Workers dismissed due to the closure of Goodyears production site in Fulda and the partial shutdown in Hanau, Germany, will receive EU support. The European Commission is releasing over €3 million to assist 915 workers in finding new employment, funded by the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). This funding will cover measures like career guidance, reskilling, upskilling, business start-up support, job search assistance, job scouting, and participation in events such as job fairs and company visits.
In 2024, Goodyear restructured due to a significant decline in demand, rising costs, and increased competition from low-cost Asian imports. The closure of its Fulda plant and partial shutdown in Hanau resulted in 1,171 job losses, causing local unemployment to rise by over 10% in Fulda and 6% in Hanau and surrounding areas. Germany applied for EGF support in March 2025.
The EGF-funded measures will assist workers who often face skill mismatches in the job market following layoffs. The total estimated cost of these measures is €5.1 million, with 60% (€3 million) covered by the EGF and the remaining 40% (€2.1 million) financed by Germanys Federal budget and the Public Employment Service. German authorities began supporting workers in November 2024, shortly after the layoffs, and the EGF can retroactively cover these costs.
Next steps
The EGF proposal now requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council, needing a simple majority in the European Parliament and a qualified majority in the Council.
Background
Since 2007, the EGF has intervened in 183 cases, allocating €709 million to assist over 172,000 individuals in 20 Member States.
Recent data from Eurofound indicate that large-scale restructuring events usually last over a year, with the most extensive cases taking nearly three years. EGF-supported measures complement national active labor market initiatives.
For More Information
Commission proposal for EGF support to dismissed Goodyear workers (Germany)
Commission proposal to amend the EGF regulation