EMPLOYMENT COUNCIL : EGF: MINISTERS BURY CRISIS DEROGATIONS.

The crisis derogations, which were introduced in 2009(1) to allow member states to apply for assistance for workers made redundant as a consequence of the crisis (as opposed to only' because of globalisation), could well disappear, on 31 December 2011. The European Commission's proposal to prolong the exemptions did not receive the support of a qualified majority of member states at the Employment and Social Affairs Council, on 1 December. This is in spite of the four compromise proposals introduced by the Polish Presidency and the opening messages of a majority of member states. "It it is with disappointment and puzzlement that I heard the interventions made by the various member states. The EGF is only a small but important EU contribution to the fight against mass unemployment. [...] What is more, the crisis will not end on 31 December 2011," said the Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Laszlo Andor, who had previously received the full support of the European Parliament.

The EGF was created in 2006 to facilitate the professional reinsertion of workers who lose their job due to globalisation. In June 2010, the Commission proposed extending, until 31 December 2013, the derogations introduced a few years earlier to include workers made redundant because of the crisis, and also proposed upping the rate of co-financing to 65% (compared to the previous 50% rate). "We were already in a critical position in 2009 and it is the same today. In 2009 and 2010, it was quite clear that aid did not go to those who had really been affected by the crisis. Germany is not in favour of...