26/03/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 26 March, the European Commission proposed to mobilise €8 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for 2,400 workers made redundant after the bankruptcy of Belgian coach manufacturer Van Hool in April 2024. Between 2012 and 2019, Van Hool sold an average of 427 coaches a year in Europe. In 2020, sales began to fall due to the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the war in Ukraine and rising inflation. Its bankruptcy has had “serious repercussions on the labour markets in Mechelen and the surrounding area”, according to a press release. Belgium applied for EGF assistance in October 2024. It will contribute 85% of a €9.4 million package of measures, including counselling, career guidance, job search assistance and training in new skills. Link to the proposal: https://aeur.eu/f/g4c (SP)