EU Approves €7.5 Million Aid for Displaced Audi Workers in Belgium

European Parliament Greenlights Aid Package

The European Parliament has officially approved a substantial aid package of €7.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). This funding is earmarked to support 3,414 workers in Belgium who lost their jobs following the closure of the Audi Brussels manufacturing plant. The decision was adopted in plenary on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with 593 votes in favour, 55 against, and 9 abstentions.

Closure of Audi Brussels Facility

Audi ceased production of its Q8 e-tron model and shuttered its Brussels facility in February 2025, ending over 75 years of activity at the site. The closure impacted not only Audi's direct employees but also workers from several supplier firms. The 3,414 beneficiaries of the EU aid include 2,580 former Audi employees and 834 workers from these supplier companies.

Reasons Behind the Plant Shutdown

Audi cited several factors for its decision to close the Brussels plant. These included a decline in demand for the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron models, coupled with long-standing structural challenges at the site. The facility faced high logistics costs due to the absence of a press shop and limited local suppliers, necessitating the transport of parts over greater distances. Additionally, challenging production conditions, such as insufficient access to affordable clean energy sources, contributed to the carmaker's decision to relocate production to Mexico and China. Efforts to find a viable investor for alternative uses of the plant were unsuccessful.

Support Measures for Displaced Workers

The approved EU funds, part of a larger support package estimated at €8.8 million, will finance a range of measures designed to help the affected workers transition into new employment. The EU will cover 85% of this total, with the remaining 15% (€1.3 million) provided by Belgian regional public employment services. The assistance will include:

• Career guidance and counselling
• Job-search assistance
• Training in new professional and horizontal skills
• Support for workers wishing to set up their own businesses

The EGF is a specialized EU instrument aimed at demonstrating solidarity with European workers displaced by major restructuring events, helping them find new jobs and improving their employability.