April 2025

The European Policy Centre (CEP), in collaboration with the Clingendael Institute, has published a research paper titled “Labour Migration and EU Enlargement: Reconciling Dutch and Western Balkan Priorities”. This study examines the future of labor mobility within the European Union, especially in the context of potential EU enlargement and proposed reforms. It focuses on the Dutch proposal to extend limitations on the freedom of movement for workers from new member states and analyzes how this is perceived by key Western Balkan countries, considering their significant emigration challenges. The project was supported in part through the Think Tanks for the Future of EU Enlargement Program (TFEP).

The research uses Serbia as the primary case study due to its size and potential impact on EU labor markets. It also includes comparative analyses of Montenegro, which is closest to EU membership, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its high labor mobility. Data was collected through interviews with key stakeholders in these countries to provide a detailed, evidence-based assessment of the implications of the proposed restrictions on future EU member states.

This publication aims to inform policymakers by highlighting the need to balance the concerns of existing EU member states with the aspirations of Western Balkan countries seeking EU integration. It underscores the importance of developing fair and sustainable policies that address labor migration challenges while supporting the enlargement process.

You can find the report Labour Migration and EU Enlargement: Reconciling Dutch and Western Balkan Priorities by Van Hees, C., Milinković, A., Zweers, W., & Subotić, S., European Policy Centre (CEP) & Clingendael Institute (2025) here