A new Make It Work episode explores how a cross-border recruitment event in the upper Rhine region uses sports and games to connect employers and jobseekers from France and Germany. “We’re sharing a moment of sport and common values to make it easier to meet and create job opportunities” says Rémi Stangret, Director-General of the Grand Est Athletics League. “On average, two out of three participants find a job within five months”, he concludes.
Across Europe, around 1.8 million work across borders, thanks to the EU’s freedom of movement. One of them is Sonia Luttringer, who lives in France but mainly looks for jobs in Germany, where she has spent most of her career. Cédric Lemmel is also a cross-border worker and manager at a German animal food factory in Kehl. “We employ around 120 full-time staff, about 60% are German and 40% are cross-border workers. This mix brings a great diversity of perspectives, cultures, and skills, helping us meet our industrial needs”, says Cédric.
To facilitate the free movement of workers, the EU created the European Employment Services (EURES). It helps people find jobs and learn about working conditions in different countries. “Our region has one of the highest numbers of cross-border workers in Europe: about 100,000. All of them need access to advice and information”, says Michelle Willuth, coordinator of EURES-T Upper Rhine.
The European Social Fund Plus supports EURES-T Upper Rhine with €1.7 million for 2024-2026. The funding is used for recruitment events and coaching for jobseekers. EU tools like Europass offer free digital services to help people plan their careers and learning.
In 2026, the European Commission will present the fair labour mobility package to strengthen the European Labour Authority, fight worker exploitation and introduce a European Social Security Pass.
