For the first time, the European Commission's annual meeting with EGF contact persons from the 27 Member States of the European Union took place in Germany. On 27 and 28 November 2024, those responsible for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) met in Düsseldorf to discuss the implementation of the EGF and examples of best practices. The meeting was accompanied by a visit to the premises of Vallourec Deutschland GmbH, the 12th EGF project in Germany.
In consequence of an extended period of unsatisfactory financial performance, in spite of the implementation of comprehensive restructuring measures, Vallourec Deutschland GmbH (VAD) resolved in May 2022 to permanently terminate operations at the Mülheim an der Ruhr and Düsseldorf-Rath facilities. More than 2,000 employees lost their jobs as a result. With the EGF, the redundant workers, who are now employees of the transfer company START NRW GmbH, have been receiving additional support with their reintegration into work with the help of EGF funding since December 2023.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, the Federal Employment Agency and other stakeholders were also present in Düsseldorf. In addition to a variety of informative presentations, participants also had the opportunity to view the now empty halls of the former plant. Seamless hot-rolled steel tubes for the energy sector and for mechanical and plant engineering were produced here until September 2023. The ‘Transfercafé VAD’ of the transfer company START NRW GmbH also opened its doors.
On the second day, the 30th EGF Contact Persons Meeting took place on the premises of the North Rhine-Westphalian regional directorate of the Federal Employment Agency. Lena Clemens, Equal Opportunities Officer, welcomed the participants, who had been invited by the European Commission to discuss current issues relating to the implementation of the EGF.
Overall, the event conveyed an impressive picture of the implementation of the EGF in Germany.