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Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/002 BE/Limburg machinery and paper - Belgium

TA-10-2024-0062 · P10_TA(2024)0062 · PE765.241

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Parliament approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers with €704,135 for Belgium following 681 redundancies in the machinery and paper sectors in Limburg. The resolution notes that the application covers 681 workers, with 632 targeted beneficiaries, and stresses the need for tailored support and visibility of EU funding.

Key points

  1. Agrees that Belgium meets the conditions for EGF support and is entitled to €704,135, representing 60% of the total cost of €1,173,559.
  2. Notes that the application relates to 567 workers from Sappi Lanaken and 114 from Purmo Group Belgium, with 632 targeted beneficiaries, almost exclusively men.
  3. Highlights that the labour markets in Lanaken and Zonhoven are at a disadvantage, and that industrial jobs in Limburg decreased by 15% in 2023.
  4. Points out that one third of displaced workers are aged 55 or more and 30% have low education, creating severe barriers to employment.
  5. Recalls that Belgian authorities must ensure visibility of EU funding and provide targeted information to beneficiaries and other audiences.
  6. Considers it a social responsibility to provide affected workers with qualifications for future employment, considering digital and ecological transitions.
  7. Stresses that EGF support should be part of a larger strategy for workers and the region, ensuring nobody is left behind in digital and climate transitions.
  8. Lists personalised services: social intervention advisor, guidance, counselling, vocational orientation, job-search support, training, retraining, and workplace training.
  9. Notes that Belgium started providing services on 26 December 2023, with eligibility until 24 months after the financing decision's entry into force.
  10. Notes that administrative expenditure started on 20 November 2023 and is eligible until 31 months after the financing decision's entry into force.
  11. Stresses that equality and non-discrimination will be respected, and double financing prevented.
  12. Reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace company obligations or workers' rights, and calls for proactive preventive measures.

Who is affected

  • Workers made redundant in Sappi Lanaken and Purmo Group Belgium in Limburg, who will receive personalised services.
  • Belgian authorities, responsible for implementing the EGF and ensuring visibility and compliance.

Figures and deadlines

  • €704,135 financial contribution, 60% of total cost €1,173,559.
  • 681 redundancies in total.
  • 567 workers from Sappi Lanaken and 114 from Purmo Group Belgium.
  • 632 targeted beneficiaries.
  • 15% decrease in industrial jobs in Limburg in 2023.
  • One third of workers aged 55 or more, 30% with low education.