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REPORT (COM(2025)0001 – C100056/2025 – 2025/0061(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/2024/003 BE/Van Hool

A-10-2025-0080

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Janusz Lewandowski

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Parliament approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) with EUR 7 999 015 for Belgium following 2 411 redundancies at Van Hool, supporting 2 397 targeted beneficiaries. The contribution covers personalised services and administrative expenditure, and Parliament agrees that the conditions of the EGF Regulation are met.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgets approves the Commission proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium, endorsing the financial contribution and the annexed decision.

Key points

  1. Agrees that Belgium is entitled to EUR 7 999 015, representing 85% of total costs of EUR 9 410 607, for personalised services and administrative activities.
  2. Notes the application relates to 2 411 redundant workers, with 2 397 targeted beneficiaries.
  3. Highlights the industrial decline in Lier, with industrial jobs down by 13% in 2023, and the need for upskilling and retraining for workers, many of whom are older or have low education.
  4. Welcomes the personalised services including social intervention, outplacement, job-search support, vocational guidance, training, and workplace training.
  5. Notes that Belgium started providing services on 22 April 2024 and incurring administrative expenditure on 14 March 2024, with eligibility periods of 24 and 31 months respectively.
  6. Stresses that equality of treatment and non-discrimination will be respected, and double financing prevented.
  7. Recalls that EGF assistance must not replace actions required by national law or collective agreements.
  8. Recalls that Belgian authorities must ensure visibility of Union funding and provide information to beneficiaries and the public.

Who is affected

  • Former workers of Van Hool in Belgium, particularly those aged 50+ or with low education, receive personalised support for reintegration.
  • The Flemish employment services (VDAB) provide national pre-financing and co-funding.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 7 999 015 financial contribution, 85% of total cost of EUR 9 410 607.
  • 2 411 redundancies; 2 397 targeted beneficiaries.
  • 13% decrease in industrial jobs in Lier in 2023.
  • One third of workers aged 50 or more; 80% have secondary education or less.
  • Services started 22 April 2024; administrative expenditure from 14 March 2024.

Legal basis: Article 8 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 as amended by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765.