Finland applies for EU aid to mitigate structural change in Äänekoski and Päijät-Häme

In September, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment submitted two applications to the European Commission for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The funding would be used to help redundant workers in Äänekoski and Päijät-Häme to find new jobs, develop their competences and retrain for other sectors.

The first application seeks funding for the Äänekoski area, where a structural change and redundancies in the wood products industry have had a substantial effect on the region’s labour market. The Ministry is applying for support for around 220 people made redundant in the wood products industry and companies linked to it. The total amount applied for is EUR 1.3 million.

The application for the Päijät-Häme region seeks to mitigate the weak employment situation caused by changes in several sectors and the resulting redundancies. The Ministry is applying for support for approximately 780 people made redundant in a number of sectors. The total amount applied for is EUR 1.9 million.

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund provides help to workers who have lost their jobs as a result of major structural changes. The funding can be allocated to, for example, career and job search guidance, continuing education and training, and entrepreneurship coaching, all based on regional needs. Of the total budget of a project implemented with EGF support, 60 per cent comes from the EU and the remainder is funded nationally. The support period cannot exceed two years.

Goal is to find work quickly and strengthen competences

The purpose of the funding is to help redundant workers find a new job, an education path or an entrepreneurial opportunity as soon as possible. The support measures will depend on the needs of the region and redundant workers and will be planned in collaboration with local operators.