The European Union is reviewing best practices from several countries to address the acute and chronic shortage of drivers across Europe. Brussels is supporting these efforts by offering practical, applicable solutions from countries that have a surplus of qualified labor in this sector.
According to Raluca Marian, Director of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in the EU: "Solving the driver shortage crisis requires a broad, long-term vision. There is no single solution, but by combining appropriate measures, we can build a flexible and sustainable workforce. We are working to attract more women and young people to the profession, while ensuring the safe and organized movement of non-EU drivers."
She added: "Recruitment programs from third countries can be a complementary part of local efforts, provided they are based on clear pathways, fair standards, and unified European requirements."
The road transport sector in the EU is facing an unprecedented crisis, with the current gap estimated at around 500,000 vacant truck and bus driver positions. This is primarily due to the aging workforce and a weak influx of new talent.
Although attracting women and youth is a priority, their combined share does not exceed 10% of the total workforce, increasing pressure on supply chains, limiting transport capacity, and threatening public transport services.
The study indicates that improving career pathways, simplifying procedures, and offering targeted training programs can accelerate the hiring process while maintaining EU standards and its 'Vision Zero' safety goals.
In this context, the IRU is advancing its 'SDM4EU' project; the first phase concluded by establishing an operational framework for the safe and organized movement of drivers, with the second phase set to begin this year through the launch of pilot initiatives.
The recruitment plan focuses on several countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with the first trials scheduled for the second half of this year.
The IRU presented the initial findings of the study at the final workshop of the STEER2EU project last year, with the participation of policymakers, national authorities, and sector representatives. The officially published version now provides a solid knowledge base to support ongoing discussions within the EU on skills, labor mobility, and the future of road transport.
The European Commission has published a comprehensive study prepared by the IRU on the mechanisms for recruiting and integrating bus and truck drivers from non-EU countries into the European labor market. The study provides a data-driven assessment of the skill gaps, as well as the legal and administrative obstacles faced by incoming drivers from third countries, and the challenges faced by European transport companies.
