For several years, the EU has experienced labour shortages across many sectors, affecting its overall competitiveness. The Talent Pool is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of the European labour market while providing a practical response to workforce needs. The platform will allow employers to publish vacancies, and non-European candidates will be able to create profiles presenting their skills and qualifications.

The EU Talent Pool will provide jobseekers with comprehensive information on the recruitment process and inform them of their rights, including those relating to decent working conditions. The platform aims to ensure transparency and to protect job seekers from abuse by allowing only legally established employers that comply with labour law to participate. It will not replace national immigration procedures: residence and work permits will continue to be issued in line with each Member State’s rules. Member States may decide to speed up the processing of candidates, but this will remain optional.

Rapporteur Abir Al-Sahlani described the agreement as a “great victory” for the European economy, noting that it opens safer pathways while protecting candidates from exploitation. The measure contributes to the EU’s strategic agenda on competitiveness by helping to address labour shortages.

The agreement must still be formally approved by both the Parliament and the Council. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication, after which the Commission will begin developing the digital platform.

For further details, please read the press release from the Council of the European Union.