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REPORT (COM(2026)0155 – C100200/2026 – 2026/0197(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/2026/001 BE/Cora

A-10-2026-0241

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Hélder Sousa Silva

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Parliament's resolution approves mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers for Belgium after 1 257 displacements at Cora SA and one supplier. It agrees with the Commission that Belgium is entitled to EUR 3 821 460, which is 85 % of the total cost of EUR 4 495 836. The money funds personalised services for 1 010 targeted beneficiaries, mostly in Wallonia, including outplacement, skills certification, training, support for business creation and allowances. It asks Belgian and regional authorities to tackle barriers facing older and lower-educated workers, to make Union funding visible, and to evaluate the measures. It stresses that the EGF is a limited, complementary instrument that cannot replace structural economic and social policies.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgets approves the Commission's proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium and asks Parliament to approve the annexed decision.

Key points

  1. Parliament agrees with the Commission that the conditions of Article 4(2), point (a), of the EGF Regulation are met and that Belgium is entitled to EUR 3 821 460.
  2. The contribution is 85 % of the total cost of EUR 4 495 836, of which EUR 4 441 774 is for personalised services and EUR 54 062 for preparatory, management, information, publicity, control and reporting activities.
  3. The application concerns 1 257 displaced workers from Cora and one supplier, with 1 010 targeted beneficiaries residing in Wallonia.
  4. Parliament notes Cora's difficulties with changing consumer habits, e-commerce and low-cost non-EU online retailers, and calls for a level playing field and a business-friendly environment.
  5. It notes the impact on Hainaut and calls for policies to prevent structural regional decline and create high-quality jobs.
  6. It notes that eight in ten displaced workers have upper secondary education or lower and one in three is over 54, and calls on Belgian and regional authorities to address social disparities and age-related discrimination.
  7. Personalised services include outplacement and vocational guidance, skills certification, training, support for business creation, a contribution to business start-up, and incentives and allowances.
  8. Trade union representatives should be involved throughout the implementation of the EGF measures, including the monitoring phase.
  9. Belgian authorities shall ensure the visibility of Union funding and provide clear and timely information to beneficiaries, regional and local authorities, social partners and the public.
  10. Parliament calls on the Commission, with member states and social partners, to strengthen outreach and technical assistance, especially for authorities with no or limited experience of EGF support.
  11. It calls for thorough final evaluations of the measures, including information on the use of funds and the success of workers' reintegration.
  12. It notes the eligibility periods: personalised services from 1 September 2025 and administrative expenditure from 9 April 2025, running until 24 and 31 months after the financing decision enters into force.

Who is affected

  • Belgium: receives EUR 3 821 460 from the EGF for displaced Cora workers.
  • 1 010 targeted beneficiaries, mostly in Wallonia: receive personalised services and allowances.
  • Belgian and regional authorities: must ensure visibility of Union funding and address barriers to employment.
  • The Commission: asked to strengthen outreach and technical assistance on the EGF.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 3 821 460: financial contribution from the EGF to Belgium.
  • 85 %: share of the total cost covered by the EGF contribution.
  • EUR 4 495 836: total cost of the measures.
  • EUR 4 441 774: expenditure for personalised services.
  • EUR 54 062: expenditure for preparatory, management, information, publicity, control and reporting activities.
  • 1 257: displaced workers covered by the application.
  • 1 010: targeted beneficiaries residing in Wallonia.
  • EUR 15 000: maximum contribution for workers starting a business or self-employed activity.

Legal basis: Article 4(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) 2021/691 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers.