Fair Labour Mobility in the EU: Territorial Impacts on Regions and Cities

Client/Funding Institution

Committee of the Regions

Abstract

This project examines the territorial impacts of intra-EU labour mobility across European regions and cities, with a particular focus on the European Commission's forthcoming Fair Labour Mobility Initiative and the broader Union of Skills agenda. While the free movement of workers is essential for addressing acute labour and skills shortages and boosting regional competitiveness, uneven mobility flows also create distinct territorial challenges - such as demographic decline and brain drain in sending regions, alongside pressures on housing, healthcare, and public infrastructure in receiving and cross-border areas. Combining quantitative analysis of European datasets with a comprehensive survey of local and regional authorities, stakeholder interviews, five in-depth regional case studies, and foresight scenarios, the study evaluates how sub-national authorities manage workforce integration and guarantee fair working conditions on the ground. Ultimately, the research will deliver evidence-based policy recommendations for the CoR and EU policymakers to strengthen multi-level governance, protect workers' rights, and ensure that future EU labour mobility policies foster balanced regional development and territorial cohesion.

Duration

July 2026 - December 2026

wiiw team Leader

Roman Römisch

wiiw Staff

Xhesika Banushi, Nóra Kungl, Ambre Maucorps

Countries covered: EU

Research Areas: Regional Development

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