Abstract

Cross-border mobility of research and innovation talent (R&I talents) is a core objective of the European Research Area (ERA), supported by initiatives such as ERA Talents and ERA Fellowships. These initiatives promote talent circulation and collaboration across sectors and countries. However, the implementation of secondments within these frameworks—such as the ERA Shuttle project—faces significant obstacles, particularly for R&I talents with families. These challenges are exemplified in secondments from Croatia to Germany, where misalignments between national regulations and ERA policies create barriers that hinder seamless talent mobility.

One of the most pressing issues involves the enrollment of children in schools during short-term secondments. Both Croatian and German laws require proof of residence for school enrollment, a process typically completed well in advance of the academic year. Croatian law further mandates that children remain enrolled in school, making it nearly impossible for families to comply with these regulations during brief secondments abroad. Families are required to provide proof of enrollment in a foreign school before unenrolling their children in Croatia, adding to the administrative burden. Proposed alternatives, such as online or distance learning, were not viable due to restrictions permitting online education only in cases of force majeure or health-related circumstances.

Another issue is the absence of a centralized point of information or guidance. The administrative and legal challenges we encountered required coordination with numerous entities in both countries, including the Ministry of Science and Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes, and local Consulates. This complex web of bureaucratic procedures—just for addressing school and university enrollment—demonstrates the significant structural barriers faced by researchers with families attempting cross-border mobility.

In addition to education-related challenges, the project encountered complexities with salary payments for seconded personnel, especially for those financed through Croatia’s central payroll system. Croatian law requires an adjustment in the basis for healthcare and pension contributions during secondment, which the system does not easily accommodate. Through consultations, the project managed to secure a special "Seconded Personnel" status to address this issue, allowing for temporary adjustments in salary payments. While this is a positive development, the solution remains a short-term fix that highlights the need for more permanent legislative alignment.

Conclusion
To fully realize the goals of the European Research Area, it is essential to address the misalignments between national legislation and ERA’s vision of talent circulation. Harmonizing national laws with ERA policies, particularly in areas such as school enrollment, salary adjustments, and administrative processes, is crucial to enable full participation by researchers with families. By advocating for these changes, we can ensure a more inclusive environment, where all researchers can engage in cross-border research initiatives. Addressing these gaps will not only enhance talent circulation and equal opportunity but also strengthen Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem.