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…