Brussels Throws a €1.9 Million Lifeline to Casa Workers (Because Home Decor Shouldn’t Cost You Your Job)
When Belgian home decor chain Casa International went belly-up in March 2025, 416 workers suddenly found themselves redecorating their own lives instead of other people’s living rooms. But fear not—the EU cavalry has arrived with checkbook in hand.
The European Parliament just greenlit a €1.9 million rescue package from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (because apparently globalization needs its own “oops, sorry” fund). With an overwhelming 575 MEPs voting “yes” and only 48 party poopers saying “no,” the money will help former Casa employees find their footing again.
Here’s the deal: The EU is picking up 85% of a €2.3 million tab for job-search support, career counseling, and skills training. The Flemish Public Employment Service is covering the remaining 15%—a classic European cost-sharing arrangement that’s more generous than splitting a restaurant bill with your stingy friend.
Casa International had been wobbling financially for years before finally face-planting into bankruptcy. Now, instead of arranging throw pillows and scented candles, these 416 workers will be arranging their CVs and learning new skills. The program aims to get them back into employment faster than you can say “Swedish minimalist aesthetic.”
Since its inception, the EGF has helped over 181,000 people across 20 member states with €727 million in support. It’s basically the EU’s way of saying, “We can’t stop companies from going bankrupt, but we can at least help you bounce back.”
So while Casa’s shelves may be empty, at least these workers’ futures won’t be.