MEPs back €7.5 million in EU support for workers in Belgium

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

Parliament gave its green light for EU funds to be disbursed for workers dismissed following the closure of an Audi factory in Brussels.

On Wednesday, MEPs backed the release of €7.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to assist 3,414 workers who lost their jobs after the carmaker Audi closed its Brussels facility. The decision was adopted in plenary by 593 votes in favour, 55 against and 9 abstentions.

In February 2025, Audi halted production of its Q8 e-tron model in Brussels and shuttered the plant after over 75 years activity, triggering layoffs not only at Audi itself but also among several of its suppliers. The EGF support is expected to benefit 2,580 former Audi employees and 834 workers from supplier firms. EU-funded measures will include career guidance, job-search assistance, training in new skills, and support for workers wishing to set up their own businesses.

MEPs expressed regret over Audi’s decision to cease its activities in Belgium despite remaining profitable, noting that production will be relocated to China and Mexico. They also voiced concern that challenging production conditions – including insufficient access to and deployment of affordable clean energy sources – contributed to Audi’s decision to relocate.

The total cost of the support package is estimated at €8.8 million. The EU will finance 85% of the amount (€7.5 million), while the remaining 15% (€1.3 million) will be covered by the Belgian regional public employment services.

Background

Under the EGF Regulation 2021-2027, the fund supports displaced workers and self-employed people who have lost their jobs due to unexpected major restructuring events. Member states can apply for EU funding when at least 200 workers are made redundant within a defined reference period. If the application meets the EGF criteria, the Commission proposes mobilising funds, which must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council. According to the Commission, the EGF has helped more than 181,000 people in 20 member states, supporting 186 cases with €727 million disbursed.