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DRAFT REPORT (COM(2026)0555 – C100209/2026 – 2026/0254(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 Finland – EGF/2026/004 FI/Etelä-Suomi and Helsinki-Uusimaa paper

BUDG-PR-796159

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Aura Salla

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The rapporteur's draft report backs Finland's request for money from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers after job losses in paper manufacturing in Etelä-Suomi and Helsinki-Uusimaa. It agrees Finland is entitled to EUR 1 102 560, which is 60 % of total costs of EUR 1 837 600, and approves the draft decision on the mobilisation. The money covers 351 displaced workers and pays for job-search training, vocational training, start-up grants, an AI recruitment pilot, pay subsidies, a mobility allowance and a business-creation allowance. The report asks for measures tailored to older workers and workers from manufacturing, for visibility of EU funding, and for thorough final evaluations of the measures.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes that Parliament agree with the Commission that the EGF conditions are met, that Finland is entitled to EUR 1 102 560, and that the annexed decision on mobilisation be approved.

Key points

  1. Parliament agrees with the Commission that the conditions in the EGF Regulation, in particular Article 4(2), point (b), are met and that Finland is entitled to EUR 1 102 560.
  2. The contribution is 60 % of total costs of EUR 1 837 600: EUR 1 769 600 for personalised services and EUR 68 000 for preparatory, management, information, publicity, control and reporting activities.
  3. The application concerns 351 targeted beneficiaries made redundant in the paper manufacturing sector, coming from 4 enterprises.
  4. Finland submitted the application on 19 May 2026; the Commission finalised its assessment on 8 September 2026 and notified Parliament the same day.
  5. The report notes the strong forest-industry base of South Karelia and warns that the displacements risk worsening structural and prolonged unemployment, stressing the need for reskilling and a competitive European manufacturing base.
  6. It notes that short of 90 % of the displaced workers are men and half are aged over 54, and calls for measures tailored to older workers and workers with a manufacturing background.
  7. Personalised services, agreed with experts, regional stakeholders and social partners, are job-search training and career coaching, vocational training, self-employment grants and allowances, an AI-based pilot on recruitment needs, pay subsidies and a mobility allowance.
  8. Finnish and regional authorities must ensure the visibility of Union funding and provide effective and targeted information to beneficiaries, regional and local authorities, social partners and the wider public.
  9. The report calls for thorough final evaluations of the measures, covering how funds were used, the reintegration of workers and whether the EGF objectives were achieved.
  10. Finland started providing services and incurring administrative expenditure on 1 January 2026; eligibility runs from that date until 24 months and until 31 months after entry into force of the financing decision, respectively.
  11. EGF assistance must not replace actions that public authorities or companies owe under national law or collective agreements, and cannot replace structural economic policies.
  12. Parliament approves the decision annexed to the resolution.

Who is affected

  • 351 displaced paper manufacturing workers in Etelä-Suomi and Helsinki-Uusimaa, who receive personalised services and allowances.
  • Older workers and workers with a manufacturing background, for whom measures should be tailored.
  • Finnish and regional authorities, which must ensure visibility of Union funding and provide information.
  • South Karelia and Lohja-Karkkila Employment Areas, which provide national pre-financing and co-funding.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 1 102 560: financial contribution from the EGF to Finland.
  • 60 %: share of total costs covered by the EGF contribution.
  • EUR 1 837 600: total cost of the measures.
  • EUR 1 769 600: expenditure for personalised services.
  • EUR 68 000: expenditure for preparatory, management, information and publicity, control and reporting activities.
  • 351: targeted beneficiaries / displacements.
  • EUR 30 million (in 2018 prices): maximum annual amount of the EGF.
  • EUR 37,21: daily allowance towards business creation, paid five days a week for a maximum of 12 months.