The General Secretariat of the Council has compiled Member States' written replies on the Presidency compromise text for the proposed EU Talent Pool regulation, following the Working Party on Integration, Migration and Expulsion meeting on 8 April 2024. The compilation, published on 25 June 2026, reveals broad support for the compromise but requests for clarifications on definitions, employer participation controls, and administrative burdens.
France welcomed clarifications on withdrawal from the platform, definitions, and National Contact Points' composition and missions. However, France requested reintroducing Member States' ability to control employer participation, adding information that platform registration does not entail security checks, and clarifying the optional nature of accelerated immigration procedures. France also raised questions on the proposed 'EU Talent Partnerships Pass' and requested a three-month deadline for national or regional adaptations to the shortage occupation list.
Germany entered a general scrutiny reservation due to the extensive and complex amendments. Germany welcomed the differentiation between 'participating employers' and 'other participating entities' but requested clarification on definitions of temporary work agencies and labour market intermediaries, as well as on employer registration evaluation. Germany also welcomed reduced administrative burden for National Contact Points and the possibility for Member States to decide on adjustments to the shortage occupation list.
Cyprus proposed additions to clarify that 'other participating entity' means a temporary work agency or labour market intermediary whose job vacancies may be transferred to the EU Talent Pool IT Platform, as allowed or subject to national legislation. Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden submitted written replies, but their specific comments were not detailed in the compilation.
The EU Talent Pool regulation aims to facilitate legal migration of third-country nationals to fill labour shortages. The compromise text seeks to balance EU-level harmonisation with Member State flexibility. The compilation of comments will inform further negotiations in the Council, with the European Parliament expected to weigh in later. Stakeholders such as EU employers and temporary work agencies face potential new compliance requirements, while national authorities may see reduced administrative burdens but also new obligations to adapt shortage occupation lists.