Budget MEPs green light EU support for workers laid off in Spain

The EU funds, worth €2.7 million, would help workers with their training and job-seeking efforts after they were laid off from Galicia’s automotive ancillary industry.

MEPs in the Budgets Committee have voted in favour of the Commission’s proposal to unlock €2.7 million in aid from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), by 23 votes to two, and with no abstentions. The aid will support 400 workers who lost their jobs.

The Spanish region of Galicia’s car industry has been hit by trade and supply chain disruptions and a shift in investment towards electric vehicles. The EU aid covers 85% of the total cost of the support package, with a further €480,900 coming from the Galician regional government. The planned measures include career counselling and guidance, job-search support, training, allowances to help people take part in training, and a return-to-work incentive of €200 per month for up to six months, to encourage older workers in particular to remain in the labour market. The vote in plenary is expected to take place next week.