Brussels, 16/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - MEPs meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday 16 April massively supported three requests for intervention from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), in Italy and in Austria.
Closure of the Italian company, Antonio Merloni SpA, and the ensuing loss of 1,517 jobs, has prompted Rome to call on the European Commission for EGF support of up to €5 million. This is the first time a call has been made for intervention within the 2013 budget. MEPs approved the request by 615 votes to 76, with 16 abstentions.
Again in Italy, the bankruptcy of a service provider in the information and communication technology sector, Agile S.r.l., caused the Italian authorities to ask for intervention of a little over €3.6 million from the EGF. The financing would concern 856 former employees, the aim of the fund being to assist those unemployed to find work again. The request was supported by 619 MEPs, with 72 against and 24 abstentions.
Austria expressed the wish to deploy the EGF for 240 employees of the company Austria Tabak GmbH and of its 14 upstream producers and suppliers. Almost €4 million have been requested and the Parliament has granted this by 557 votes to 83, with 74 abstentions. (JK/transl.jl)