Attracting Skills and Talent to the EU

Abstract

"In summary, the discussants welcomed the proposals included in the European Commission’s Communication on skilled migration. They acknowledged that policy initiatives at the EU level can make a contribution to activities of the Member States aimed at attracting the right skills and talents. However, based on trends and evidence previously presented, it is important to note that the proposals were still seen as modest, especially in the light of the expected demographic changes that will seriously increase the need for skills in the EU in the years to come. The EU strategy to attract skilled migrants should be further enriched, while recognizing that attracting and retaining foreign human capital is primarily an employment issue, which nevertheless has migration as an important element. Policy Recommendations: 1. Migration policies on their own are not enough to attract skilled migrants. The EU should further intensify its efforts in attracting skills and talents, focusing on creating a comprehensive and multi-sectoral strategy. 2. The EU and its Member States need to invest in potential migrants‘ perception of the region. Welcoming communities and individuals’ own motivations play an important role in migrants’ decision-making processes on where to go. 3. Recognition of foreign migrants‘ credentials should be streamlined, simplified and facilitated at the EU level, without compromising on the level of skills sought. This not only ensures that efficient skill matching is possible but also creates an environment in which migrant skills are valued. 4. Consideration should also be given to an EU-supported program aimed at attracting back nationals who have emigrated." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Anger, S., Bijak, J., Bosch, P., Czaika, M., Groot, D., Busto, M. & Wahba, J. (2022): Attracting Skills and Talent to the EU. What should we focus on? (Population & policy compact : policy brief / Population Europe 37), Berlin: Population Europe, 4 p.