EU expands support for workers at risk of job loss

The Council has adopted new rules to expand the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). For the first time, workers facing imminent job loss due to company restructuring will be eligible for support. 

This change aims to reduce situations where employees lose their job because their position is no longer required and help workers transition to new roles. The new rules will apply until the end of 2027, when the current EGF programme expires.

The EGF currently supports workers and self-employed people who have already lost their jobs due to restructuring, helping them get back into employment. However, lay-offs caused by restructuring often occur in waves, meaning that people who are at risk of redundancy also need access to training and other support and would benefit from receiving it at an earlier stage, before they are dismissed.

What support is available?

Affected workers can benefit from measures funded by the EGF, including

• training to develop new skills or improve existing ones
• certification of skills
• job-search assistance
• careers advice

These programmes are designed to help workers move into different roles or find new job opportunities.

Background

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

The Commission first announced these planned changes in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, published on 5 March 2025. The plan forms part of broader EU efforts to support industries such as automotive and steel as they face economic difficulties and geopolitical pressures.

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

Related links

Press release - European Globalization Adjustment Fund: Council greenlights support for workers at imminent risk of job loss

European Globalization Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF)

Commission welcomes political agreement for a broader European Globalisation Adjustment Fund supporting workers

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