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
Swedish Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft in Two Separate Incidents
The Swedish military indicated in a statement that on Friday there were two separate occurrences when Russian Su-24 and Su-34 fighter jets flew in the Baltic Sea area but did not enter Swedish airspace.
“Russia’s actions ar
Switzerland’s Population Cap Vote Threatens EU Free Movement
Swiss voters are approaching a national ballot on whether to restrict the permanent resident population below 10 million until 2050. If approved, this could force Switzerland to limit family reunification and asylum measures, affecting its free movem
Rising Regional Security Risks Amid Global Focus on Middle East Diplomacy
Jerusalem, Israel, June 13 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Regional security risks are drawing renewed international attention as governments across the Middle East closely monitor ongoing diplomatic developments involving major global and regional powers. Policymakers, security analysts, and investors continue evaluating how changing geopolitical conditions could influence stability, cooperation, and f
EU Countries Approve Initiating Membership Talks with Ukraine, Moldova
“This acknowledges the determination, bravery, and hard work of both countries in pursuing reforms, even amidst significant challenges,” stated
Scotland’s World Cup Return Begins Against Haiti in Boston
Two long World Cup absences meet in Group C as the expanded tournament gives smaller football nations a larger stage
Scotland faces Haiti in Boston on Saturday night as they make their return to the men’s World Cup after a 28-year absence. This Group C opener is more than just a match; it’s a test of preparation and identity for both teams, reflecting how football’s biggest tournament now
Brussels to Host Four Highly Anticipated Johann Sebastian Bach Concerts
They start this Saturday (June 13) and continue on June 20 and 27, and July 4, at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels.
For the third consecutive year, this is organised by the Ars in Cathedrali association.
From noon to 12.45pm, the world famous German composer will be celebrated by organists Ben Van Nespen, Charlène Bertholet, Annelies Focquaert, and Momoyo Kokubu.
The conce
5 Things to Know About the EU’s Air Passenger Rights Reform Deal
Criteria for Extraordinary Circumstances
The criteria for extraordinary circumstances, where airlines are exempt from compensating passengers for disruptions beyond their control, have been updated.
EU policymakers determined
The Hidden Biodiversity Battle to Save Europe’s Forests
In Suonenjoki village, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is enveloped by pine forests. The soil fertility is low, making pine the dominant species.
However, within the campus nursery, genetic material from across Europe, including European larch, wild cherry, and Scots pine, is cultivated. This diversity effort is part of the EU-funded OptFORESTS research project.
Seedlings are pla
Call for Calm in Belfast Amid Violent Unrest
MEPs say protests such as those seen this week in Belfast “must remain peaceful and lawful.”
The message, from the ECR Group in the European Parliament, comes in the wake of violent disturbances in the Northern Irish city.
This follows clashes over consecutive nights between protestors and the police after a knife attack in the city.
Hadi Alodid, 30, originally from Sudan, appeared in court on W
Leave a Reply