Commission proposes more than €410 000 to support 235 dismissed car industry workers in Finland

Valmet Automotive is a contract car manufacturer that depends on fixed-term deals with major car brands. Its factory lost new orders after its contract with Mercedes-Benz ended in 2025, at a time when the global car industry was slowing down. In November 2025, the company announced the dismissal of 235 workers and the temporary lay-off of an additional 860 employees.

What the funding will do

The proposed support package is worth €683 850, of which

• 60% (€410 310) will be covered by the Commission
• 40% (€273 540) will be covered by Turku Employment Region, the local public employment service

The funding will help dismissed workers through

• Career counselling, guidance and job search support
• Training in new professional and transferable skills
• Recruitment incentives for employers
• Financial support for business start-ups

These measures aim to help workers gain new skills and return to work. Finland began supporting the workers in March 2026 and the EGF can cover these costs retroactively.

Next steps

To take effect, the proposal needs approval from the European Parliament and the Council. It requires a simple majority in the Parliament and a qualified majority in the Council.

About the EGF

The EGF supports workers who lose their jobs, helping them improve their skills and find new employment. It also backs broader upskilling in European companies, contributing to better quality jobs and a more competitive European economy.

Since 2007, the EGF has supported more than 185 000 people across 20 EU countries, providing €737 million. This EU funding adds to national measures that help people back into work.

In May 2026, the scope of the EGF was widened. Workers at risk of losing their jobs can now receive training to improve their chances of staying employed in new business areas or finding other work. Companies going through restructuring can request EGF support for employees at risk of redundancy.

In November 2025, the Commission launched a Skills guarantee pilot to support workers in transition by helping them acquire new skills. This flagship initiative under the Union of Skills will strengthen strategic and growing sectors, in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund.

Related links

Press release

Commission proposal for EGF support to dismissed Valmet Automotive workers 

Factsheet on the EGF

European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

EGF regulation 2021-27

Commission proposes broader, faster EU social and employment funds