Helping Belgium Workers Affected by Company Bankruptcies

• The European Parliament approved a resolution on 26 March 2026 that authorises the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help workers who lost jobs because of major restructuring.
• Belgium asked for help after Casa International NV and Casa Logistics NV went bankrupt, causing 416 job losses in Antwerp (Flanders) between 6 March 2025 and 6 July 2025.
• 257 of the losses were in retail, 159 in warehousing.
• 67.5 % of the affected workers are women.
• The EGF can spend up to €30 million a year. Belgium is entitled to €1 916 733, which is 85 % of the total cost of €2 254 980.
• €2 168 980 will fund personalised services (training, job‑search help, etc.).
• €86 000 will cover preparation, management, information, control and reporting.
• The decision will apply from the date it is published in the Official Journal and will be part of the 2026 EU budget.
• The resolution stresses that the fund should be used quickly, that women’s specific needs must be met, that training and up‑skilling are essential, and that the EGF is a complementary tool, not a replacement for national measures.
• It also calls for clear monitoring, evaluation of results, and public communication of how the money is used.

Broader Context

This decision is part of how the European Union manages the social impact of economic change. When companies restructure, relocate, or go bankrupt—often due to globalization, technological shifts, or changing consumer demand—workers can lose their jobs suddenly.

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) exists to respond to these shocks. Instead of focusing on companies, it focuses directly on affected workers, helping them return to employment. It complements national welfare systems by providing targeted, temporary support at the EU level, especially in cases where job losses are large or concentrated in one region or sector.

This specific case shows how the EU coordinates with member states: a country (here, Belgium) applies for support, and EU institutions approve and co-finance tailored assistance programs.

Impact on EU Citizens

For individuals, this means that if they lose their job due to major economic disruptions, there may be additional EU-funded support available beyond national unemployment benefits. This support can include:

• Training to learn new skills
• Help finding a new job
• Career guidance or business start-up support

The focus on women in this case highlights that EU programs can address inequalities in the labour market by adapting support to specific groups’ needs.

More broadly, it means EU citizens benefit from a safety net that aims to make economic change less damaging by speeding up re-employment and improving long-term career prospects.

How the Support Is Used

The funding is not given directly as cash to workers. Instead, it pays for services designed to improve employability. Most of the budget goes to practical support (training, coaching), while a small part ensures the program is properly managed and monitored.

Why Monitoring Matters

The requirement for evaluation and public communication ensures transparency and accountability. It allows citizens to see how EU funds are spent and whether they actually help people return to work.