• 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

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was created to act as a safety net for workers caught off-guard by large-scale job losses — typically caused by major economic shifts like company bankruptcies, factory closures, or the effects of globalisation. It does not replace unemployment benefits, which are handled by each country individually. Instead, it tops up national support with extra, personalised help to get people back into work faster.

The EGF has a yearly spending cap of €30 million across the entire EU, which means it is a targeted, selective fund — not every job loss qualifies. Applications must meet strict criteria, and the European Parliament must vote to approve each individual case, as it did here.

Impact on EU Citizens

For most EU citizens, this decision has no direct effect. It applies specifically to the 416 workers who lost their jobs when Casa International and Casa Logistics went bankrupt in the Antwerp region of Belgium.

For those workers, it means access to funded support such as job-search assistance and training programmes, paid for largely by the EU (85%) with Belgium covering the rest. Given that over two-thirds of those affected are women, the resolution specifically requires that their particular needs are taken into account when designing these programmes.

How the Money Is Used

Of the total €2 254 980, the vast majority — €2 168 980 — goes directly to support services for the workers themselves. Only €86 000 is allocated to administration. The EU contribution is €1 916 733.

The Parliament also requires that results are monitored, evaluated, and communicated publicly, so citizens can see whether the money achieved its goal.