The EU is extending support to workers at risk of losing their jobs

This change aims to reduce the number of cases in whichemployees lose their jobs because their role is no longer required, and to helpworkers transition into new roles. Thenew ruleswill remain in force until the end of 2027, when the current EGF programme expires.

Currently, the European Growth Fund (EGF) supports workers and the self-employed who have lost their jobs due to restructuring, helping them to re-enter the labour market. However, redundancies caused by restructuring tend to occur in waves, meaning thatpeople at risk of redundancy also need access to training and other forms of support, and would benefit from receiving this at an early stage, before they are made redundant.

What kind of support is available?

Affected workers canbenefit from measures fundedby the EGF, including:

• training to develop new skills or improve existing ones.
• skills certification
• job search assistance
• career advice

These programmes are designed tohelp workers change rolesor find new job opportunities.

Fund

On 1 April 2025, the Commission proposed amendments to the rules of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), which supports workers who lose their jobs due to major economic changes. The new proposal would enable support to reach workers sooner, including those at risk of losing their jobs in companies undergoing restructuring.

The Commission first announced these planned changes in itsIndustrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, published on 5 March 2025. The plan forms part of the EU’s wider efforts to support industries such as the automotive and steel sectors, which are facing economic difficulties and geopolitical pressures.

The update to the European Growth Fund (EGF) was proposed alongside amendments tothe European Social Fund Plus (ESF), the EU’s main instrument for investing in people and supporting social rights. The Council approved the amendment to the ESF in September 2025 during the mid-term review of the EU’s cohesion policy.

More information: European Commission.