On Wednesday, the European Parliament approved EU aid for 915 former Goodyear employees in Hanau and Fulda, Germany. With 577 votes in favour, 47 against, and 15 abstentions, MEPs endorsed Germany’s request for €3,085,166 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support those laid off following the closure of Goodyear’s tyre production site in Fulda and the partial shutdown of its plant in Hanau.
The funding will cover 60% of the total costs of reintegration measures, including career guidance, skills acquisition, support for business start-ups, and assistance in finding new employment. German authorities began providing support to these workers in November 2024, shortly after the layoffs, and the EGF contribution will retroactively cover these expenditures.
Goodyear’s restructuring in 2024 was driven by a sharp decline in demand, rising operational costs, and growing competition from low-cost imports from Asia. The redundancies caused the annual unemployment rate in the Fulda region to rise above 10%, disproportionately affecting male workers and employees over 50, many of whom have qualifications and skills that no longer align with current labour market needs.
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, under its 2021–2027 regulation, provides support to displaced workers and self-employed individuals affected by unexpected major restructuring events. Member states can apply for funding when at least 200 workers are laid off within a defined reference period. Once an application meets EGF criteria, the Commission proposes mobilising funds, subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council. Since 2007, the EGF has supported over 172,000 people in 20 EU countries, allocating €709 million to help displaced workers.
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