This publication examines the role of skills mobility partnerships (SMPs) as a policy tool for addressing labour shortages and skills mismatches, while expanding legal migration opportunities and supporting skills development. Based on desk research and a comparative analysis of 39 governmental SMPs, the study maps partnerships involving selected non-EU Prague Process participating states from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The analysis shows that the countries covered act primarily as countries of origin within SMPs, although several, particularly in the Western Balkans, are increasingly also becoming countries of destination. Most partnerships involve EU Member States and target specific labour shortages, particularly in construction, healthcare, tourism and information and communication technologies (ICT). The study also highlights the flexibility of SMPs in terms of mobility duration, skill levels, training approaches and institutional arrangements.
The publication identifies emerging approaches, including dual “home and away” models, while pointing to areas that remain less developed, such as qualification recognition, reintegration support and long-term sustainability. It provides key takeaways for Prague Process states seeking to launch or further develop mutually beneficial skills mobility partnerships, whether as countries of origin or destination.
For more information and key takeaways, check the full publication:
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