On Thursday 10 October, the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union held an informal meeting in Budapest comprised of representatives of the EU's employment and social affairs ministers to once again discuss skills and labour shortages in the EU.
A problem which “affects all member states” was particularly highlighted at the end of the work by the relevant Hungarian minister, Sándor Czomba. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the EU's competitiveness challenges and how “it is possible, in the current economic circumstances”, to maintain and “boost” the competitiveness of the Member States. Common avenues have been identified, such as continuing training and increasing human resources.
“We [the EU] are lagging behind in this respect, and one of the most important factors in increasing competitiveness is the availability of adequate human resources, both in terms of quantity and quality”, said the Minister.
Legal migration was also mentioned, but the approach of Member States “varies” on this point, he also commented. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)