Laid-off workers from German tire factories to receive EU aid

Brussels (dpa) – For the nearly 1,000 employees laid off by the tire manufacturer Goodyear in Germany, there will be more than three million euros in EU aid for job searching. The funds from the EU Globalization Fund (EGF) will finance measures such as career counseling, further training, or support for starting businesses, according to a proposal from the responsible EU Commission. The 915 employees are affected by the Goodyear factory closures in the German city of Fulda and partially in Hanau.

The plant in Fulda is set to close this year. According to a statement from the Commission, 1,171 jobs were lost due to the cuts there and in Hanau. Germany submitted a request for support from the EGF in March. Goodyear also plans to gradually cease tire production in Fürstenwalde, Brandenburg, by the end of 2027. The US company justified the cuts with overcapacity, cheap imports from Asia, and inflationary pressure.

The Commission’s proposal still needs to be approved by the Council of EU States and the European Parliament. However, this is considered a formality. (July 29)