Legal and labour migration of third country nationals to and within the EU is a key but also highly sensitive issue. Pertaining to the field of so called admission policies, this side of EU migration policy is still considered as falling within the scope of the state’s sovereign power. As a consequence, legal and labour migration issues have always raised questions between member states where negociated at EU level.

While overly sensitive, EU institutions have nevertheless, over the last 15 years, been able to act in this field. Results achieved so far are mixed. Setting minimum standards and rules, actions developed regarding in particular labour migration portray a complex legal picture. Shortcomings and incoherencies regarding the legal framework adopted in the field of legal and labour migration can be identified. The European Commission in its programme and latest communications has shown willingness to move ahead in the field of labour migration. While interesting, and to a certain extent innovative, it is not sure whether the orientations and forthcoming proposals on the table will create a major shift in existing policies.