Press release - Parliament supports EU aid for laid off Belgian workers

Parliament supports EU aid for laid off Belgian workers On Tuesday, MEPs voted to support mobilising €2 million in EU aid to help former workers at car glass manufacturer Soliver, following the company’s bankruptcy. MEPs voted 602 in favour, 47 against and with 11 abstentions of the Commission’s proposal to unlock €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 803 workers dismissed after the Belgian high-tech car glass manufacturer Soliver declared bankruptcy on 1 July 2025. The support measures include career counselling and guidance, job search assistance, training in new professional and horizontal skills, and recruitment events to support laid off workers to find new jobs. The total cost is estimated at €2.5 million, of which 85% (€2.1 million) will be covered by the EU and 15% (€0.4 million) by the Flemish public employment services. In the report, MEPs regret the recent rise in bankruptcies in Belgium, particularly in Flanders, which has negatively affected employment, especially for older workers facing re-entry barriers. They want the authorities to strengthen targeted upskilling support, reduce bankruptcies, and address underlying social inequalities in the labour market. Background Under the EGF Regulation 2021-2027, the fund supports dismissed workers and self-employed people who have lost their jobs due to unexpected major restructuring events. Member states can apply for EU funding when at least 200 workers are made redundant. If the application meets the EGF criteria, the Commission proposes mobilising funds, which must be approved by the Parliament and the Council. According to the Commission, the EGF has intervened in 191 cases across Europe with €735 million disbursed to offer support to 184,818 people in 20 EU countries. Contacts: - Eszter ZALAN Press Officer