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REPORT (COM(2024)0275 – C100101/2024 – 2024/0226(BUD))

On the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (application from Belgium – EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch)

A-10-2024-0009

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Michalis Hadjipantela

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers with EUR 2 661 564 for Belgium to support 365 former Match-Smatch workers in Wallonia. The resolution notes the redundancies, the eligibility criteria met, and the measures to be funded, including training, business creation support, and incentives.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgets approves the Commission proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium, endorsing the amount and measures.

Key points

  1. Parliament agrees that Belgium meets the conditions of Article 4(2)(a) of the EGF Regulation and is entitled to EUR 2 661 564, representing 85% of total costs.
  2. The application concerns 513 displaced workers from Match-Smatch, with 365 targeted beneficiaries expected to participate in measures.
  3. Belgium applied for EGF co-financing solely for workers in Wallonia due to regional labour market conditions.
  4. The coordinated package of personalised services was drawn up in consultation with beneficiaries and social partners.
  5. Personalised services include information, guidance, training, business creation support, and incentives.
  6. Belgian authorities must ensure gender equality and visibility of Union funding.
  7. The resolution welcomes the inclusion of a circular economy module and stresses the need for qualifications for digital and green transitions.
  8. Eligible expenditure starts on 1 January 2024 for personalised services and 22 September 2023 for administrative costs.
  9. EGF assistance must not replace company obligations or other allowances.

Who is affected

  • Former Match-Smatch workers in Wallonia, particularly those aged 50 or older, will receive support for reintegration.
  • Enterprises recruiting former workers aged 50+ may receive hiring incentives.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 2 661 564 financial contribution from EGF, 85% of total cost of EUR 3 131 252.
  • 513 displaced workers; 365 targeted beneficiaries.
  • 46% of redundant workers are aged fifty or older.
  • Contribution to business creation up to EUR 15 000.
  • Job-search and training allowances: EUR 2 per hour.
  • Bonuses for IT and language skills: EUR 700 each.
  • Return-to-school and business creation allowances: EUR 350 monthly.
  • Hiring incentives: EUR 10 000 for recruiting workers aged 50+.