EU Migration and Asylum Policy and Talent Acquisition

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 10
SUMMARY

The European Commission is expanding its 'Talent Partnerships' with more countries to attract skilled workers and address labor shortages, aiming to enhance economic competitiveness, as of April 10, 2026. As of April 10, 2026: The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into force on June 11, 2024, received final approval on March 30, 2026, with new rules taking effect on June 12, 2026. Czechia will contribute approximately CZK 480 million annually to the EU's Asylum and Migration Pact, with an option to provide financial support instead of accepting refugees, and has requested an exemption from contributions to the common budget for managing irregular migration. The new EU Talent Pool platform, designed to connect non-EU job seekers with employers, is expected to be fully operational by 2027. The EU also implemented its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on March 26, 2026, to enhance security and manage irregular migration within the Schengen area.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

April 2026 2 developments

  1. The European Commission is expanding its 'Talent Partnerships' with more countries to attract skille…

    The European Commission is expanding its 'Talent Partnerships' with more countries to attract skilled workers and address labor shortages, aiming to enhance economic competitiveness. Czechia will contribute approximately CZK 480 million annually to the EU's Asylum and Migration Pact, with an option to provide financial support instead of accepting refugees.

  2. The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into force on June 11, 2024, and will see new r…

    The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into force on June 11, 2024, and will see new rules applied after a transition period, has received final approval on March 30, 2026, and faces criticism from human rights activists. The Czech Republic will contribute CZK 480 million annually but has requested an exemption from contributions to the common budget for managing irregular migration. The new EU Talent Pool platform, designed to connect non-EU job seekers with employers, is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

March 2026 10 developments

  1. The European Union is launching a new EU Talent Pool platform, expected to be fully operational by 2027, to connect non-EU job seekers with employers facing labor shortages.

    The European Union is launching a new EU Talent Pool platform, expected to be fully operational by 2027, to connect non-EU job seekers with employers facing labor shortages. This initiative aims to streamline international recruitment while incorporating safeguards against labor exploitation. In parallel, the EU is implementing stricter migration policies effective June 12th, which include expanded powers for tracking, raiding, and deporting migrants to third-country "return hubs."

  2. New rules under the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum will take effect on June 12, 2026, introducing…

    New rules under the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum will take effect on June 12, 2026, introducing stricter measures for tracking, raiding, and deporting migrants, and establishing "return hubs" in third countries. The Czech Republic has requested an exemption from its financial contribution to the pact, citing its significant hosting of Ukrainian refugees.

  3. The European Union implemented its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on March 26, 2026, a digital border c…

    The European Union implemented its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on March 26, 2026, a digital border control system designed to enhance security and manage irregular migration within the Schengen area. The system records non-EU nationals' entry and exit using biometric data to identify individuals and enforce the 90-day rule for short stays. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson stated the EES will aid in identifying visa overstayers.

  4. The European Union is targeting an employment rate of 78% for individuals aged 20 to 64 by 2030, with migrant labor expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal.

    The European Union is targeting an employment rate of 78% for individuals aged 20 to 64 by 2030, with migrant labor expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal. This objective is being pursued through new rules proposed to facilitate legal migration and address labor shortages, aiming to attract skilled workers and fill job vacancies.

  5. The European Commission has presented a new EU Migration Strategy for 2026-2030, focusing on preventing illegal migration, protecting refugees, and attracting talent.

    The European Commission has presented a new EU Migration Strategy for 2026-2030, focusing on preventing illegal migration, protecting refugees, and attracting talent. This strategy includes strengthening migration diplomacy, enhancing border controls, and ensuring a fair asylum system. Additionally, the EU is launching the 'EU Talent Pool' initiative to match skilled workers from outside Europe with European employers, aiming to simplify and accelerate the process of attracting necessary skills and recognizing qualifications.

  6. The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, effective June 2024, emphasizes the critical role of local and regional authorities in reception, integration, and employment.

    The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, effective June 2024, emphasizes the critical role of local and regional authorities in reception, integration, and employment. Germany has updated its Skilled Immigration Act to ease entry for skilled workers, including changes to the EU Blue Card. The EU is also funding migration centers in Central Asia to address labor shortages and create legal pathways.

  7. The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum will be applied from June 2026, harmonizing management and strengthening border control.

    The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum will be applied from June 2026, harmonizing management and strengthening border control. The Czech Republic is introducing a new green card scheme to facilitate foreign worker employment and address labor gaps. Human rights groups have criticized proposed EU migration policy changes, citing concerns about potential human rights violations.

