Labor shortages and a lack of skilled workers – this is something the entire EU is now confronted with. And the shortage is getting worse. The EU Commission is therefore launching a job platform for talent from outside.
Some in Brussels are already talking about “Tinder for talent.” And there is definitely something to the dating app comparison. It starts with how it works. EU Vice Commission President Margaritis Schinas says: “That’s the logic of the system. There are vacancies and there are offers. As soon as the match is made, the system informs those affected.
And, adds Interior Commissioner Ylva Johansson, all offers could theoretically have been found offline or somewhere else. However, the platform could make the search process easier and shortened: “We are not changing anything when it comes to the legal basis for labor migration. Last year, 1.2 million migrant workers from third countries came to the EU. This will not change with the talent pool. Only the matching will be easier.”
The number of job vacancies is increasing
This is necessary. The labor shortage in Europe is becoming increasingly serious, at almost all skill levels. The unemployment rate has recently remained comparatively low at 6 percent. However, the rate of job vacancies rose to almost 3 percent last year – more than twice as high as ten years ago.
Across Europe, for example, things are particularly bad in construction, in healthcare – especially in nursing – and in information and communication technology. Especially in such shortages – the EU Commission has a total of 42 on the list – the EU talent pool should place as many suitable job seekers from non-EU countries as possible.
Commissioners: Worries about abuse are overblown
Everything else, such as the decision about a residence or work permit, lies in the individual countries. Vice Commission President Schinas is not worried that the platform could easily be exploited because it is so low-threshold: “We are talking about a legally regulated, authorized system. People don’t come to compete for jobs. They are People come who bring papers with them after they have a specific job in a member state. And someone who comes from the Ivory Coast to work in a French hospital – I don’t think he will start traveling around because he has security concerns would lose his status and papers.”
Rather, the two EU Commissioners are convinced that this initiative will also help illegal migration can be slowed down. Many people are being shown that the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean, for example, is not worth it.
Offer of information for talent and employers
And it must be about finally making the EU more attractive for talent from outside. The platform should therefore also provide information about visa regulations, work permits and further training opportunities. The employers’ side, in turn, receives more information about the exact skills and qualifications behind some degrees from third countries.
Interior Commissioner Johansson says: “If we can make all of this possible, the EU will become more attractive, even if we are not a nation. But it also allows us to create a connection between the different member states, to make us all a little more attractive for talent on the global stage make.”
However, negotiations between the European Parliament and EU states are still pending before the launch of such a talent platform. And even then, as with Tinder, participation is voluntary. And member states can adapt them to their needs.