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European Commission - Press release Commission proposes €6.5 million to support almost two thousand dismissed workers in Belgium and Spain Brussels, 16 July 2026 The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €6.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 1,928 workers following dismissals by hypermarket Cora in Belgium and in the car sector in Spain. Commission ...
European Commission - Press release Commission proposes €6.5 million to support almost two thousand dismissed workers in Belgium and Spain Brussels, 16 July 2026 The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €6.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 1,928 workers following dismissals by hypermarket Cora in Belgium and in the car sector in Spain. Commission supports 1,257 dismissed workers in Belgium In Belgium, the proposal would support 1,257 workers dismissed after hypermarket chain Cora ceased its activities in December 2025, following several years of financial difficulties. EGF funding will help these workers develop new skills and rejoin the labour market as quickly as possible through measures such as career counselling and guidance, skills certification, training, and financial allowances for people wishing to start their own business. The total estimated cost of these measures is €4.5 million, of which 85% (€3.8 million) would be covered by the European Commission and 15% (€674,376) by the Walloon Public Employment Service. The Belgian authorities began supporting the affected workers in September 2025, shortly after the first wave of redundancies. The costs can be covered retroactively by the EGF. Commission supports 671 dismissed workers in Spain The automotive sector in the province of Galicia has been affected by trade and supply chain disruptions and the redirection of investment towards electrified platforms. The EGF-funded measures will help 671 workers who were dismissed across 20 different car sector companies. The funds will help people return to employment through career counselling and guidance, job-search support, and new skills training. The package would also include financial support for commuting expenses, support for carers of dependent persons, and allowances to participate in skills training. In addition, a return-to-work incentive of €200 per month for up to six months would encourage workers, particularly older workers, to remain in the labour market and secure rapid re- employment. The total estimated cost of these measures is €3.2 million, of which 85% (€2.7 million) would be financed by the EGF and 15% (€480,900) by the Galician regional government. The Spanish authorities will begin providing EGF support to workers on 1 September 2026. Next steps The proposals now require approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Background Since 2007, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers has been mobilised in 192 cases, making available €737 million to support to more than 185,000 people in 20 Member States. The Fund complements national active labour market measures and contributes to a more dynamic and competitive European economy by improving the skills and employability of dismissed people. Helping European workers develop the skills needed in a rapidly changing labour market is a priority for the Commission. Originally designed to support workers who had already lost their jobs, the EGF now also covers workers at risk of unemployment. In May 2026 the EGF was broadened to enable workers at-risk of imminent displacement receive training to maximise their chances to either remain employed in new business lines of the same companies or to access jobs in other companies. Member States can now request EGF support to assist workers at risk of redundancy in companies undergoing restructuring, allowing support to begin before dismissals take place. In November 2025, the Commission launched a Skills Guarantee pilot , a flagship initiative under the Union of Skills , which combines on-the-job training with a concrete job offer in a growing sector, putting job-to-job transitions into practice. In July 2026, a total of six pilot projects were selected and launched to support over 1,000 European workers at risk of unemployment across 10 Member States. For more information Commission proposal for EGF support to dismissed Cora workers Commission proposal for EGF support to workers dismissed in the car sector's value chain in Galicia Factsheet on the EGF Website of the EGF IP/26/1635 Press contacts: Eva HRNCIROVA (+32 2 29 88433) Eirini ZARKADOULA (+32 2 29 57065) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email
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