Frequent questions and answers regarding EGF
What is the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)?
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) helps employees who have lost their jobs as a result of changes due to globalisation.
EGF is a special instrument that is not included in the EU’s multiannual budget framework. The budget for 2014 ‒ 2020 is EUR 150 million a year. The national or regional authorities are responsible for implementing the measures which are carried out in projects lasting up to two years. EGF covers 60 per cent of the costs of projects.
EGF support may only be used where more than 500 employees are made redundant by a single company, including its subcontractors and downstream producers. Support may also be given when more than 500 employees lose their jobs in a specific sector in one or several regions. The fund further helps regions with high youth unemployment.
Who can apply for EGF support?
Only EU member states can submit applications. Individuals, trade associations or companies that are affected by redundancies and want to apply for support from EGF must turn to the EGF’s contact person in their home country.
The conditions for applying for support are given in the EGF Regulation.
Who can receive support?
Individual workers made redundant can take part in EGF projects. The self-employed, temporary workers and fixed-term workers can also take part during the programme period 2014-2020.
Young people who are not in employment, education or training in regions with high youth unemployment can on certain conditions benefit from EGF support up to 2017, however in equal numbers to workers receiving support in those regions.
How can EGF help?
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund can, for example, finance
- help with looking for a job
- careers advice
- education, training and re-education
- business creation
- mentoring and coaching.