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OPINION (COM(2023)0716 – C90413/2023 – 2023/0404(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an EU Talent Pool

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Committee on Development · Rapporteur: Tomas Tobé

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The Committee on Development proposes amendments to the proposed EU Talent Pool regulation, aiming to align it with development cooperation objectives and ensure fair, non-discriminatory recruitment. Amendments emphasize Policy Coherence for Development, support for developing countries, and protection of migrant workers, including provisions on data, transparency, and access to information.

Committee position. The Committee on Development proposes amendments to align the Talent Pool with development objectives, ensuring fairness, transparency, and protection for migrant workers.

Key points

  1. The Talent Pool should contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including eradicating poverty, gender equality, decent work, and reduced inequalities.
  2. Implementation must comply with Policy Coherence for Development, promote equal treatment, prevent exploitation, and consider the WHO code on health personnel recruitment.
  3. The Talent Pool should align with the EU Gender Equality Strategy and Gender Action Plan III, as migrant women are often vulnerable.
  4. Strong partnerships with third countries are a precondition; they should enable co-creation, circular migration, and respect for human rights.
  5. Eligibility criteria should be non-discriminatory, allow all skill levels, and provide easy access to information, including on development cooperation opportunities.
  6. The EU Talent Pool should facilitate legal migration and reduce irregular migration by addressing root causes, while promoting decent work.
  7. Profiles of jobseekers inactive for two years and employers inactive for three years should be removed, with prior notice; anonymised data may be kept for statistics.
  8. Employers must not charge recruitment fees or related costs; a clear statement should be visible in job vacancies.
  9. Participating Member States shall put in place accelerated immigration procedures, preferably issuing permits under the Single Permit Directive.
  10. Monitoring should include gender, age, and disability disaggregated data, and assess impact on developing countries using SDG indicators.
  11. The Commission's review by 31.12.2031 must consider the regulation's impact on EU development cooperation objectives and SDG progress.

Who is affected

  • Jobseekers from third countries: benefit from easier access, no recruitment fees, and complaint mechanisms.
  • Employers: must not charge fees, provide transparent job vacancies, and face profile removal after three years of inactivity.
  • Member States: required to implement accelerated procedures and provide support services.
  • Developing countries: the Talent Pool should support development and avoid negative impacts like brain drain.

Figures and deadlines

  • Member States must notify participation at least 6 months before joining, instead of 9.
  • Jobseeker profiles inactive for two years and employer profiles for three years are removed.
  • The Commission reports by 31.12.2031 and every five years thereafter.

Legal basis: Article 208(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union