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/2025/009 BE/Soliver
BUDG-PR-787923
Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Bogdan Rzońca
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This draft report concerns the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) for Belgium following 803 redundancies at Soliver NV. It approves the Commission's proposal to provide EUR 2,132,535 in financial assistance.¶¶¶ The report notes that the application meets the EGF Regulation criteria and describes the personalised services to be offered, including job-search assistance, training, and outplacement. It stresses the need for visibility of EU funding and thorough evaluations.¶¶¶
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
- Agrees with the Commission that Belgium is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 2,132,535, representing 85% of the total cost of EUR 2,508,865.¶
- Notes that the application relates to 803 targeted beneficiaries made redundant in Soliver, a glass manufacturer that went bankrupt after shifting to high-tech automotive glass.¶¶¶
- Regrets the negative impact of rising bankruptcies on employment in Flanders and stresses the need for reintegration and skills development.¶¶
- Recalls that personalised services include a task force, outplacement, job-search assistance, training, and job fairs, and emphasises fostering high-quality, future-oriented jobs.¶
- Considers that EGF mobilisation must be part of a larger policy response and that the Union's primary task is to prevent closures by keeping industrial production competitive.¶
- Stresses that Belgian authorities must ensure visibility of EU funding and provide effective information to beneficiaries and the public.¶
- Calls for thorough final evaluations of the measures, including how funds were used and whether objectives were achieved.¶
- Notes that Belgium started providing services on 11 June 2025 and that the eligibility period runs from that date until 24 and 31 months after the financing decision.¶
- Notes assurance that equality of treatment 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 and is a limited, targeted, complementary mechanism.¶
- Approves the decision annexed to the resolution.¶