Could restricting EU free movement help tackle brain drain?
Eastern and Southern European countries struggle with ‘brain drain’ as skilled workers move to other EU Member States. Could restricting free movement be a legitimate and lawful way to address this trend? Researcher Martijn van den Brink will investigate the issue.
The downside of mobility
There are many advantages to free movement within the EU. It is much easier for people to find work, study, or build a new life. But there are also disadvantages, especially for countries where the working population is shrinking. According to Martijn van den Brink, Assistant Professor in European law, this is the downside of mobility: ‘Freedom of movement is good for many people, but some countries are losing too many workers and talent as a result.’
The differences between countries are significant. Nearly one in five people from the working population of Romania and Croatia live in another EU country. In Portugal and Bulgaria, this figure is nearly one in ten. This is causing problems, particularly in Eastern Europe. Emigration does not just lead to fewer workers, but also fewer skilled professionals, a so-called ‘brain drain’. As a result, shortages exist in key sectors such as healthcare, education and technology.
Free movement within Europe - but at what price?
This presents the EU with a difficult dilemma. Van den Brink: 'Free movement is important for the unity of Europe, but if countries lose too much talent, public support for the EU will come under pressure.' The problem is particularly serious in healthcare. Romania, for example, has seen more than half of its doctors leave the country since it joined the EU, many of whom have emigrated to other EU Member States. 'This creates a tough choice for Europe: do we hold on to the right of EU citizens to travel and work freely, or do we first protect important services such as good healthcare? I hope to find an answer to this dilemma.'
NWO grant
Van den Brink has received an NWO SSH XS grant for his research. This grant helps researchers to conduct fundamental research. They must have an idea that holds great promise and that they can explore over a short period of time in a small, innovative project. Van den Brink has received a grant of almost €50,000. He will start his project in June 2026.