On Thursday, MEPs approved the mobilisation of funds from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 416 workers made redundant following the bankruptcy of home decor retailer Casa International in Belgium. The report was adopted with 575 votes in favour, 48 against and 10 abstentions.
The EGF will co-finance a €2.3 million package to help affected workers return to employment through job-search support, career counselling and targeted skills training. The EU will cover 85% (€1.9 million) of the costs, with the remaining 15% (€338,247) funded by the Flemish Public Employment Service. Casa International, which had faced several years of financial difficulties, was declared bankrupt in March 2025, leading to 416 job losses.
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.
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