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Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers: application EGF/2025/008 BE/Liberty - Belgium

TA-10-2026-0145 · P10_TA(2026)0145 · PE785.333

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Parliament approves the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers with EUR 2 033 869 for Belgium following 507 redundancies at Liberty in Wallonia. The resolution notes the bankruptcy, the profile of the workers, the measures to be funded, and calls for support to reintegrate workers and strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Key points

  1. Agrees that Belgium meets the conditions and is entitled to EUR 2 033 869, 85% of the total cost of EUR 2 392 788.
  2. Notes the application was submitted on 13 November 2025 and the Commission notified Parliament on 2 March 2026; stresses the need to shorten the time between application and decision.
  3. Notes the 507 targeted beneficiaries were made redundant by Liberty, which was declared bankrupt on 22 April 2025 after years of financial difficulties.
  4. Calls on Belgian authorities to provide specific support tailored to workers' profiles, reduce bankruptcies, and address social disparities.
  5. Recalls that 52% of workers are aged 55 or more and 69% have a low level of education, facing barriers to re-entering the labour market.
  6. Notes the personalised services include outplacement, training, support for business creation, and incentives.
  7. Emphasises the need to strengthen industrial competitiveness, invest in strategic sectors, and transition to renewable energy to prevent further deindustrialisation.
  8. Stresses that Belgian authorities must ensure visibility of Union funding and provide effective information to beneficiaries and the public.
  9. Calls for thorough final evaluations with social partners, including clear information on fund use and reintegration outcomes.
  10. Notes that personalised services started on 1 June 2025 and are eligible for 24 months after the financing decision; administrative expenditure is eligible from 22 April 2025 for 31 months.
  11. Notes assurance that equality and non-discrimination will be respected and double financing prevented.
  12. Reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace actions by public authorities or companies under national law or collective agreements.

Who is affected

  • Workers displaced by Liberty in Wallonia, Belgium, who will receive personalised services funded by the EGF.
  • Belgian authorities, who must provide support, ensure visibility of funding, and carry out evaluations.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 2 033 869 financial contribution, 85% of total cost of EUR 2 392 788.
  • 507 displaced workers in the reference period from 24 April 2025 to 24 August 2025.
  • 52% of workers aged 55 or more; 69% have a low level of education.
  • Personalised services eligible from 1 June 2025 for 24 months after financing decision; administrative expenditure from 22 April 2025 for 31 months.