EU job-seeking aid worth €1.5 million for dismissed workers in Greece

Workers made redundant in six companies producing household appliances in Attica, Greece, should receive €1.5 million in EU aid.

2022-06-22

● 206 workers lost their jobs in businesses making household appliances in the Greek region of Attica
● Reasons for dismissals include domestic supply shortages of electrical components and high productions costs
● Aid will fund advisory services, career guidance and business creation training

On Tuesday, the Committee on Budgets approved Greece’s request for funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). In their decision, MEPs acknowledge that “expenditure for new household appliances in Greece was strongly impacted first by the economic crisis from 2008 to 2016 and second by the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Reasons for the dismissals include domestic supply shortages of electrical components, high productions costs, difficulties in adapting to the digitalisation and automation of production processes.

The support for the dismissed workers will include advisory services and individual job-seeking assistance, training in digital skills, and tailored vocational training, leading to a certification, where possible, or support in securing higher education qualifications. Participants can also receive advice on how to start their own business coupled with a start-up grant of up to €22,000.

The total estimated cost of these measures is about €1.8 million, of which the EGF will cover 85% (€1.5 million). The Public Investment Programme of the Greek Ministry of Economy and Development will finance the remaining 15%.

Source: European Parliament