In a move aimed at deepening strategic and legal collaboration, the European Union on Wednesday inaugurated its first European Legal Gateway Office in a partner country, choosing India as the launch site.
The new office, unveiled in New Delhi, is designed to serve as a structured platform to facilitate safe and well-informed migration pathways for Indian talent in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector to EU Member States.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Henna Virkkunen, EU Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Representatives from several EU Member States were also present at the event, according to a statement from the Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan.
A first-of-its-kind initiative in a partner country
The European Legal Gateway Office in India marks the first time the EU has established such a mechanism outside its own territory. The initiative was originally announced during the 16th EU-India Summit held on January 27 in New Delhi by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It was also referenced in the Joint Communication on the new EU-India Strategic Agenda and the Union of Skills Communication.
The office is intended to simplify and clarify mobility options for Indian students, researchers and professionals working in ICT. It will provide structured and reliable guidance on migration channels, along with information about skill standards and qualification criteria across all 27 EU Member States.
By centralising this information, the EU aims to reduce uncertainty and improve transparency for individuals considering work, research or study opportunities in Europe.
How the Gateway will function
The initiative will operate through three interconnected components. These include a physical Gateway Office located in India, a corresponding Support Office within the European Union, and a digital platform that will serve as a comprehensive information hub.
The digital tool is expected to function as a single access point offering verified details on work, academic and research mobility routes. This integrated approach is intended to ensure coordination between Indian applicants and European institutions and employers.
Beyond assisting individuals, the framework is also meant to help EU-based companies and higher education institutions engage more effectively with Indian talent. By aligning expectations on qualifications and skills, the system aims to smooth recruitment and admissions processes.
Focus on digital skills and competitiveness
Speaking at the launch, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen underscored the importance of digital expertise in the evolving global economy. “Digital skills are the backbone of the digital transition. Thanks to the European Legal Gateway Office in India, the European Union will boost its capacity of being a magnet for talent and will attract Indian students, researchers, and professionals in the ICT sector. European companies will be able to tap into this larger pool of talent, which will help to strengthen European competitiveness,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted the EU’s broader objective of strengthening its technological base while ensuring regulated and mutually beneficial mobility arrangements.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, described the launch as a milestone in bilateral engagement on talent movement. “Today’s launch marks a new level of mutually beneficial cooperation between the European Union and India on talent mobility. We celebrate the first-ever European Legal Gateway Office in India. It will play a key role in further connecting Indian ICT talent with EU employers and higher education institutions. It will open new pathways for students, researchers, and professionals to EU Member States, creating added value and opportunities for growth,” he said.
Connecting labour markets
The initiative is also being seen as an effort to bring closer alignment between the labour markets of India and the European Union, particularly in high-demand technology fields.
EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin described the development as a significant step in linking skilled workers with opportunities abroad. In a post on X, he said, “Official launch today by EVP @HennaVirkkunen and EAM @DrSJaishankar of the Legal Gateway Office in [India], which will be a marketplace for mobility of talents and skilled workers, with a focus on ICT. Will connect our labour markets and business in action!”
The Gateway Office is positioned as both a facilitation mechanism and a strategic instrument within the evolving EU-India partnership. By combining on-ground support in India, coordination within the EU, and a dedicated digital interface, the initiative seeks to create a structured and transparent pathway for ICT professionals while reinforcing economic and educational ties between the two regions.
(With inputs from ANI)