Sittings · Document
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers following an application from Belgium – EGF/2025/009 BE/Soliver
Committee on Budgets
AM_Com_NonLegReport
Amendment 1
Isabel Benjumea Benjumea
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
A. whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural events and changes in world trade patterns, and to assist their reintegration into the labour market; whereas this assistance is made through a financial support given to workers;
A. whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural events and changes in world trade patterns, and to assist their reintegration into the labour market; whereas this assistance is made through a financial support given to workers; whereas maintaining the competitiveness of European industry and strengthening investment in innovation and skills are essential to prevent further industrial decline and job losses across the Union;
Or. en
Amendment 2
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
D. whereas Soliver filed for bankruptcy in December 2024; whereas in Belgium bankruptcies are on the rise since 2022 and unemployment is severely affecting several regions in Flanders;
D. whereas Soliver filed for bankruptcy in December 2024; whereas in Belgium bankruptcies are on the rise since 2022 and unemployment is severely affecting several regions in Flanders, a region whose labour market has already been weakened by other restructuring events; whereas the European automotive sector is undergoing a profound structural crisis driven by the accelerating shift to electrification, a significant slowdown in demand for new vehicles, and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers offering low-cost electric vehicles; whereas these combined pressures have triggered a wave of restructurings, plant closures and mass redundancies across European automotive supply chains, of which the closure of Soliver is a direct consequence; whereas these disruptions call for a coordinated European industrial and social policy response that anticipates change rather than merely reacting to it;
Or. en
Amendment 3
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
D a. whereas the workforce affected by the closure of Soliver includes a significant share of older workers, who face specific and compounded barriers to reintegration into the labour market, including age discrimination, skills mismatches and limited access to retraining opportunities; whereas targeted measures must be put in place to address the specific needs of older workers, including age-appropriate training formats, mentoring and cooperation with employers committed to age-diverse recruitment;
Or. en
Amendment 4
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
G. whereas financial contributions from the EGF should be primarily directed at active labour market policy measures and personalised services that aim to reintegrate beneficiaries rapidly into the labour market while offering them skills training to facilitate their reintegration into the labour market;
G. whereas financial contributions from the EGF should be primarily directed at active labour market policy measures and personalised services that aim to reintegrate beneficiaries durably and in quality employment conditions into the labour market while offering them skills training to facilitate their reintegration into the labour market;
Or. en
Amendment 5
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
2. Notes that the Belgian authorities submitted the application on 22 December 2025, and that, following the receipt of additional information from Belgium, the Commission finalised its assessment, almost one month ahead of the deadline, on 30 April 2026 and notified it to Parliament on the same day;
2. Notes that the Belgian authorities submitted the application on 22 December 2025, and that, following the receipt of additional information from Belgium, the Commission finalised its assessment, almost one month ahead of the deadline, on 30 April 2026 and notified it to Parliament on the same day; stresses the importance of shortening the time between the submission of an application for EGF assistance and the financing decision, while fully safeguarding the rights of the European Parliament as one arm of the budgetary authority;
Or. en
Amendment 6
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
4. Takes note that Soliver, a manufacturer of glass products for construction and the automotive sector, shifted its focus to exclusively high-tech automotive glass after its acquisition by American Glass Products Holding (AGP) in 2018; notes that the company began experiencing difficulties mainly linked to a downturn in the automotive sector, stemming from delayed production of car models its products were intended for, and which ultimately resulted in severe reduction of profitability and cumulated in bankruptcy;
4. Takes note that Soliver, a manufacturer of glass products for construction and the automotive sector, shifted its focus to exclusively high-tech automotive glass after its acquisition by American Glass Products Holding (AGP) in 2018; notes that the company began experiencing difficulties mainly linked to a downturn in the automotive sector, stemming from delayed production of car models its products were intended for, and which ultimately resulted in severe reduction of profitability and cumulated in bankruptcy; highlights the need to strengthen business management capacity to anticipate and adapt to major technological changes and increasing international competition in high-tech sectors, while safeguarding quality employment and workers’ rights, in order to prevent lay-offs in situations where failure to respond adequately to market and innovation demands may lead to severe financial deterioration;
Or. en
Amendment 7
Angéline Furet, Julien Sanchez
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
4. Takes note that Soliver, a manufacturer of glass products for construction and the automotive sector, shifted its focus to exclusively high-tech automotive glass after its acquisition by American Glass Products Holding (AGP) in 2018; notes that the company began experiencing difficulties mainly linked to a downturn in the automotive sector, stemming from delayed production of car models its products were intended for, and which ultimately resulted in severe reduction of profitability and cumulated in bankruptcy;
