European Commission to launch comprehensive “Fair Labour Mobility Package” in 2026, aiming to streamline worker mobility rules across the EU.
EU’s 2026 Labor Market Strategy
During Thursday’s meeting of the Social Dialogue Council, representatives from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy outlined scenarios of actions trade unions and employer organizations can expect from Brussels this year. According to information provided, the European Commission (EC) intends to focus its efforts on the labor market around a comprehensive legislative package called the “Fair Labour Mobility Package”.
This initiative, scheduled for presentation in 2026, aims to simplify and standardize rules concerning worker mobility within the Community. It is an element of a broader strategy, the “EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy,” whose goal is to support the competitiveness of the European economy.
Skills Portability Initiative
The first pillar of the new package is the “Skills Portability” initiative. Its assumption is to streamline the process of recognizing professional qualifications, which is crucial in the competition for talent. These simplifications will also apply to citizens of third countries.
Actions in this area will focus on attracting and retaining skilled professionals and entrepreneurs in Europe, with a special emphasis on innovative sectors that drive the modern economy.
Regulating Cross-Border Remote Work
The second pillar addresses the pressing issue of regulating remote work performed across borders. Currently applicable EU regulations on the coordination of social security systems do not contain detailed solutions dedicated to this form of work provision.
The EC plans to clarify these rules, including by implementing the European Social Security Card (ESSPASS), which is to order the social insurance system in case of “home office” abroad.
Strengthening European Labour Authority
The third pillar strengthens the mandate of the European Labour Authority (ELA). Brussels aims for this body to more effectively monitor the application of mobility regulations and ensure their uniform implementation in all EU member states.
An important part of the package will be new regulations on subcontractor chains, directed towards sectors particularly vulnerable to abuses, such as construction or transport.
Third-Country Nationals’ Mobility
Another area that may be covered by new regulations is combating abuses in the delegation of third-country nationals within EU territory. Planned changes may concern both the rules for seconding these individuals and extending ELA’s control powers in this area.
The need for legislative intervention stems from ELA reports from 2023 and 2025, which point to numerous irregularities, including the worrying phenomenon of employees’ dependence on immigration status.
Transborder Remote Work Challenges
The new package will also address challenges related to transborder remote work, which most often takes the form of hybrid work or digital nomadism. Experts point out that this phenomenon is currently significantly underestimated statistically.
The main reason for avoiding formalizing such work is the complex tax and insurance implications that burden both the employee and the employer. The upcoming EC regulations aim to break this deadlock by introducing clear legal frameworks for modern forms of employment.
