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REPORT (COM(2026)0004 – C100062/2026 – 2026/0066(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/2025/008/BE/Liberty

A-10-2026-0084

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Matthias Ecke

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Parliament approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers with EUR 2 033 869 for Belgium following 507 redundancies at Liberty Galaţi Belgian Branch, a steel company declared bankrupt in 2025. The resolution notes the application's background, the workers' profile, and the measures to be funded, and calls for support tailored to older and less-educated workers, visibility of EU funding, and thorough evaluations.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgets approves the Commission's proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium, agreeing with the assessment and the amount of EUR 2 033 869.

Key points

  1. Agrees that Belgium meets the conditions and is entitled to EUR 2 033 869, 85% of total costs of EUR 2 392 788, for personalised services and preparatory activities.
  2. Notes the application was submitted on 13 November 2025 and the Commission finalised its assessment on 2 March 2026; stresses the need to shorten the time between application and financing decision.
  3. Notes the 507 targeted beneficiaries were made redundant by Liberty, which faced financial difficulties due to steel market conditions, COVID-19 disruptions, and high energy prices, leading to bankruptcy.
  4. Calls on Belgian authorities to provide specific support to help workers develop skills for quality jobs, reduce bankruptcies, and address social disparities; stresses the importance of a competitive European steel sector.
  5. Recalls that 52% of workers are aged 55 or more and 69% have a low level of education, and that 1 in 4 registered job seekers in Wallonia are over 50, facing greater barriers to re-entering the labour market.
  6. Notes the personalised services include outplacement, training, support for business creation, and incentives; highlights the need for investment in innovation and skills.
  7. Emphasises the need to foster high-quality jobs and embed EGF mobilisation in a larger policy response to prevent closures and ensure workers find opportunities matching their qualifications.
  8. Underlines the importance of strengthening industrial competitiveness and promoting investment in strategic sectors, including the transition to renewable energy for affordable prices.
  9. Stresses that Belgian authorities must ensure visibility of EU funding and provide effective information to beneficiaries and the public.
  10. Calls for thorough final evaluations with social partners, including transparent information on fund use and reintegration outcomes, and regular monitoring.
  11. Notes that personalised services started on 1 June 2025 and are eligible until 24 months after the financing decision; administrative expenditure is eligible from 22 April 2025 until 31 months after the decision.
  12. Notes assurances that equality and non-discrimination will be respected and double financing prevented; reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace actions required by national law or collective agreements.

Who is affected

  • 507 displaced workers from Liberty Galaţi Belgian Branch in Liège, Wallonia, will receive personalised services and allowances.
  • Belgian authorities, including Le Forem, are responsible for implementing measures and ensuring visibility of EU funding.
  • Social partners and trade unions are involved in drawing up and evaluating the coordinated package of services.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 2 033 869 financial contribution, representing 85% of total cost of EUR 2 392 788.
  • 507 displaced workers targeted.
  • 52% of workers are aged 55 or more; 69% have low education.
  • Personalised services started on 1 June 2025; eligibility period is 24 months after the financing decision.
  • Administrative expenditure eligible from 22 April 2025 until 31 months after the financing decision.

Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2021/691 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers, and Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093, in particular Article 8.