On Tuesday, Parliament approved Belgium’s request for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) by 598 votes in favour, 48 against and with 5 abstentions.

MEPs acknowledged that “the European automotive and supplier industry is facing unprecedented pressure from both external and internal challenges, such as distortion of competition and high-energy costs.”

Van Hool produced coaches, buses, trolleybuses, and trailers. The company was declared bankrupt in April 2024 following a sharp decline in sales prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, rising inflation, and supply chain disruptions. As a result, 2,400 workers were dismissed, one third of them aged 50 or over, and 80 % with outdated skillsets.

The support package finances counselling, vocational orientation, job-search assistance, and new professional and digital skills training. It is worth €9.4 million in total –…