  8. The European Union is funding migration centers in Central Asia to address potential labor shortages, aiming to create legal migration pathways.

    The European Union is funding migration centers in Central Asia to address potential labor shortages, aiming to create legal migration pathways. Concurrently, Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan has proposed processing migrants in third countries outside the EU and requested an exemption from contributing to the EU's common budget for managing illegal migration, citing the number of Ukrainian refugees.

  9. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, entering into force in June 2024, establishes a common system f…

    The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, entering into force in June 2024, establishes a common system for managing migration and asylum, aiming to address labor shortages by facilitating migrant worker integration. The Czech Republic's new government opposes the EU's migration relocation pact, advocating for a strict 'zero-tolerance policy for illegal migration,' though it is eligible for exemptions due to accepting Ukrainian refugees.

  10. EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson stated that legal migration needs to increase by approximately one million people annually to offset demographic decline and labor shortages.

    EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson stated that legal migration needs to increase by approximately one million people annually to offset demographic decline and labor shortages. Migrants currently constitute 6% of the EU workforce, a figure that has doubled since 2010, and are vital for meeting 2030 employment targets. In March 2026, Europol launched a new European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling to enhance intelligence sharing.

March 2024 1 developments

  1. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and Czech Minister of Interior, Vít Rakušan, met w…

    EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and Czech Minister of Interior, Vít Rakušan, met with business representatives in Prague to discuss the economic implications of migration. The forum focused on how migration can address labor shortages and boost economic growth, emphasizing the need for a common EU approach and the role of businesses in migrant integration. This event highlighted the practical economic benefits of migration and the importance of business involvement in successful integration strategies.

June 2023 2 developments

  1. A report discussed the "quadrumvirate" approach to supporting migrant-owned businesses in Europe, involving migrant businesses, support organizations, corporations, and government.

    A report discussed the "quadrumvirate" approach to supporting migrant-owned businesses in Europe, involving migrant businesses, support organizations, corporations, and government. This collaborative model aimed to promote economic development and social inclusion by helping migrants establish and grow businesses, fill labor and supply chain gaps, and embed themselves in the economy.

  2. A report highlighted that labor shortages were affecting EU member states, with the average EU job vacancy rate doubling between 2012 and 2022.

    A report highlighted that labor shortages were affecting EU member states, with the average EU job vacancy rate doubling between 2012 and 2022. This situation risked jeopardizing common EU objectives like the green and industrial transitions, underscoring the need for a simplified and harmonized legal framework on labor migration and expanded opportunities for low- and medium-skilled workers.

November 2022 1 developments

  1. Vít Rakušan, as Interior Minister of the Czech Presidency, called an extraordinary Justice and Home …

    Vít Rakušan, as Interior Minister of the Czech Presidency, called an extraordinary Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels to address the significant increase in illegal migration on all routes to Europe. Ministers agreed on the need for both short-term solutions, such as cooperation with third countries on border protection and returns, and long-term systemic measures, including the reform of the common migration and asylum policy.

April 2021 1 developments

  1. The EU launched a new strategy to boost measures for returning migrants to their home countries.

    The EU launched a new strategy to boost measures for returning migrants to their home countries. This strategy included counseling on the benefits of returning, smoother legal and operational procedures for deportation, and the use of development aid or visa restrictions to encourage cooperation from countries of origin. The plan also aimed to counter a fragmented approach by member states and improve reintegration support.

September 2020 1 developments

  1. The European Commission presented its New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a comprehensive proposal aiming to replace ad-hoc crisis management with a permanent, predictable rulebook.

    The European Commission presented its New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a comprehensive proposal aiming to replace ad-hoc crisis management with a permanent, predictable rulebook. This pact included a system of "mandatory solidarity" with three options for member states: accepting relocated asylum seekers, paying for returns, or financing operational measures.

December 2019 1 developments

  1. Ylva Johansson was appointed European Commissioner for Home Affairs, with a mission letter from President von der Leyen outlining her responsibilities.

    Ylva Johansson was appointed European Commissioner for Home Affairs, with a mission letter from President von der Leyen outlining her responsibilities. A key focus was developing a new EU internal security strategy and a "fresh start on migration," including developing a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, strengthening external borders, reforming asylum rules, and promoting legal pathways for skilled workers.

January 2015 1 developments

  1. The EU faced a significant refugee crisis, with a large influx of refugees due to conflicts in regions like Afghanistan and Syria.

    The EU faced a significant refugee crisis, with a large influx of refugees due to conflicts in regions like Afghanistan and Syria. This event marked a major hurdle for the EU in tackling migration and led to increased discussions and policy development regarding border management and asylum.