The European Commission is considering measures to facilitate the recruitment of skilled drivers from outside the EU to address a workforce shortage in the trucking industry.
The European Commission is responding to the pressing issue of a shortage of professional drivers in the EU by considering initiatives to ease the hiring and legalization procedures for drivers from non-EU countries. The trucking industry, represented by the Forum of Road Transport, has urged the EU to expedite these processes, highlighting the critical need to fill vacancies, particularly for truck drivers, as reported in a recent regulation by MRPiPS that outlines professions facing workforce deficiencies.
Additionally, the EU recognizes that relying solely on the domestic labor force will not sufficiently meet the demand for drivers. Consequently, a structured approach to controlled legal migration from third countries is being viewed as essential in addressing labor shortages across the EU. This proposed solution aims not only to attract qualified professionals from various global regions but also to ensure that the recruitment process is manageable and regulated to benefit both the industry and the applicants.
Moreover, the ongoing tensions between shippers and railway firms concerning broader access to EU markets are adding complexity to the transportation landscape. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has prepared a report for the European Commission, warning of the critical situation in the European transport sector, and emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions to enhance workforce availability, particularly in the face of increasing logistical demands.
