The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties (LIBE) committee has given the green light to the EU Commission’s controversial proposal aimed at addressing Europe’s labor shortages. The plan suggests opening up legal pathways for third-world migrants, potentially adding up to 7 million workers by the end of the decade.
The scheme includes the creation of a centralized EU Talent Pool, designed to simplify work visa applications, especially for sectors facing acute labor shortages. While the Commission sees it as a necessary step, critics argue it could be exploited by employers seeking cheap labor, ultimately driving down wages for native Europeans—echoing concerns over similar visa systems in the U.S.
What raised eyebrows further is that the plan targets Africa in particular, seeing the continent’s large young and unemployed population as a key source of workers for Europe. Critics who argue this could lead to “cultural replacement” instead of promoting pro-family policies were labeled as “far-right extremists” by some Brussels insiders.
The proposal passed in LIBE with 50 votes in favor, 19 against, and 3 abstentions. Mainstream parties like von der Leyen’s EPP, the S&D, Renew, and the Greens all backed it, while conservative factions such as Patriots, ECR, and ESN voted against it. The far-left abstained, unable to reconcile the impact on European workers but unwilling to align with the right.
MEP Charlie Weimers (ECR) called the argument about Europe’s labor shortage a “convenient lie,” pointing out that 12 million people are unemployed within the EU. He also criticized the idea of importing workers from “dysfunctional” countries, claiming this policy is driven by ideology rather than actual need or qualifications. “This is not about addressing a skills gap. It’s about pushing an ideological agenda,” Weimers said, noting that European taxpayers would foot the bill.
Meanwhile, the Patriots for Europe group called for a shift towards pro-natalist policies to boost Europe’s native workforce. The group also slammed the EU’s stance, arguing it would lead to more social dumping and lower wages, warning that these migrants would likely not integrate well or return home.
One outspoken critic, MEP Tom Vandendriessche (PfE), called the proposal a move to bring in cheap labor under the guise of tackling “bottleneck occupations.” He warned it would lead to increased migration pressures, affecting wages and social security. The conservatives also pointed out that Hungary’s family policies, which encourage young families, could be a better solution for Europe’s demographic crisis.
Although the proposal passed at the committee level, it’s expected to face a similar fate when voted on by the full Parliament. However, for now, it seems Europe is on course to welcome millions more migrants—a move that’s dividing opinion across the continent.
