A Commission proposal to mobilise €1.6 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 267 workers laid off following the bankruptcy and closure of Tupperware Belgium in February 2025 won Parliament’s support on Wednesday. The decision was adopted by 562 votes in favour and 53 against, with 19 abstentions.
The EGF measures include tailored career counselling and guidance, job-search assistance, and training in new professional skills, including training in digital skills. The support measures total an estimated €1.9 million, of which 85% (€1.6 million) will be financed by EU funds, with 15% (€300,000) provided by the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB).
In their report, MEPs regret that the American parent corporation Tupperware Brands was taken over by creditors in October 2024. The subsequent significant restructuring resulted in the manufacturing and licenses granted to Tupperware General Services NV being revoked, making the Belgian subsidiary financially unviable. This ultimately resulted in the company going bankrupt. Parliament welcomes nonetheless the initiative by a group of European entrepreneurs seeking to revive the brand in Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Poland.
Background
Under the 2021-2027 EGF Regulation, 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 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.
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