18/09/23 (Agence Europe) – The European Union and the European Commission have opened a public call for contributions to the initiative on the recognition of qualifications of third country nationals announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech (see EUROPE 13249/8). This initiative, which forms part of the SME relief package, is designed to remedy the serious labour shortages facing Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises. The contribution period runs from 14 September to 12 October 2023 inclusive. Link to the call for contributions: https://aeur.eu/f/8nb (IS)