Brussels, 06/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 5 March, the European Commission proposed to earmark European Globalisation Adjustment Funds (EGF) worth up to €3 million for Italy and €1.9 million for Spain. These two proposals have been sent to the European Parliament and Council.
The first envelope will help 1,146 former workers of TV manufacturer VDC Technologies SpA and its subsidiary Cervino Technologies Srl in Italy to find new jobs.
Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor justified his proposal by highlighting the “intensified competition from countries outside the EU particularly China” in the “manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, and of electrical equipment”. The €3 million will come on top of the €2.2 million proposed by the Italian authorities.
The second envelope proposed will go to help 285 formal workers in the Grupo Santana car manufacturing sector in Andalusia. Andor called for “solidarity” for a European car industry that is “facing major structural changes to respond to globalisation”. The total cost of the programme stands at €3.9 million, €1.9 million of which will come from the EGF. (JK)