In September 2026, the Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package to guarantee clear social rights for everyone, regardless of where they choose to live and work in Europe.
Key points
- Digital social security documents
People and companies will be able to request, store and present key social security documents in a digital wallet
- Stronger enforcement of fair labour mobility rules
The European Labour Authority will get stronger tools to support inspections, cooperation and dispute resolution
- Easier recognition of skills and qualifications
Digital qualifications and updated recognition rules will help workers and employers move talent where it is needed in the EU
Why it matters
- Mobile citizens14.00millioncitizens work or live in another EU country
- Posted workers3.64millioncitizens work in another EU country on a temporary posting
- Labour shortages74.00%of small and medium enterprises face (SMEs) skills gaps with 30% naming regulatory hurdles as a key challenge
- Social security protectionMore than8.00millionrequests for documents proving social security rights in cross-border situations
Safeguarding rights and valuing skills across the EU
The package includes a Communication on fair labour mobility and 5 legislative proposals.
Using digital documents across bordersThe European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), established by a new Regulation, will allow people to access their social security documents in a digital wallet, including the European Health Insurance Card and portable document A1 for posted workers, that indicates where social security contributions are paid.
Helping skills and qualifications travel across bordersThe Skills Portability Initiative will make qualifications easier to issue, compare, verify and recognise across the EU.
The initiative is composed of
- a Skills Portability Act establishing a standardised digital format for qualifications in the EU digital wallet
- a revision of the Professional Qualifications Directive
- a Directive on the recognition of qualifications of non-EU nationals
Strengthening the European Labour AuthorityThe European Labour Authority (ELA) supports EU countries and the Commission in enforcing EU labour mobility rules, coordinating inspections and resolving cross-border disputes.
The proposed revision of the ELA Regulation will equip the EU with stronger tools to enforce EU law.
Next steps
People will see the first practical benefits once the initiatives are adopted by the European Parliament and the Council and the main measures enter into force.
Social security documents will be digitalised in stages, starting with the portable document A1 for posted workers one year after the ESSPASS Regulation enters into force, followed by the European Health Insurance Card and other documents within three years.
Changes to qualifications and skills portability will also be phased in within
- two years of adoption: simpler recognition of non-EU qualifications
- three years of adoption: digital qualifications in the EU Digital Identity Wallet and easier recognition for regulated professions within three years.
Once the revised mandate is adopted, ELA can begin implementing changes, with improvements expected over 2028–2030.
Related documents
