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DRAFT 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

BUDG-PR-771884

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Janusz Lewandowski

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This draft report concerns the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) for Belgium following redundancies at Van Hool. It approves the Commission's proposal to provide EUR 7,999,015 in financial assistance to support 2,397 displaced workers.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes that Parliament approve the Commission's proposal to mobilise the EGF for Belgium, as the conditions are met.

Key points

  1. Agrees that Belgium meets the conditions for EGF support and is entitled to EUR 7,999,015, representing 85% of the total cost of EUR 9,410,607.
  2. Notes that the application relates to 2,411 redundancies at Van Hool, with 2,397 targeted beneficiaries.
  3. Highlights that the industrial sector in Lier is declining, with industrial jobs decreasing by 13% in 2023.
  4. Points out that one third of displaced workers are aged 50 or more and 80% have secondary education or less, requiring upskilling and retraining.
  5. Welcomes the personalised services to be provided, including social intervention, outplacement, job-search support, vocational guidance, training, and workplace training.
  6. Notes that personalised services started on 22 April 2024 and are eligible for EGF funding for 24 months after the financing decision's entry into force.
  7. Notes that administrative expenditure started on 14 March 2024 and is eligible for 31 months after the financing decision's entry into force.
  8. Stresses that equality of treatment and non-discrimination will be respected and double financing prevented.
  9. Reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace actions required by national law or collective agreements.

Who is affected

  • Workers made redundant by Van Hool in Belgium, particularly in the Provincie Antwerpen region.
  • The Flemish employment services (VDAB), which provide national pre-financing and co-funding.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 7,999,015: financial contribution from the EGF for Belgium.
  • 85%: percentage of total cost covered by the EGF contribution.
  • EUR 9,410,607: total cost of the proposed actions.
  • 2,411: number of redundancies at Van Hool.
  • 2,397: number of targeted beneficiaries.
  • 13%: decrease in industrial jobs in Lier in 2023.
  • 22 April 2024: start date for personalised services.
  • 14 March 2024: start date for administrative expenditure.