Nokia has closed the Bochum mobile phone factory and reopened the factory in Jucu, Romania near the city of Cluj-Napoca. In consequence over 1,400 people were left unemployed. As a response, the European Comission has approved an application by Germany for financial assistance for the former Nokia workers.

According to Cellular News, the funding will help 1,316 most disadvantaged among these dismissed workers to return to employment. The same publication points out that the total estimated cost is 11.1 million euros of which 5.5 million will be funded by the European Globalization adjustment Fund.

"I am happy to put this application forward because it will help over 1,300 workers to return to employment," said Employment Commissioner Vladimír Š pidla. "In the context of the current financial and economic crisis, the employment situation in the affected areas is particularly vulnerable. I am glad that the affected workers can be supported by the safety net which the EGF can provide."

The aid package will include basic and specific qualifications, entrepreneurship support, group qualifications and peer groups, support at the start of employment and aftercare, shortime allowances and support for international job applications.