The Council of the European Union has formally proposed a budgetary transfer of €1,916,733 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) reserve to support 416 workers who lost their jobs at two Belgian companies, Casa International and Casa Logistics. The proposal, outlined in a cover note dated 25 February 2026, follows a Commission decision (COM(2026) 3) approving Belgium's application for assistance under the EGF Regulation.
Procedural Step and Document Details
The proposal was issued by the Council on 2 November 2026 and is based on the EGF Regulation, which sets the criteria for intervention. The transfer would allocate funds from the EGF reserve to an active budget line, enabling the disbursement of support packages for the displaced workers. This is a standard procedural step in the EGF mobilisation process, which requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council.
Policy Orientations and Trade-offs
The EGF is designed to provide targeted support to workers made redundant due to globalisation-related structural changes, such as relocations or trade shifts. The fund aims to help workers reintegrate into the labour market through measures like training, job-search assistance, and entrepreneurship support. While the fund offers financial solidarity, it also represents a trade-off between providing immediate social safety nets and ensuring fiscal discipline, as EGF resources are drawn from the EU budget's reserve.
Impact on Stakeholders
- Displaced workers (416 individuals): The €1.9 million package will provide direct financial assistance and re-skilling opportunities, potentially easing their transition to new employment. The average support per worker is approximately €4,600, which may cover training costs or income top-ups.
- Belgian authorities: They will administer the support programme, benefiting from EU co-financing but also bearing administrative responsibilities for implementation and reporting.
- EU taxpayers: The transfer uses funds from the EU budget reserve, which could otherwise be allocated to other priorities. However, the EGF is a capped instrument, so the impact on other budget lines is limited.
- Casa International and Casa Logistics: The companies' restructuring decisions triggered the redundancies, and the EGF support may mitigate negative publicity and facilitate smoother workforce adjustments.
Expected Institutional Follow-up
The Council's proposal now requires approval by the European Parliament, which will vote on the budgetary transfer. Once both institutions give the green light, the European Commission will execute the payment to Belgium. The entire process is expected to be completed within a few months, allowing the support package to reach workers by early 2027.