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 (application from Belgium – EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch)
BUDG-PR-763160
Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Michalis Hadjipantela
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This draft report approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) for Belgium following 513 redundancies at Match-Smatch. It agrees with the Commission that Belgium is entitled to EUR 2 661 564, representing 85% of the total cost of EUR 3 131 252.¶¶ The report notes that 365 displaced workers will be targeted beneficiaries and describes the personalised services to be provided, including information, training, business creation support, and various allowances and incentives.¶¶¶ It stresses that EGF assistance must not replace company obligations and that the principles of equality and non-discrimination will be respected.¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Budgets, through its rapporteur, approves the Commission's proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium and annexes the decision to the resolution.¶
Key points
- Agrees with the Commission that Belgium meets the EGF intervention criteria and is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 2 661 564, which is 85% of the total cost of EUR 3 131 252.¶
- Notes that the application relates to 513 displaced workers from Match-Smatch, with 365 targeted beneficiaries expected to participate in measures.¶
- Notes that Belgium applied for EGF co-financing solely to support former Match-Smatch workers living in Wallonia, given the regional labour market situation.¶
- Notes that 46% of redundant workers are aged 50 or older, an age group facing more employment barriers.¶
- Welcomes that the package of personalised services was drawn up in consultation with beneficiaries and social partners.¶
- Recalls that personalised services include information, guidance, training, business creation support, and incentives and allowances.¶
- Welcomes the inclusion of a circular economy module and calls for future applications to maximise policy coherence.¶
- Calls for special attention to qualified education, including vocational training, in light of digital and green transformation.¶
- Notes that personalised services started on 1 January 2024 and administrative expenditure from 22 September 2023, with eligibility periods specified.¶¶
- Stresses that eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union funds and that equality and non-discrimination principles will be respected.¶
- Reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace company responsibilities or workers' rights, and that member states must ensure compliance with collective redundancy laws.¶
- Approves the decision annexed to the resolution.¶
Who is affected
Figures and deadlines
- 513 displaced workers¶
- 444 displacements within the reference period from 11 December 2023 to 11 April 2024
- 69 displacements before or after the reference period
- EUR 2 661 564 financial contribution, 85% of total cost of EUR 3 131 252¶
- 365 targeted beneficiaries¶
- 46% of redundant workers aged 50 or older¶
- Contribution up to EUR 15 000 for business creation¶
- EUR 2 per hour for training or job-search activities¶
Legal basis: Article 8 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027¶