Labour migration and EU enlargement: Reconciling Dutch and Western Balkan priorities

This policy brief assesses the future of the free movement of workers in the context of further EU enlargement. It specifically explores how a Dutch government ambition to uphold and possibly extend transitional arrangements limiting labour migration from new Member States is perceived in three selected EU candidate countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. Drawing on targeted interviews and a literature review, the brief first examines the motivations behind the Dutch position, then situates the Dutch debate within the broader EU context, and subsequently considers the perspectives of the selected candidate countries.

The brief concludes that postaccession transitional arrangements limiting labour migration are not an effective policy solution to related societal challenges in the Netherlands and fail to address systemic drivers of migration in the Western Balkans. Instead, it recommends a proactive migration management strategy that balances the interests of the Netherlands and the Western Balkans while aligning with EU initiatives towards gradual integration. 

The brief suggests concrete steps forward, including joint sectoral coordination on labour migration and exploring circular migration and nearshoring schemes.

Download policy brief.