Brussels, 08/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 7 June, the Council of Ministers of the EU adopted without debate, four decisions for activating assistance payments from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to the tune of €12.2 million to help workers in Spain and Ireland find jobs. The European Parliament must now approve these four decisions on 15 June in Strasbourg.
Between September 2008 and June 2009, 2 425 jobs in 181 small and medium-sized enterprises in the pottery industry in the Spanish region of Comunidad Valenciana were lost. Among those losing their jobs are 1,600 people eligible for aid from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. Community aid to these workers has risen to €6.59 million.
In total, 585 people lost their jobs in 36 companies manufacturing doors and door frames in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha between November 2008 and July 2009. These include 557 workers eligible for assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, to the tune of €1.95 million.
Ireland's request involves a total of 653 people that lost their jobs (between January and May 2009) at crystal glass manufacturer Waterford Crystal and three of its suppliers: Thomas Fennell Engineering Ltd, RPS Engineering Services and Abbey Electric. Workers eligible for EU aid, worth €2.5 7 million, number 598.
The final decision to raise €1.11 million for technical assistance to cover the costs of activities linked to the mid-term review of the Globalisation Adjustment Fund Monitoring, will involve information and advice to member states, expert meetings and seminars, the creation of a knowledge base and the development of an internet site on the Globalisation Adjustment Fund. (L.C./tansl.fl)