EU financial support to be extended to ex-Goodyear workers - EU financial assistance set for Goodyear employees
The European Union (EU) has stepped in to support 915 laid-off Goodyear workers in Germany following the closure of the Fulda plant and partial shutdown in Hanau. The aid, amounting to over €3 million, is part of a total €5.1 million package, with 60% funded by the EU and the remaining 40% split between Germany's Federal budget and Public Employment Service.
This funding, provided through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), will finance various job search assistance and worker support measures. These include career guidance, reskilling and upskilling programs, business start-up support, job search assistance, and participation in events like job fairs and company visits.
Goodyear's restructuring in 2024 was due to a sharp decline in demand, rising costs, and increased competition from low-cost Asian imports, resulting in nearly 1,000 job losses and significant local unemployment increases. Germany applied for this EGF support in March 2025, with support measures having started in November 2024, shortly after layoffs occurred.
The EU funding proposal requires approval from both the European Parliament (with a simple majority) and the Council (with a qualified majority). The EGF can also retroactively cover costs already incurred since November 2024. The EU Commission's proposal aims to benefit the affected 915 Goodyear employees.
References:
[1] European Commission. (2025). Press Release: EU to Support 915 Laid-Off Goodyear Workers in Germany. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_25_1234
[2] European Parliament. (2025). European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/regdata/etudes/STUD/2023/644910/EXPO_STU(2023)644910_EN.pdf
- In a bid to help the affected Goodyear employees, the European Union (EU) is proposing to allocate funds for vocational training and business start-up support, with industries such as finance contributing to this initiative.
- With the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) aid, the Goodyear workers in Germany will engage in various training programs, including vocational training, aimed at equipping them with skills relevant to local businesses, thereby promoting employment in diverse industries.
