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Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch

TA-10-2024-0025 · P10_TA(2024)0025 · PE763.160

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Parliament approves a financial contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers for Belgium, following the displacement of workers at Match-Smatch. Belgium is entitled to EUR 2 661 564, which is 85 % of the total cost of EUR 3 131 252, covering personalised services and preparatory, management, information, control and reporting activities. The application concerns 513 displaced workers in the retail trade sector in Hainaut, Liège and Namur; 365 are expected to participate in the measures. The personalised services include information, occupational guidance, outplacement, training, support for business creation, and incentives and allowances. Parliament notes the reduction of the maximum annual EGF amount from EUR 186 million to EUR 30 million and calls for monitoring and measures to ensure workers can still count on Union solidarity.

Key points

  1. Parliament agrees with the Commission that the conditions of Article 4(2), point (a), of the EGF Regulation are met and that Belgium is entitled to EUR 2 661 564.
  2. The contribution represents 85 % of the total cost of EUR 3 131 252, comprising EUR 3 009 752 for personalised services and EUR 121 500 for preparatory, management, information, control and reporting activities.
  3. The application relates to 513 displaced workers whose activity ceased in Match-Smatch; 365 displaced workers in total will be targeted beneficiaries and are expected to participate.
  4. Belgium applied for co-financing solely to support former Match-Smatch workers living in Wallonia, given the regional labour market situation and because more than 70 % of layoffs are concentrated there.
  5. Half of the redundant workers (46 %) are aged fifty or older, an age group facing more barriers to employment; reskilling and upskilling will pose a challenge.
  6. The co-ordinated package of personalised services was drawn up by Belgium in consultation with targeted beneficiaries, their representatives and the social partners.
  7. Personalised services consist of information services, occupational guidance and outplacement assistance, training, retraining and vocational training, support and contribution towards business creation, and incentives and allowances.
  8. Belgian authorities shall ensure equality between men and women and integration of the gender perspective throughout the implementation period.
  9. Belgian authorities shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of Union funding, providing targeted information to beneficiaries, local and regional authorities, social partners, media and the public.
  10. Belgium started providing personalised services on 1 January 2024, with expenditure eligible from that date until 24 months after the entry into force of the financing decision.
  11. Belgium started incurring administrative expenditure on 22 September 2023, with such expenditure eligible from that date until 31 months after the entry into force of the financing decision.
  12. Belgian authorities confirmed that eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union funds and that equality of treatment and non-discrimination will be respected.

Who is affected

  • Former Match-Smatch workers in Wallonia, particularly those aged fifty or older, who will receive personalised services.
  • Belgian authorities, who must ensure equality, visibility of Union funding, and compliance with collective redundancy rules.
  • The Regional Public Employment and Vocational Training Service of Wallonia (Le Forem), trade unions and other partners involved in the coordinated package.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 2 661 564, the financial contribution from the EGF to Belgium.
  • 85 %, the share of the total cost covered by the EGF contribution.
  • EUR 3 131 252, the total cost of the measures.
  • EUR 3 009 752, expenditure for personalised services.
  • EUR 121 500, expenditure for preparatory, management, information, control and reporting activities.
  • 513 displaced workers in total.
  • 365 displaced workers expected to participate as targeted beneficiaries.
  • 1 January 2024, the date from which personalised services are eligible for EGF funding.