Important Updates
Important Updates
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

What Should We Expect from the EU in 2017?

December 15, 2016

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

Jo-Antoons

Jo Antoons

Partner

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2-250-4900

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Jo-Antoons

Jo Antoons

Partner

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2-250-4900

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Jo-Antoons

Jo Antoons

Partner

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2-250-4900

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Jo Antoons

As a global immigration law firm, our daily work is significantly influenced by legislation produced at the EU level. Therefore, we are always keeping a close watch on the policy plans put forward by the European Commission. Every year-end is a key moment, as the EU’s executive body issues its work plan for the coming twelve months.
 
At the end of October, the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, presented the 2017 programme, setting out the priorities for the year ahead. This agenda aimed at delivering a ‘Europe that protects, empowers and defends’,  gives us a comprehensive overview of next year’s key political initiatives. Nevertheless, it does not exclude unplanned initiatives in case urgent and unforeseen action is required at EU level. This was the case in the past two years, with the refugee crisis and the terrorist threat significantly shaping the EU legislator’s activity in the fields of migration and home affairs.
 
But these two developments will also considerably influence the work to be carried out in the next years. The 2017 work programme certainly confirms this in its title (a ‘Europe that protects…’) and content (the priority given to EU’s asylum and border control legislation is unquestionable).
 
So what exactly from this 16-page policy document and its five annexes will impact business immigration to and within the EU? Not many of the new initiatives currently planned for 2017, but some of the proposals that have already been put on the table in previous years and which are currently being discussed by European co-legislators (the Council and the European Parliament) – with negotiations continuing in 2017. 
 
Annex III of the work plan tells us that priority will be given to:
 
(In terms of external border control)
 
  • The EU Entry-Exit System (part of EU’s Smart Borders Package) that will apply to all non-EU citizens admitted for a short stay in the Schengen area (maximum 90 days in any 180 day period). It will consist of an automated system facilitating the border crossing of bona fide travellers and the detection of over stayers (see our client alert here).
  • The Revision of the Schengen Code to introduce systemic checks on EU nationals when crossing an external border of the Schengen Area (see our client alert here).
 
(In terms of intra-EU labour mobility)
 
  • The revision of the Posted Workers Directive: The proposal to revise the 1996 Posted Workers Directive was issued in March 2016. Whereas the Commission’s is to deter social dumping and ensure ‘equal pay for equal work at the same place’, the proposal seems to be quite controversial among EU countries. A compromise on this dossier which has more to do with labour law than immigration law – although they are strongly interlinked – could however, be found during the incoming Maltese Presidency of the Council.
 
Conversely, Annex 1V informs us that some initiatives have been withdrawn due to insufficient consensus among states: for example the Registered Traveller Programme.
 
Furthermore, surprisingly, the 2017 work plan does not mention the EU Blue Card. However, this does not mean that adoption of this proposal is not foreseen in 2017 (which may still be the case). The omission may simply be a consequence of the Commission’s political decision to emphasise its strong focus on protecting borders and ensuring fair working conditions for mobile workers, while the objective of attracting highly qualified migrants is minimised.
 
At first sight, this does not seem to be an overwhelming amount of work. Yet, this is consistent with the Commission’s  better regulation agenda aiming to reduce the quantity but increase the quality of EU legislation. But is this all? Well, much work still remains in terms of overseeing the quality of transposition of EU laws into national legislation: Intra-Corporate Transferees Directive, Students and Researchers Directive, Enforcement of Posted Workers Directive, Free Movement of Workers Facilitation Directive, and others.
 
And what about Brexit? The UK’s withdrawal process has not yet been initiated but, although not in the work plan, Brexit will undoubtedly be a major topic in 2017. European leaders will informally talk about Brexit again on the margins of the European Summit scheduled for 15-16 December 2016.  
 
So, it seems that a busy 2017 lies ahead of us of all, but knowing what to expect is already the first step in getting ready for what will come.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

Jo-Antoons

Jo Antoons

Partner

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2-250-4900

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Jo-Antoons

Jo Antoons

Partner

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2-250-4900

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Jo-Antoons

Jo Antoons

Partner

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2-250-4900

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • London

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.