Attracting Skills and Talent to the EU : What should we focus on?

On 27 April 2022, the European Commission published a Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on ‘Attracting Skills and Talent to the EU’. We sat down with researchers for them to offer their insights on the proposed initiatives and evaluate policy options based on research evidence.

Key Messages

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.

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.

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.

Consideration should also be given to an EU-supported programme aimed at attracting back nationals who have emigrated.