Proposal for a Regulation establishing an EU Talent Pool - a BusinessEurope position paper

Key messages

• BusinessEurope welcomes the proposal to setup an EU Talent Pool with an automated matching function to facilitate the targeted recruitment of third country nationals of all skills levels. Orienting the Talent Pool in a way that addresses those occupations in the EU where there are the most pronounced shortages is a good way to respond to employers’ specific needs in the current context of labour and skills shortages. In the medium term, the Talent Pool should be broadened and opened to all occupations.
• It is important that the Talent Pool ensures that Member States retain control over the number of admissions and enables them to further utilise EU migration policy in a way that complements other national policies and initiatives.
• While labour market tests can play a role within the national context, the Council Resolution of 1994, on which they are based, is formulated in a way that first seeks to restrict the possibility for employers to hire third country nationals. Member States are encouraged to revisit and improve, as appropriate, the approach to, and role of, labour market tests relative to their legal basis and to avoid placing unjustified administrative burdens on EU employers when hiring third country nationals through the Talent Pool.