The European Commission adopted the Skills and Talent Package on April 27, 2022, to address current demographic and migration challenges in the EU while getting ready for future needs. This is a critical cornerstone of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
On the 28th of October, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that 2023 be designated as the European Year of Skills. This emphasises the cruciality of addressing labour shortages and getting a skilled workforce for the future of Europe’s economies and societies.
One goal is to attract people from non-EU countries with the skills needed on the EU labour market, including by improving learning opportunities and mobility and facilitating qualification recognition.
In this context, the Labour Migration Platform, an initiative of the Skills and Talent Package that will support the objectives and actions of the proposed 2023 European Year of Skills, was created to promote labour migration from third countries to the EU while at the same time ensuring proper management and targeting of where labour and skills are needed.
On the 10th January 2023, Commissioner Ylva Johansson (DG HOME) and Commissioner Nicolas Schmidt (DG EMPL) held the platform’s first meeting with representatives from Member States specialising in migration and employment policy as well as European Social and Economic partners.
At the meeting, participants exchanged on:
Further meetings will keep addressing the above-mentioned in addition to labour shortages in critical sectors, including the green and digital transition.
A skilled workforce is essential for ensuring future competitiveness and capitalising on the opportunity provided by the twin transitions. A well-managed labour migration is one measure that can help to overcome this challenge.
To advance collaborative efforts, the Commission and Member States are leveraging the platform to support the implementation of EU-level initiatives on legal migration and employment, such as the future EU Talent Pool and EU Talent Partnerships, both of which are outlined in the Commission’s Skills and Talent Package.
The Labour Migration Platform will meet on a regular basis to improve cooperation and advancement in the field of EU labour migration. Based on the subjects discussed, relevant experts and organisations, in addition to Commission and Member State representatives, may be invited to participate. The goal will be to learn from one another and progress together.
For more information:
EU Project Manager
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