EC proposes €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support workers laid off from Liberty Steel in Belgium

The European Commission has proposed mobilising €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to support 507 workers made redundant following the bankruptcy of Liberty Steel Belgium.

Liberty Steel’s production lines in Belgium were shut down in December 2021 due to a shortage of raw materials. Despite efforts to restructure the entity, production never resumed and the workers were placed on short-term work schemes. After a prolonged period of inactivity, the Liège Commercial Court declared Liberty Steel bankrupt on 22 April 2025, resulting in 507 workers losing their jobs.

EGF funding will support the affected workers through measures such as career advice and guidance, training in new professional and horizontal skills, and assistance for those wishing to start their own businesses. Together, these measures will help the redundant workers to acquire new skills and re-enter the labour market. The total estimated cost is €2.4 million, of which 85% (€2 million) will be covered by the Commission and 15% (€0.4 million) by the Walloon public employment services.

The Belgian authorities began providing support to the workers as early as June 2025, shortly after the bankruptcy. The EGF can cover these costs retroactively.

Next steps

The Commission’s proposal now requires the approval of the European Parliament and the Council. It needs a simple majority in the European Parliament and a qualified majority in the Council.

Background

Since 2007, the EGF has provided financial assistance to 181,167 people in 20 Member States, intervening in 186 cases with €727 million disbursed. These funds complement active national labour market measures.

According to the latest EGF biennial activity report, more than eight out of ten redundant workers (81%) found new employment within 18 months of receiving EGF assistance.

The EGF contributes directly to the creation of a more dynamic and competitive European economy by improving the skills and employability of redundant workers and facilitating the overall improvement of skills in European companies, leading to better quality jobs.

Helping European workers to learn and improve their skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing labour market is a priority for the Commission. On 25 February 2026, EU Member States and the European Parliament agreed to extend the EGF so that it can support workers even before they are made redundant. People at imminent risk of losing their jobs will be able to receive training to maximise their chances of continuing to work in new lines of business within the same companies or accessing jobs in other companies.

In November 2025, the Commission launched a pilot project on Skills Guarantee to support workers in transition so that they can acquire new skills. The flagship initiative under the Skills Union will strengthen strategic and growth sectors, in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund.

More information: European Commission.