The way we shape our migration and talent attraction and retention policies today will determine how prosperous, creative, and resilient our societies remain in the decades to come. This publication, born from the collaborative spirit of the Innovation Policy Lab 4.0 hosted by the European Liberal Forum and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, is driven by the conviction that well-managed mobility is not a crisis to be managed, but a unique opportunity to revitalise our economies and enrich our social fabric.

In the context of the ecological and digital transitions, labour and skills shortages have become structural across many sectors. Two-thirds of European small and medium-sized enterprises are reporting persistent difficulties in finding the talent they need. At the same time, existing potential remains underutilized. This calls for a shift in perspective, from addressing shortages to enabling the better allocation and use of skills.

Our goal is to shift the focus from managing deficits to mobilising talent. A key objective must therefore be developing a functioning European Single Market for Skills, where bureaucratic hurdles are dismantled and the phenomenon of ‘brain waste’ is finally brought to an end.

The approach moves beyond fear-based rhetoric towards pragmatic, innovative policy solutions that cross known boundaries. We propose a system built on economic pragmatism and individual agency: from digital one-stop-shops for talent to Global Skill Partnerships that create win-win scenarios for both host and origin countries. By embracing tools like the European Skills Passport, we can ensure that qualifications are as mobile as the people who hold them.

Rather than merely reacting to demographic change, Europe must adopt a strategic approach and actively compete for talent on the global stage. Migration should therefore be understood as a driver of innovation and shared prosperity, not a challenge.

This publication is the outcome of a joint undertaking between the European Liberal Forum (ELF) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Europe (FNF Europe). Most of the ideas and proposals contained in this book were discussed and developed during a two-day conference of the ELF–FNF Innovation Policy Labs held in Brussels on 23-24 September 2025.

Anna Vindics is the Policy and Innovation Lead at Prizma Foundation. She also has background as Policy Director of Momentum, a progressive-liberal Hungarian party. In both roles she advises local, national, and European-level decision makers on various policy issues. Previously, she spent seven years at the OECD, supporting member countries to implement better economic, employment, and social policies. She holds an MA in international social and public policy from the London School of Economics. Anna is committed to shaping the next generation of policies and politics for a Europe that leads in social and democratic innovation.

Published by the European Liberal Forum. Co-funded by the European Parliament.

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