Thematic studies and national reports published in 2025

In 2025, EMN published comparative studies addressing issues including labour migration and labour shortages, family reunification, human trafficking and illegal employment. Here you will find a brief description of the studies and national reports, as well as other useful materials.

EMN and OECD joint study on labour migration and labour shortages

The EMN and OECD joint study “Labour shortages in times of labour migration” provides a comparative overview of legislation, policy developments and initiatives on labour migration implemented in 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries between January 2021 and June 2024. The focus is on third-country nationals of all skill levels who move to EMN Countries for work.

The report complements the information in the EMN inform “New and innovative ways to attract foreign talent into the EU” and examines how EMN Member and Observer Countries and OECD Countries are using labour migration to manage, counteract and prevent labour shortages in the labour market. Comprehensive reforms to labour migration policy have been implemented in almost all EMN Member Countries and Serbia since 2021. In Sweden, the recruitment of talent and highly skilled workers from third countries is high on the agenda, with a series of legislative amendments and concerted efforts by several authorities.

OECD stands for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 

EMN study on family reunification

The EMN study “Family reunification of third-country nationals: State of play of law and practice” provides a comparative overview of national legislation and policy developments over the last 20 years following the implementation of the Family Reunification Directive. The publication compiles national contributions from 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries, together with input from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the European Red Cross and in particular covers developments from 2017 to the present day, a period during which EMN Member Countries have implemented extensive reforms in this area.

For countries such as Ireland and Serbia, which do not apply the Directive, the study provides a broader comparative perspective on similar legislation and policy regarding family reunification. Furthermore, it highlights good practices and challenges in EMN Countries, as well as relevant statistics on family reunification processes. As a result of this analysis, specific data gaps have been identified. A brief summary of the study is provided in an EMN inform.

EMN study examines international efforts to combat trafficking in human beings

The EMN study “Trafficking in human Beings – the international dimension” provides an overview of the measures implemented by 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries to combat human trafficking between 2021 and 2023. The study examines support measures in areas including prevention, law enforcement, victim support, international cooperation and policy development in line with the EU Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2021–2025), including beyond the borders of the EU. Among other things, this includes the EU’s revised Anti-Trafficking Directive from 2024 and new tools for investigating human trafficking offences and providing better support to victims of trafficking in human beings. Most EMN Member and Observer countries addressed the international dimension as part of broader strategies against trafficking in human beings, linking together policy measures under the framework of migration, asylum, border management and organised crime.

EMN Sweden presents a national report

The national report provides an overview of Sweden’s policy to combat trafficking in human beings, comprising several different measures, with the thematic priorities being in line with those of the EU. The study covers the period between 2021 and 2023, as well as certain developments in 2024. Thailand and Ukraine stand out as the countries most prioritised by Swedish efforts. Sweden is also active in and/or funds various activities under the framework of international cooperation and UN bodies. A number of government inquiries were set up with the aim of presenting proposals on the identification of potential victims of trafficking in human beings. The Swedish Gender Equality Agency has been responsible for a number of information campaigns.

EMN study on illegal employment between 2017 and 2022

The EMN study “Illegal employment of third-country nationals:” focuses on measures to combat illegal employment among third-country nationals and those with temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive in EMN Member Countries. The report provides an insight into developments between 2017 and 2022, including legislative amendments and concrete measures. The comparative study is based on EU-wide legislation and the Employers Sanctions Directive in particular. A national report has been produced in connection with the study. In Sweden, enhanced inter-agency cooperation has been in progress since 2017, aimed at combating labour market crime from a broader perspective.

EMN Sweden presents a national report

In addition to the European comparative study, the Swedish national report is also published. It highlights both concrete measures and remaining challenges in combating illegal employment. Information campaigns, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, increased unannounced inspections and doubled fines for employers are among the measures taken in Sweden. The work that commenced in 2017 remains ongoing.