On Tuesday, Parliament approved Belgium’s request for €704,135 in EU aid through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). The aid will support 632 former workers from machinery and paper enterprises Purmo and Sappi in the Flemish province of Limburg. MEPs noted that the profiles of the displaced workers, one third of which are aged 55 years or more and 30 % are with low education, mean they are at a severe disadvantage when attempting to re-enter the labour market.

The EGF funding will help pay for counselling and vocational orientation, job search assistance, as well as skills training in vocational, digital and language skills. The total estimated cost of these measures is €1.2 million, with 60% (€700,000) covered by the EGF and the remaining 40% (€500,000) financed by the Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB).

The report in favour of the aid, drafted by Matjaž Nemec (S&D, Slovenia), was approved by 599 votes, 50…