Speaking at the annual gathering of MEDEF (the French Business Confederation) in Paris in late August 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that excessive red tape could hamper economic activity across EU borders, and that one of her priorities was to remove these barriers.
A first milestone towards this ambition was reached on 15 September 2026, when the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility Package. While the proposals await approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, here is an overview of the FLMP.
Why the Fair Labour Mobility Package ?
Differences in national procedures can make it difficult to verify a diploma, obtain recognition of a qualification or demonstrate an employee’s social security entitlements.
These barriers affect a significant number of people and businesses. According to figures presented by the European Commission, 14 million EU citizens live or work in another EU country, while 74% of SMEs face skills gaps. The FLMP aims to help businesses meet these needs by improving access to available talent.
Five key proposals
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- A European Social Security Pass — ESSPASS
The proposal would allow people to request and receive documents online, including Portable Document A1, used particularly for posted workers, and the European Health Insurance Card.
These documents could be stored and presented in the European Digital Identity Wallet, making them easier for public authorities to verify. The aim is to simplify proof of entitlement when moving between countries.
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- Qualifications that are easier to understand and verify
The “Skills Portability Act” provides for qualifications in a standardised digital format and a European comparison tool drawing on national databases.
For recruiters, the goal is to make it easier to understand qualifications obtained in another country and verify their authenticity.
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- Simpler recognition for regulated professions
The Commission proposes modernising the rules on the recognition of professional qualifications, particularly through digital procedures.
The aim is to make it easier to practise a regulated profession in another Member State while maintaining qualification and safety requirements.
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- A common framework for qualifications obtained outside the EU
The proposals also aim to facilitate the recognition of qualifications obtained outside the European Union through common standards.
This could make procedures more predictable for the professionals concerned and the businesses seeking to recruit them, particularly in healthcare professions.
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- A stronger European Labour Authority
The FLMP proposes giving the European Labour Authority stronger tools to support national labour inspectorates, improve cross-border cooperation and tackle abuse.
Providing employers and workers with better information about their rights and obligations is also among its objectives.
What is the timeline?
The Commission’s adoption of the FLMP is a first step: the legislative proposals must still be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Implementation would be gradual. Under ESSPASS, the digitalisation of Portable Document A1 is planned for one year after the regulation enters into force, followed by the European Health Insurance Card and other documents within three years. These timelines remain dependent on the completion of the legislative process.
What businesses should watch for when planning employee mobility
For employers, these proposals could make it easier to prepare employee postings, assess qualifications and manage certain international recruitment processes. The final provisions will clarify which changes need to be incorporated into HR practices.
Oui Immigration will keep you informed of the next steps in the Fair Labour Mobility Package.
Are you planning an international hire or an employee’s mobility, whether in France, elsewhere in Europe or around the world?
Contact us at: oui@oui-immigration.com
