Addressing the Dutch Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs during a roundtable on EU enlargement, Prof. Tesseltje de Lange emphasized the need for a forward-thinking approach, advocating for transitional arrangements as was accomplished in past enlargement phases and labor market integration processes to minimizing disruptions. She highlighted the importance of phased-in freedoms and reskilling initiatives to equip new EU workers to contribute effectively to economic growth. Her remarks also underscored the shared interests of The Netherlands with other EU Member States in addressing labor shortages and improving conditions for workers. By investing in these areas, the EU labor market can remain robust while fostering mutual prosperity.
Read the full text of the Roundtable dialogue here.