During a plenary debate on Tuesday 27 April, MEPs from across the political spectrum unanimously welcomed the interinstitutional agreement reached on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for dismissed workers.
The lowering of the trigger point for the fund to 200 redundancies (see EUROPE 12625/27) was a particular source of satisfaction that was cited by all MEPs, as well as the European Commission, through its Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit.
Another reason for satisfaction is the possibility of providing support for childcare, the self-employed and start-ups, as well as support up to the amount of 22,000 euros for a former employee to take over a business. Several MEPs also welcomed the alignment of the cofinancing rates with those of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The majority of MEPs welcomed the simplification of the fund and the inclusion not only of the effects of globalisation, but also of the digital and ecological transition.
In addition, the fact that the fund’s name was changed was also repeatedly emphasised since it clarifies the use of the fund and the fact that it aims to help workers and not companies, as explained by Agnes Jongerius (S&D, the Netherlands), speaking on behalf of the rapporteur, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D, Lithuania), who was absent for health reasons.
Both The Left group and the far-right ID political group regretted the fact the Fund was only a palliative measure in terms of the phenomenon, and that it did not address the direct cause of relocations.
During his speech, the Commissioner noted that his institution had expressed concern in a statement about the wording relating to the use of a single data-mining tool. The Commission is of the opinion that the agreement is not sufficient to improve protection of the EU budget against fraud and irregularities.
The vote on the agreement will take place on Thursday in plenary session. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)