4. Takes note that Soliver, a manufacturer of glass products for construction and the automotive sector, shifted its focus to exclusively high-tech automotive glass after its acquisition by American Glass Products Holding (AGP) in 2018; notes that the company began experiencing difficulties mainly linked to a downturn in the automotive sector, which is increasingly structural and exacerbated by the forced transition to electric vehicles imposed by Union legislation and the lack of a protective industrial framework against unfair global competition, stemming from delayed production of car models its products were intended for, and which ultimately resulted in severe reduction of profitability and cumulated in bankruptcy;
Or. en
Amendment 8
Monika Hohlmeier
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
4. Takes note that Soliver, a manufacturer of glass products for construction and the automotive sector, shifted its focus to exclusively high-tech automotive glass after its acquisition by American Glass Products Holding (AGP) in 2018; notes that the company began experiencing difficulties mainly linked to a downturn in the automotive sector, stemming from delayed production of car models its products were intended for, and which ultimately resulted in severe reduction of profitability and cumulated in bankruptcy;
4. Takes note that Soliver, a manufacturer of glass products for construction and the automotive sector, shifted its focus to exclusively high-tech automotive glass after its acquisition by American Glass Products Holding (AGP) in 2018; notes that the company began experiencing difficulties mainly linked to a downturn in the automotive sector, stemming from delayed production of car models its products were intended for, and which ultimately resulted in severe reduction of profitability and cumulated in bankruptcy; stresses in this regard the importance of technologically-neutral regulation, which enables the automotive sector to thrive;
Or. en
Amendment 9
Monika Hohlmeier
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
4 a. Notes that the glass industry is an energy-intensive sector and has been severely affected by persistently high energy prices, which have significantly undermined its competitiveness; stresses that achieving competitive energy prices in the long term requires a substantial increase in reliable and affordable energy supply, including through the diversification of energy sources and supply routes, the development of domestic energy production, and the full completion of the Energy Union;
Or. en
Amendment 10
Lucia Yar, Olivier Chastel, Fabienne Keller, Stine Bosse
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
5. Notes that, while technically skilled workers, or those willing to reskill, have most favourable employment prospects, this is due to a shortage of technical professionals, stemmed by low youth engagement in vocational training and an aging workforce; emphasizes that reintegrating the laid-off workers and providing jobseeker with the skills the labour market demands is key to a future proof European economy with a strong industrial base;
5. Notes that, while technically skilled workers, or those willing to reskill, have most favourable employment prospects, this is due to a shortage of technical professionals, stemmed by low youth engagement in vocational training and an aging workforce; emphasizes that reintegrating the laid-off workers and providing jobseeker with the skills the labour market demands is key to a future proof European economy with a strong industrial base; underlines the importance of strengthening the Union’s industrial competitiveness in this context;
Or. en
Amendment 11
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
5. Notes that, while technically skilled workers, or those willing to reskill, have most favourable employment prospects, this is due to a shortage of technical professionals, stemmed by low youth engagement in vocational training and an aging workforce; emphasizes that reintegrating the laid-off workers and providing jobseeker with the skills the labour market demands is key to a future proof European economy with a strong industrial base;
5. Notes that, while technically skilled workers, or those willing to reskill, have most favourable employment prospects, this is due to a shortage of technical professionals, stemmed by low youth engagement in vocational training and an aging workforce; emphasizes that reintegrating the laid-off workers and ensuring equal access to high-quality training opportunities is key to a future proof European economy with a strong industrial base;
Or. en
Amendment 12
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
6. Regrets that the rise in bankruptcies over the past few years had a negative impact on the employment rate in some regions in Belgium, particularly in the region of Flanders;
6. Regrets that the rise in bankruptcies over the past few years had a negative impact on the employment rate in some regions in Belgium, particularly in the region of Flanders; emphasizes that in Flanders the older workers who are made redundant face greater barriers to re-entering the labour market; calls on Belgian authorities to provide specific support tailored to help workers further develop necessary skills to find new quality-jobs, while taking measures to reduce bankruptcies and address social disparities leading to exclusion of workforce;
Or. en
Amendment 13
Lucia Yar, Olivier Chastel, Fabienne Keller
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
6. Regrets that the rise in bankruptcies over the past few years had a negative impact on the employment rate in some regions in Belgium, particularly in the region of Flanders;
6. Regrets that the rise in bankruptcies over the past few years had a negative impact on the employment rate in some regions and on workers; underlines that the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund demonstrates the essential and concrete role played by the Fund in supporting dismissed workers across different economic and industrial sectors and highlights the need for stronger measures to support industrial resilience, anticipate labour market disruptions and protect quality employment;
Or. en
Amendment 14
Alexander Jungbluth
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
6 a. Notes that rising energy prices, regulatory burdens and industrial uncertainty have contributed to the deterioration of Europe’s manufacturing sector and have negatively affected industrial employment in several Member States;
Or. en
Amendment 15
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
