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REPORT (COM(2024)0370 – C100166/2024 – 2024/0286(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 following an application from Belgium – EGF/2024/002 BE/Limburg machinery and paper

A-10-2024-0019

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Matjaž Nemec

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Parliament approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers with EUR 704 135 for Belgium, following 681 redundancies in the machinery and paper sectors in Limburg. The contribution supports 632 targeted beneficiaries with personalised services such as guidance, training, and job-search support, and stresses the need for tailored help given workers' profiles.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgets approves the Commission proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium, agreeing that conditions are met and endorsing the annexed decision.

Key points

  1. Agrees that Belgium meets the conditions for a financial contribution of EUR 704 135, representing 60% of total eligible costs.
  2. Notes the application relates to 567 redundancies at Sappi Lanaken and 114 at Purmo Group Belgium, with 632 targeted beneficiaries.
  3. Highlights that labour markets in Lanaken and Zonhoven are disadvantaged, and industrial jobs in Limburg decreased by 15% in 2023.
  4. Points out that one third of displaced workers are aged 55 or more and 30% have low education, needing additional tailored support.
  5. Recalls that Belgium must ensure visibility of Union funding and provide targeted information to beneficiaries and other audiences.
  6. Stresses that EGF support should be part of a larger strategy to ensure nobody is left behind in digital and climate transitions.
  7. Lists personalised services: social intervention advisor, guidance, counselling, vocational orientation, active job-search support, training, retraining, vocational training, and workplace training.
  8. Notes that personalised services started on 26 December 2023 and are eligible for 24 months after the financing decision's entry into force.
  9. Notes administrative expenditure started on 20 November 2023 and is eligible for 31 months after the financing decision's entry into force.
  10. Confirms that equality of treatment and non-discrimination will be respected, and double financing prevented.
  11. Reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace company obligations or workers' rights, ensuring additionality.
  12. Calls on Belgian authorities and other member states to take preventive measures to adapt industries to globalisation and technological and environmental changes.

Who is affected

  • Workers made redundant by Sappi Lanaken and Purmo Group Belgium in Limburg, who will receive personalised services.
  • Belgian authorities, responsible for implementing the EGF contribution and ensuring visibility and additionality.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 704 135 financial contribution, 60% of total cost of EUR 1 173 559.
  • 681 redundancies: 567 at Sappi Lanaken and 114 at Purmo Group Belgium.
  • 632 targeted beneficiaries.
  • 15% decrease in industrial jobs in Limburg in 2023.
  • One third of workers aged 55 or more, 30% with low education.
  • Personalised services eligible from 26 December 2023 for 24 months.
  • Administrative expenditure eligible from 20 November 2023 for 31 months.