On Tuesday, the Committee on Budgets approved Belgium’s request for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). MEPs acknowledged that “the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine have reduced economic competitiveness and have a negative impact on economic growth in Belgium”.

In recent years, Makro Cash & Carry Belgium NV faced financial losses and sales dropped further during the pandemic. The company was declared bankrupt in January 2023, resulting in 1,431 jobs lost in Belgium. 421 workers in Wallonia will benefit from the EGF aid, while the Flemish regional authorities do not think there is a need for an EGF top-up of the support available to former Makro workers in Flanders. Unemployment in Wallonia (8.8%) is higher than in Flanders (3.1%), according to Statbel.

The total estimated cost of these measures is €3.2 million, with 85% (€2.8 million) covered by the EGF and the remaining 15% (€499,000)…