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Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers: application EGF/2026/001 BE/Cora - Belgium

TA-10-2026-0333 · P10_TA(2026)0333 · PE792.010

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Parliament approves a EUR 3 821 460 contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers for Belgium, following application EGF/2026/001 BE/Cora. The money covers 85 % of a total cost of EUR 4 495 836 and targets 1 010 displaced Cora and supplier workers in Wallonia. It funds personalised services such as vocational orientation, training, support for business creation and allowances, and asks Belgium to publicise the Union funding. Parliament calls for faster handling of applications, more outreach to member states with little EGF experience, and thorough final evaluations of the measures. It stresses that the EGF is a limited, complementary instrument that cannot replace structural economic and social policies or national obligations.

Key points

  1. Parliament agrees that the EGF Regulation conditions are met and that Belgium is entitled to EUR 3 821 460, which is 85 % of the total cost of EUR 4 495 836.
  2. The total cost comprises EUR 4 441 774 for personalised services and EUR 54 062 for preparatory, management, information, publicity, control and reporting activities.
  3. Parliament notes the application was submitted on 25 March 2026 and stresses the importance of shortening the time between application and financing decision.
  4. The application concerns 1 257 displaced workers made redundant by Cora and one supplier, with 1 010 targeted beneficiaries residing in Wallonia.
  5. Parliament notes Cora's difficulties with changing consumer habits, e-commerce and low-cost non-EU online retailers, and calls for a level playing field and a business-friendly environment.
  6. It highlights the impact on Hainaut province and the need to prevent structural regional decline and create high-quality, future-oriented jobs.
  7. It notes that eight in ten displaced workers have upper secondary education or lower and one in three is over 54, and calls on Belgian and regional authorities to address barriers including age-related discrimination.
  8. Personalised services include outplacement, vocational orientation, skills certification, training and re-training, support for business creation, start-up contributions, incentives and allowances.
  9. Trade union representatives should be involved throughout implementation and monitoring, and Belgium must ensure visibility of Union funding.
  10. Parliament calls on the Commission, with member states and social partners, to strengthen outreach and technical assistance, especially for authorities with no or limited EGF experience.
  11. It calls for thorough final evaluations covering use of funds, reintegration success and effectiveness, and for appropriate monitoring and control.
  12. Belgium assured equal treatment, non-discrimination and prevention of double financing; EGF aid must not replace public authorities' or companies' own responsibilities.

Who is affected

  • 1 010 displaced Cora and supplier workers in Wallonia, who are the targeted beneficiaries of the support.
  • Belgium and its regional authorities, which must provide information, ensure visibility of Union funding and respect equal treatment.
  • The Commission, which is asked to strengthen outreach and technical assistance on the EGF.
  • Social partners and trade union representatives, whose involvement in implementation and monitoring is stressed.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 3 821 460 — the EGF financial contribution for Belgium.
  • 85 % — the share of the total cost covered by the contribution.
  • EUR 4 495 836 — the total cost of the measures.
  • EUR 4 441 774 — expenditure for personalised services.
  • EUR 54 062 — expenditure for preparatory, management, information, publicity, control and reporting activities.
  • 1 257 — displaced workers covered by the application.
  • 1 010 — targeted beneficiaries residing in Wallonia.
  • EUR 30 million — maximum annual amount of the EGF (in 2018 prices).