The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against 17 member states for failing to properly implement the revised directive on the single permit. This regulation, which combines work and residence permits into a single procedure for third-country nationals, was originally adopted in 2011 and updated in 2024 as part of a broader strategy to increase the European Union's appeal to non-EU labor.
Member states were required to incorporate these updated rules into their national legislation by May 21st, 2026. However, the Commission reports that Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden have not yet communicated the complete transposition of the directive. Denmark and Ireland are excluded from this action as they have opted out of EU policies regarding migration and justice.
The Commission has issued letters of formal notice, marking the initial phase of a legal process that could eventually lead to the EU Court of Justice. The affected countries have been granted a two-month window to respond and confirm that the necessary national measures have been put in place. According to Eurostat, over 4.6 million non-EU citizens secured the right to live and work in the EU through the single permit procedure in 2024.
The revised directive introduces several key changes, including the ability for individuals to apply for the permit while residing in a third country or from within the EU, provided they hold a valid residence permit. Additionally, the deadline for national authorities to process applications has been reduced from 120 days to 90 days.
Isabelle Barthès, deputy general secretary of the trade union federation IndustriALL, described the legislation as vital for addressing skill shortages by integrating third-country workers. However, she expressed concern regarding the slow pace of implementation, noting that it suggests the directive is not a high priority for many governments. Barthès emphasized that ensuring fair working conditions is critical to prevent the exploitation and abuse of workers who may otherwise become overly dependent on their employers.