7. Recalls that, in agreement with experts and social partners, personalised services to be provided to the workers consist of the following measures: task force of experienced consultants and account managers, providing personalised advisory services; outplacement services providing individual guidance; assistance in finding a job; reinforced job-search assistance; training and re-training, including training at the workplace; participation at job fairs; emphasises the importance of fostering high-quality, future-oriented jobs that strengthen competitiveness and support digital transformation;
7. Recalls that, in agreement with trade unions, experts and social partners - whose meaningful involvement is essential to the quality and legitimacy of the reintegration process - personalised services to be provided to the workers consist of the following measures: task force of experienced consultants and account managers, providing personalised advisory services; outplacement services providing individual guidance; assistance in finding a job; reinforced job-search assistance; training and re-training, including training at the workplace; participation at job fairs; emphasises the importance of fostering high-quality, future-oriented jobs that strengthen competitiveness and support digital transformation; stresses that trade union representatives should be involved throughout the entire implementation of the EGF measures, including the monitoring phase, to ensure the quality and relevance of the support offered to beneficiaries;
Or. en
Amendment 16
Alexander Jungbluth
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers;
8. Recalls that the EGF is a limited mechanism and that support following job losses cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place by restoring industrial competitiveness, reducing excessive regulatory burdens and ensuring affordable energy prices for European industry, while supporting skills development for workers;
Or. en
Amendment 17
Jean-Marc Germain
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers;
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers; underlines the need to provide specific support tailored to profiles of workers, while taking measures to reduce bankruptcies and address social disparities leading to exclusion from the workforce;
Or. en
Amendment 18
Isabel Benjumea Benjumea
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers;
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers; underlines that reducing unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens is essential to support industrial competitiveness, attract investment and preserve quality jobs in the Union;
Or. en
Amendment 19
Monika Hohlmeier
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers;
8. Recalls that the EGF is an instrument of solidarity and just transition and while it provides support following job losses, it cannot replace a proactive industrial policy; considers that the mobilisation of the EGF needs to be embedded in a larger policy response on all political levels to ensure that the workers affected find adequate opportunities in line with their qualifications and skills; stresses that the Union’s primary task must be to prevent such closures in the first place, by creating the conditions to keep industrial production competitive and social security systems financially sustainable, while at the same time investing in skills for both highly qualified and industrial workers;
Or. en
Amendment 20
Alexander Jungbluth
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
8 a. Recalls that employment and social policy remain primarily the responsibility of the Member States in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Or. en
Amendment 21
Alexander Jungbluth
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
8 b. Recalls that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) must remain an exceptional, temporary and targeted instrument and must not evolve into a permanent Union-level unemployment reinsurance or income-support mechanism;
Or. en
Amendment 22
Lucia Yar, Olivier Chastel, Fabienne Keller, Stine Bosse
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
10. Calls for thorough final evaluations of the measures implemented, including clear information on how the funds have been used, on the success of the reintegrating of workers into the labour market, and whether the measures have achieved the objectives for which the EGF was created;
10. Calls for thorough final evaluations together with social partners of the measures implemented, including clear and transparent information on how the funds were used, the reintegration of workers into the labour market, and whether the EGF objectives were achieved; highlights, in this context, the importance of regular monitoring of the measures financed by the EGF in order to assess their effectiveness;
Or. en
Amendment 23
Angéline Furet, Julien Sanchez
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
10. Calls for thorough final evaluations of the measures implemented, including clear information on how the funds have been used, on the success of the reintegrating of workers into the labour market, and whether the measures have achieved the objectives for which the EGF was created;
10. Calls for a comprehensive and independent evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the EGF, including an assessment of reintegration rates, administrative expenditure, and long-term employment outcomes;
Or. en
Amendment 24
Lucia Yar, Olivier Chastel, Fabienne Keller, Stine Bosse
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
13 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure equal visibility of the instrument across Member States and to promote its added value by disseminating targeted information to national authorities, which should further relay such information to companies affected by redundancies, regional and local authorities, social partners, and the wider public;
Or. en
Amendment 25
Auke Zijlstra
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
13 a. Is worried that this is the fifth appeal by Belgium to EGF in the first half of 2026 alone, after Audi (12/1), Tupperware (27/1), Casa (13/2) and Liberty (4/3);
Or. en
Amendment 26
Alexander Jungbluth
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
13 a. Opposes any future expansion of the EGF into a permanent crisis-management, income-support or redistributive instrument at Union level;
Or. en
Amendment 27
Alexander Jungbluth
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
13 b. Stresses that assistance to dismissed workers should primarily be organised and financed at national level and should not lead to the establishment of permanent Union-level social transfer mechanisms;
Or. en