​The European Commission held, on 11 June, the virtual event for the official launch of the Talent Partnerships, one of the instruments of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum considered essential for the European Union to better manage migration, together with third countries. These are strategic partnerships with third countries that promote the migration of nationals from those countries to the EU, for the purpose of work, study or train, in a triple win-win situation - for the economy and society of the migrant's country of origin, of the Member State of destination and for the migrant himself.

The event was attended by Member States at ministerial level, the European Parliament and several economic and social partners. The European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and the Vice-President of the Commission, Margaritis Schinas, recalled the major achievement of the Portuguese Presidency that will improve the Union's competitiveness in attracting talent at global level: the agreement reached on the revision of the Blue Card Directive. They also mentioned the need for the Union to create more legal pathways and reduce irregular flows, as a response to the challenges of various kinds generated by illegal migration to the EU, and given Europe's socio-demographic situation and the growing need for skills and competences in view of the digital and green transition.

In his intervention at the opening session, the Minister for Home Affairs highlighted the priority given by the Portuguese Presidency to the further negotiation of the new Pact, in particular the external dimension of migration, having to this end organised the Jumbo meeting of 15 March and the Conference on the management of migratory flows, which brought together ministers from North and West Africa, and achieved the approval of the revised Blue Card Directive, which allows easier access to the EU for highly skilled migrants.

The Commissioner thanked the member states, European Parliament and social and economic partners for their strong support at the highest political level and commitment at the event. She mentioned that a high level meeting would soon be held to discuss the concrete contributions of each stakeholder and information on the support mechanisms the Commission could make available, also taking into account the needs of the countries of origin and what they can and are willing to offer.

For more information see:

​https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2921

https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/content/talent-partnerships_en