IRU welcomes the adoption of the EU Talent Pool as a step towards addressing labour shortages, including in road transport, but stresses that it must be accompanied by concrete measures to deliver results.
Across the EU, the road transport sector is facing a critical shortage of around 500,000 professional drivers, with the gap expected to widen further in the coming years. An ageing workforce and limited inflow of young drivers are increasing pressure on operators, making access to international talent an essential part of the solution.
The EU has now formally adopted new rules establishing the EU Talent Pool, an EU-wide platform designed to facilitate the recruitment of third-country jobseekers in sectors facing labour shortages. IRU welcomes the inclusion of professional drivers and mechanics among the recognised shortage occupations, reflecting the reality on the ground across the bloc.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “The inclusion of professional drivers and mechanics in the EU Talent Pool is an important step forward. It recognises the scale of workforce shortages affecting the commercial road transport sector.
“But a matching platform alone will not put drivers behind the wheel. To make this work in practice, we need faster and more predictable procedures, harmonised recognition of qualifications, and clear pathways into the profession.” (....)