The Migration Partnership Facility makes available a detailed mapping of labour migration pathways across the 27 European Union member states to the wider public. Following an initial presentation at the third annual conference of the Labour Migration Practitioners’ Network earlier in November, the mapping is offered now available to all audiences, with labour migration practitioners, researchers, and policymakers particularly in mind.
This research, funded by the European Union and executed by a consortium led by the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), examines labour migration pathways in the EU area from late 2023 to February 2024. The study’s findings come at a crucial juncture, as demographic challenges and workforce shortages across Europe amplify the calls for effective migration strategies as part of wider efforts to adapt labour markets accordingly.
A resource tailored for practitioners
The extensive research is packaged in a manner that caters directly to the needs of time-constrained practitioners and includes:
- 27 Country Summaries and Infographics: Each EU member state’s pathways are distilled into concise overviews and visual aids, making it easier to grasp and apply the information.
- Horizontal Report: A separate 20-page brief highlights trends, similarities, and differences across the EU labour migration landscape, offering a broader perspective on policies and practices.
- Interactive Online Tool: Users can explore pathways by country or cluster them according to shared criteria, such as language requirements, labour market quotas, or income thresholds.
These resources enable stakeholders to navigate the complex web of labour migration pathways at EU member state level and make informed decisions regarding their application and possible adaptations and improvements.
Key Findings: a patchwork of pathways
The mapping identifies an initial 294 distinct migration pathways within the EU-27. These pathways reflect a diverse array of national labour market policies, influenced by local requirements and priorities. Common criteria quoted above include language proficiency, salary thresholds, and quotas, though the specifics vary significantly from one country to another. This complexity underscores the dynamic nature of labour migration frameworks, with member states like Spain and Poland introducing legislative changes even as the research was conducted.
As Jennifer Tangney, Senior Project Manager, MPF, said, “The diversity of approaches across the EU reveals a more intricate and evolving landscape than we had initially anticipated. The research is a just snapshot – we can already see structural changes in many EU member states since February 2024. Yet this “moment in time” perspective is still a huge asset for those interested in designing schemes or for those keen to understand the pathways that might be open to their industry in a specific EU Member State”
While EU-wide mechanisms such as the Blue Card scheme aim to provide coherence, they coexist with national initiatives targeting specific groups, including artists, maritime workers, shepherds, and clergy, illustrating the tailored approaches employed by individual member states.
Sectors and Skills: Bridging Workforce Gaps
Despite shared challenges, member states differ somewhat in the sectors most affected by labour shortages and the urgency to address them. Commonly impacted areas include agriculture (particularly seasonal work), construction, healthcare and long-term care, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), manufacturing, transportation and maritime tourism and hospitality. The twin transitions in green energy and digitalisation are poised to exacerbate the demand for skilled professionals, adding to the existing pressures in these key sectors.
Interestingly, while many pathways have been developed to attract highly skilled workers, acute labour shortages often occur in roles requiring medium- to lower-skilled workers. Addressing this mismatch remains a significant challenge, as does the recognition of skills and qualifications at these levels.
Balancing labour needs with political sensitivities
Faced with negative perspectives on the role of migrants and migration, several EU member states have taken a “pragmatic approach” to tackle labour market needs and opened new pathways, such as Italy and Germany and others have signed new bilateral agreements with third countries.
The research highlights that nearly all member states face structural and persistent shortages, yet lower-skilled migrants often encounter stricter entry requirements. This approach can limit the ability of third-country nationals to fill gaps effectively, coupled with procedural inefficiencies, such as delays in system digitalisation, continuing to hamper progress.
A bird’s eye view: the horizontal report analyses EU-wide trends
The horizontal report provides valuable recommendations for navigating the complexities of labour migration in the EU. It emphasises that while the landscape may appear fragmented, it offers numerous opportunities for third-country nationals to contribute to European labour markets.
Promoting streamlined and inclusive labour migration pathways aligns with broader EU strategic priorities in areas such as economic competitiveness, security, and international cooperation. As Europe grapples with demographic shifts and workforce shortages, initiatives like this mapping study serve as a foundation for future policy discussions and reforms.
MPF as a knowledge hub
The MPF’s work in making this knowledge accessible marks a step forward in enhancing the collective understanding of labour migration dynamics. By equipping practitioners with detailed insights and practical tools, the MPF reinforces its role as an indispensable resource in shaping effective migration policies for Europe’s evolving needs.
This mapping of labour migration pathways underscores the complexity and dynamism of the EU labour migration framework. While challenges persist, the study offers a comprehensive baseline in a specific time period to guide practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. As Europe seeks to balance its labour market needs with political and social considerations, leveraging tools like those provided by the MPF will be crucial in navigating this intricate and vital policy area.
About the research
The research project “Re-thinking approaches to labour migration. Potential and gaps in EU Member States’ Migration Infrastructures” was funded by the EU and commissioned through the ICMPD-led Migration Partnership Facility. The consortium was led by ECDPM, together with OSMOS, Labor Mobility Partnerships (LaMP) and CASE, and mapped labour market needs and analysed the national migration systems of all 27 EU member states between early 2023 and early 2024. Graphic design for the infographics was provided by Visuality.