The processing of these two cases has been an ongoing saga for over a year – the application of the Globalisation Fund resources was already made in March 2010. The first case concerns Lower-Austrian and Styrian metal-processing companies that had made 1,180 workers redundant between April and December 2009; of these 356 persons are to be granted financial support from the EU Fund. The second application concerns AT&S, who made 167 people redundant; 74 of whom are to be granted aid from the Globalisation Fund.

A number of Member States have in particular over the past two years made applications for resources from the Globalisation Fund; the total amount in question was about € 294 million. The funds are to be used for various training measures as well as for job search.

Following the vote in the Committee, the plenary of the European Parliament also has to give its approval, which, however, is regarded as a mere formality. Apart from that, this application must also be voted on at Council level. As soon as the two EU institutions have given their approval, the way is clear for paying out the subsidies.