[joshvm]

This is partly a labour law thing. The EU benefits from freedom of movement and work, so people can apply to different countries without worrying about immigration. Residents outside the EU (third countries) may have to prove why they'd be a better choice than an EU applicant; rather the onus is on the company. That will also depend on the role and the employee but generally companies will prefer to hire locally if they have international offices. It's easier to move an existing employee to a different country than hire internationally, usually there are specific visas for that case.