Parliament approves EGF support for Makro redundancies

EP Position

The European Parliament agreed with the Commission that the conditions of the EGF Regulation are met and that Belgium is entitled to a financial contribution of EUR 2,828,223, representing 85% of the total cost of EUR 3,327,322 for measures linked to redundancies at Makro Cash & Carry Belgium NV following 1,431 dismissals. The resolution notes that 421 targeted beneficiaries correspond to former Makro workers in Wallonia and that Flemish authorities considered no EGF top-up necessary for Flanders.

Key Trade Point

Parliament highlights that EGF funding is focused on personalised active labour market policies including information services, occupational guidance and outplacement, training and retraining, support for business creation, incentives and allowances, with particular attention to vulnerable persons and a module on circular economy to be co‑financed by ESF+. It also reiterates that EGF assistance must not replace actions required of companies under national law or collective agreements to ensure full additionality.

What Comes Next

Parliament instructed its President to sign the financing decision with the President of the Council, arrange its publication in the Official Journal and forward the resolution and Annex to the Council and the Commission.