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
Trump Savings Accounts Launch Amid US 250th Independence Day Celebrations
Washington, D.C., July 04, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Trump savings accounts officially debuted as the United States launched its year-long 250th Independence Day celebrations. The new investment initiative was announced alongside nationwide Fourth of July events, making it one of the most significant policy announcements tied to the America 250 program. The accounts are intended to provide el
Polluted Air Proven to Harm Memory
The brain area responsible for storing general world knowledge
Air pollution has been associated with lung disease, heart issues, and early mortality. Recently, researchers have uncovered additional evidence suggesting that the air we breathe may also influence brain function as we age. A study by UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente reveals th
Thousands Protest in Germany Against Far-Right AfD
UK, Italy, and Japan Award £4.6 Billion Contract to Advance Combat Aircraft Program
London, July 03, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — combat aircraft program development advanced significantly after the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan awarded a £4.6 billion contract to support the next phase of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The agreement strengthens cooperation between the three nations as they work toward delivering a sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.
Contrac
Weather Changes Impact Mental Health
A new study reveals that even slight, short-term weather changes can be significant enough to prompt individuals to seek therapy.
Variations in temperature and sunlight are linked to UK residents accessing mental health services through the NHS, according to researchers in Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Spéciale Aix : l’incroyable manège des prétendants
Pope Leo’s Immigration Remarks Highlight America’s 250-Year Immigrant Legacy
Washington, D.C., July 03, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Pope Leo immigration remarks drew global attention as he praised the United States’ long tradition of welcoming immigrants during events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Pope highlighted how generations of immigrants have helped build America’s economy, culture, and communities while encouraging compassion and respect for h
Who Oversees Human Rights Violations?
Europe Faces Its Own Accountability Crisis
The democracies America fostered now show a growing gap at their heart: the U.S. itself. Yet, presuming immunity for the rest of the West would be a mistake.
For Washington, this is no
Two Romanian Men Sentenced for Stabbing Iranian Journalist in London
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