Budget MEPs back EU funds to support workers laid-off in Finland

The EU funding, worth €410 310, should underpin measures to help workers learn new skills and look for work.

On Monday, MEPs on the Budgets Committee have backed the Commission’s proposal to mobilise €410,310 funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) by 23 votes in favour, two against, and with no abstentions. The funding is to support 233 workers dismissed by Valmet Automotive, a Finnish company specialised in the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers.

The proposed support package is worth €683,850, with 60% (€410,310) covered by the EU and the remaining 40% (€273,540) financed by Turku Employment Region, the local public employment service. The money will fund career counselling, job-search assistance, and training in new professional and transferable skills. It will also fund recruitment incentives for employers and financial support for business start-ups. The measures aim to help workers gain new skills and return to work. Finland began providing the workers with support in March 2026; the EGF can cover eligible costs retroactively. The vote in plenary is expected to take place next week.