The European Commission has proposed a €2.1 million contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 646 workers in Germany previously employed at the tyre manufacturer Goodyear find new jobs.

Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, commented: "EU solidarity is key in tackling the challenge of finding new jobs for many people with the same skills who are being made redundant at the same time, in the same geographical area. The proposed support from the EU's Globalisation Adjustment Fund will help these workers to adapt their skills and facilitate their transition to new jobs or help them set up their own enterprises".

Germany applied for support from the Globalisation Adjustment Fund following the dismissal of 646 workers at Goodyear. These job losses were the result of the complete shutdown of Goodyear's production plant in Philippsburg in Baden-Württemberg.

The measures co-financed by the Globalisation Adjustment Fund will help the concerned workers by providing them with job search support, peer groups and workshops, measures to increase their skills, advisory services towards business start-ups, mentoring after reintegration into employment, and training allowances.

The total estimated cost of the package is €3.6 million, of which the Globalisation Adjustment Fund would provide €2.1 million. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval.