Workers in Belgium affected by the closure of chip manufacturer BelGaN are set to receive assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The European Union has adopted a €930,000 proposal to support 417 individuals in re-entering the workforce.
BelGaN’s operations ceased in July 2024, leading to significant job losses and an increase in unemployment within Oudenaarde, East Flanders. In response, Belgium sought EGF support in February 2025.
The funding aims to assist former employees through various initiatives such as counseling, vocational guidance, job-search help, and skills training. The total cost for these measures is estimated at €1.1 million. The EGF will cover 85% (€930,000), while Belgium’s Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB) will finance the remaining 15% (€170,000). Belgian authorities began offering aid shortly after the layoffs in August 2024. The EGF can retroactively reimburse these expenses.
The proposal requires approval from both the European Parliament and the Council before implementation.
The EGF provides support for workers who have lost their jobs due to unexpected large-scale restructuring events. In April 2025, there was a proposal to amend the EGF regulation to allow earlier intervention for workers at risk of losing their jobs imminently.
Since its inception in 2007, the EGF has been involved in 183 cases across Europe, allocating €709 million to aid over 172,000 people across 20 Member States. According to Eurofound data, large-scale restructuring events typically last more than a year with some extending nearly three years. Measures supported by the EGF complement national active labor market strategies.
For further information on this initiative or other related topics:
– Commission proposal for EGF support to dismissed BelGaN workers (Belgium)
– Commission proposal to amend the EGF regulation
– Factsheet on the EGF
– Website of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund
– EGF regulation 2021-2027
Contact Information:
Eva HRNCIROVA – Spokesperson
Phone: +32 2 29 88433
Email: [email protected]
Quentin CORTES – Press Officer
Phone: +32 2 29 13283
Email: [email protected]
