Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support workers made redundant following an application from Belgium — EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch
This decision releases EU funds to help workers in Belgium who lost their jobs due to major economic changes. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) provides financial support to assist these workers in finding new employment. The aid specifically targets 513 former employees of the Belgian retail company Match-Smatch, who were made redundant. The application focuses on supporting 365 of these workers, particularly those in the Wallonia region, who are facing difficulties re-entering the job market. The funding will support personalised services such as job guidance, training, and retraining, aiming to equip workers with skills for the evolving economy. This support is crucial as many affected workers are older and face greater challenges in finding new employment. Belgium began offering these services in January 2024, and the EU funding will cover eligible expenses for a specific period. The initiative ensures that EU solidarity reaches displaced workers and complements national efforts.
Analysis
Belgium submitted an application (EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch) for a financial contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) following 513 displacements in the retail trade sector.
What changes
- Decision to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to provide a financial contribution to Belgium following redundancies at Match-Smatch.
- Commitment and payment appropriations of EUR 2,661,564 are allocated from the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2024 for the EGF.
Expected impact
- The application relates to 513 displaced workers, with 365 expected to be targeted beneficiaries for reintegration into the labour market.
- Half of the redundant workers (46%) are aged fifty or older, an age group that faces more barriers to employment, posing a challenge for reskilling and upskilling.
- The Belgian food retail sector experienced a decline in sales in 2023 due to the energy and inflationary crisis, increased cross-border shopping, and e-commerce.
Limitations
- The document does not contain specific details on the exact nature of the 'greener and more digital European economy' that the training measures are preparing workers for.
- The document does not provide a detailed breakdown of the EUR 121,500 allocated for preparatory, management, information and publicity, control and reporting activities.
- The document does not specify the exact date of entry into force of the financing decision, only that it will be published in the Official Journal and apply from the date of adoption.
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