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This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by Belga.

European support for laid-off workers of bus manufacturer Van Hool

by AI | 26.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Commission wants to free up 8 million euros to help the workers who were laid off after the bankruptcy of bus builder Van Hool find new jobs.

The Berlaymont building of the European Commission in Brussels (Photo: La Nacion/ Zuma Press /ContactPhoto)

Van Hool filed for bankruptcy last April, which the Commission found had serious consequences for the labor market in and around Mechelen. One in three dismissed workers is 54 years or older and one in four is low-skilled, making the search for a new job not easier.

At Belgium’s request, the Commission is releasing 8 million euros for a package of support measures to help former Van Hool employees find a new job through advice, training, and job search assistance. The Flemish Public Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB) is contributing the remaining 1.4 million euros.

The European money comes from the so-called globalization fund. This is how the European Union supports people who have lost their jobs due to large-scale restructuring. Since its creation in 2007, €700 million has been paid out to benefit more than 170,000 people.