Mobility and Integrated Labour Markets for Third-country Nationals in Greater Copenhagen: Barriers to cross-border labour mobility for TCNs – learning from other EU cross-border regions

Over the last two decades, the Greater Copenhagen Region, spanning the border between Denmark and Sweden, has emerged as a hub for economic activity and development in Scandinavia. In 2023, cross-border employment reached a record high of 20 500 people. Despite its dynamic economy, marked by high employment and low unemployment, the region faces internal inequalities in labour market performance. Relatively high unemployment rates on the Swedish side coincide with increasing labour and skills shortages, especially on the Danish side of the border. Additionally, third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) residing in the region have yet to fully benefit from the steady integration of the Greater Copenhagen labour market.

This report examines barriers to cross-border mobility, particularly for third-country nationals, and offers recommendations to regional and national governments to help the region achieve its full potential. It also explores ways to better co-ordinate employment and skills policies to foster cross-border labour mobility and inclusion. Insights and recommendations are informed by detailed reviews of three other EU cross-border regions: the Greater Region, the Meuse-Rhine Region and the Austrian-German border area.