- The EU will provide over €3 million to support 915 dismissed workers in Germany.
- The total cost of support measures is €5.1 million, with 60% funded by the EU.
- Germany applied for EGF support in March 2025.
- The EGF proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council.
EU Support for Dismissed Workers
The European Commission is set to release over €3 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to assist 915 workers dismissed after the closure of Goodyear's Fulda plant and partial shutdown in Hanau, Germany. This funding aims to help these workers find new employment through career guidance, reskilling, upskilling, business start-up support, job search assistance, and participation in job fairs and company visits.
Impact of Goodyear's Restructuring
In 2024, Goodyear restructured due to declining demand, rising costs, and increased competition from low-cost Asian imports. This led to the closure of its Fulda plant and partial shutdown in Hanau, resulting in 1,171 job losses. Consequently, local unemployment rose by over 10% in Fulda and 6% in Hanau and its surrounding area. Germany applied for EGF support in March 2025 to address these challenges.
Funding and Implementation
The total estimated cost of the support measures is €5.1 million, with 60% (€3 million) covered by the EGF and the remaining 40% (€2.1 million) financed by Germany's Federal budget and the Public Employment Service. German authorities began supporting workers in November 2024, shortly after the layoffs occurred, and the EGF can retroactively cover these costs.
Approval Process
The EGF proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council. It must receive a simple majority in the European Parliament and a qualified majority in the Council to proceed.
