On 18 November, the European Commission welcomed the political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council to create the EU Talent Pool.
The EU Talent Pool will be the first EU-wide platform designed to support the recruitment of skilled non-EU nationals. This initiative contributes to the EU’s competitiveness agenda by helping to address labour shortages.
How it will work
This platform will connect EU employers with jobseekers from non-EU countries in sectors experiencing labour shortages. It will match jobseekers with suitable vacancies based on their skills, expanding the talent pool for EU employers.
Participation by Member States is voluntary. Those choosing to join will establish National Contact Points to support the platform’s implementation.
Key features
- Clear information on recruitment processes, including immigration procedures, qualification recognition, and working conditions.
- A trustworthy matching platform with strong safeguards for transparency and fair recruitment.
- Support for the Talent Partnerships, allowing jobseekers to highlight skills developed through these programmes.
Next steps
The agreement awaits formal approval from both the European Parliament and the Council. Once adopted and published in the Official Journal of the EU, the Regulation will take effect 20 days later. The Commission will then begin developing the IT platform to launch it as soon as possible.
Background
The EU faces ongoing labour shortages across various sectors and skill levels. With an ageing population, Europe is set to lose 1 million workers annually from 2030, threatening the EU’s green and digital transitions, competitiveness, and essential public services.
The EU Talent Pool is a key part of the Commission’s Skills and Talent Mobility package, delivering on President Ursula von der Leyen’s commitment to make the the EU more attractive to global talent. It complements initiatives under the Skills and Talent Package and the Pact on Migration and Asylum, as part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration.
For more information
Proposal for a Regulation on the establishment of an EU Talent Pool
