League game between Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) and Hapoel Be’er Sheva from Israel based on the grounds of safety concerns due to the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza and possible demonstrations. This was revealed at a meeting at Leuven City Council held early September 2026 and is valid w
Norway Detains Russian Vessel in Svalbard
The Professor Molchanov was detained
France downplays SpaceX, Blue Origin snub of "worst Macron-organized" summit
“There are American companies participating, and there will be announcements. We do not see a trend of the U.S. turning its back on Europe at this space summit,” stated another Elysée official. Amazon’s satellite business, Amazon Leo, will have o
Aarschot Sushi Restaurant Raises Funds for Nepal Flood Victims
Aarschot (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Sushi Pleintje in Aarschot has launched a fundraiser to support victims of the deadly August 2026 floods in Nepal, hoping to sell at least 100 benefit boxes as local businesses across Europe and beyond mobilize food-based charity drives in response to one of the region’s worst recent disasters.
What is the Sushi Pleintje fundraiser?
In the Flemish municipality of
Volkswagen Greenlights Overhaul Impacting 50,000 Jobs
French government promises €1B for drought-stricken farmers
France will accelerate payments within its “national solidarity” program, intended to compensate for crop losses, increasing the total to €520 million, contingent on the adoption of the nation’s 2027 budget.
An “agricultural recovery fund” of €235 million is proposed
Sint-Niklaas Police Arrest Five After €22,000 Jewelry Theft in Knokke-Heist
Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sint-Niklaas police have arrested five suspects and recovered €22,000 worth of stolen gold jewelry hidden in a car following a brazen midday theft at a Knokke-Heist luxury dealer, with the Sint-Niklaas PROA team leading the rapid intervention
How did the theft unfold at La Mine de Diamant?
The robbery took place on a Wednesday afternoon at La Mine de D
Brussels Gun Violence Highlights Prevention Shortcomings
Top Farage Aides Resign Following Undercover Donations Scandal
Channel 4 News repor
Tadej Pogacar’s World Championships Return in Doubt After Severe Vuelta Crash in Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain, 3 September (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Tadej Pogacar has been discharged from hospital following surgery on his fractured left collarbone, but serious doubts remain over whether he will be fit to defend his world road race title later this month. The latest Tadej Pogacar recovery assessment from Slovenia’s medical team suggests competing at the World Championships in Montreal on 2
Leave a Reply