As set out in the Skills and Talent Mobility package[1], in the action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages[2] and in the Union of Skills[3], attraction of talent to the EU is part of a comprehensive approach to tackling labour and skills shortages.

This is complementary to the activation of the EU’s workforce, reskilling, upskilling, intra-EU mobility and improvement of the working conditions.

The EU Talent Pool will help fill the labour shortages that cannot be filled through European workforce as it targets specific EU-wide shortage occupations, as well as those with a direct link to the green and digital transitions.

Member States will be able to adjust the list of shortage occupations to their needs. Member States are free to decide whether they want to participate in the EU Talent Pool because participation is voluntary.

In accordance with Article 79(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the proposal does not affect Member States’ competence to determine volumes of admission of third-country nationals coming from third countries to seek work.

Last updated: 20 June 2025