Today, the European Commission proposes to support 450 workers who lost their jobs in the car industry in the Spanish region of Catalonia with €2.8 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF).

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The funding will help the dismissed workers find new jobs through tailored guidance and advice, support to develop new skills, and help to start their own business.

Spain applied for EGF support to help laid off workers at ten Nissan suppliers in the car industry, following Nissan’s announcement to close its production plant in Catalonia, as part of its plan to reduce its presence in Europe and to focus on China, North America and Japan.

The support to the dismissed workers includes:

• CV drafting
• practice job interviews
• learning new skills through vocational training
• job search assistance
• funding to start a business

For instance, workers who start their own business can receive up to €5,000 to cover set-up costs. They can also benefit from personalised tutoring throughout the start-up process.

Furthermore, contributions to commuting costs or to expenses for workers with caring responsibilities are possible to help take up the support measures. Workers who start a new job can receive a bonus and benefit from tutoring after reintegration into work. Finally, training on digital skills is provided to help workers acquire the skills required in the digital economy.

The total estimated cost of these support measures is €3.3 million, of which the EGF will cover 85% (€2.8 million). Catalonia’s Public Employment Service (SOC) will finance the remaining 15%. It has begun to provide support to the eligible workers in January 2022.

The Commission’s proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council.