European Commission Publishes IRU Study on Third-Country Drivers in the EU
The European Commission has officially released a comprehensive study conducted by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) focusing on the recruitment and integration of professional bus and truck drivers from third countries into the European Union labour market. Commissioned to provide an in-depth, evidence-based analysis, the study examines the qualification gaps, administrative hurdles, and legal barriers that both non-EU drivers and EU transport operators face when attempting to operate across Member States. Beyond identifying challenges, the study also highlights concrete best practices that have been successfully implemented in several EU countries, offering valuable guidance for future policy development and operational strategies.
Addressing the EU Driver Shortage Through Third-Country Recruitment
The study’s findings are particularly timely given the EU road transport sector’s persistent and deepening shortage of professional drivers. Current estimates suggest that around 500,000 positions remain unfilled across the Union, a gap largely driven by an ageing workforce and insufficient inflows of new talent. By exploring the potential of third-country recruitment, the study provides practical solutions aimed at mitigating this structural deficit. The report emphasizes that the recruitment of qualified drivers from countries with a surplus workforce can complement domestic strategies, provided that integration is supported by clear pathways, fair working conditions, and harmonized EU standards. These measures are essential to ensure not only the availability of drivers but also the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of road transport services.
IRU’s Perspective on a Long-Term Workforce Strategy
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian underscored the importance of a holistic and sustainable approach to the driver shortage, highlighting that multiple strategies are needed to strengthen the EU transport workforce. “Solving the driver shortage requires a broad, long-term approach. IRU is working to attract more women and young people into the profession while also supporting the safe and well-regulated mobility of non-EU drivers,” Marian said. She further emphasized that there is no single solution to the shortage, but combining domestic workforce development with structured third-country recruitment can create a resilient and future-ready sector. The focus, she explained, must remain on maintaining clear operational standards, transparent recruitment procedures, and equitable working conditions to ensure long-term sustainability.
Demographic Pressures in the EU Road Transport Sector
One of the most pressing challenges identified by the study is the demographic composition of the EU driver workforce. Despite ongoing efforts to attract younger professionals and increase female participation, these groups currently make up less than 10% of the total workforce. The resulting imbalance exacerbates labour shortages, placing immense pressure on supply chains, reducing transport capacity, and creating risks for essential passenger transport services. The study stresses that relying solely on domestic recruitment is insufficient; a multi-pronged strategy that combines targeted domestic initiatives with structured international recruitment is required to maintain operational continuity and service quality across the EU.
Best Practices for Recruitment and Integration
The IRU study provides a detailed assessment of best practices implemented in different EU Member States. It highlights how establishing clearer pathways, streamlining administrative procedures, and offering targeted training solutions can significantly ease the recruitment and integration of third-country drivers. By aligning these measures with EU standards and Vision Zero safety objectives, countries can attract skilled drivers while ensuring high levels of road safety. The study also emphasizes the importance of regulatory harmonization across borders, facilitating smoother mobility for drivers and reducing administrative burdens for operators. These insights offer actionable strategies that can inform both national and EU-level policy development.
The Role of the SDM4EU Project in Operational Implementation
Beyond the study itself, IRU is actively advancing the practical implementation of its recommendations through the SDM4EU (Safe and Well-Regulated Driver Mobility for the EU) project. Phase 1 of SDM4EU translated policy analysis into an operational blueprint designed to support safe and regulated mobility schemes for non-EU drivers. Phase 2 of the project, which includes pilot initiatives, is set to commence this year. These pilots will test practical approaches for integrating third-country drivers into EU transport operations, addressing key challenges such as training, certification, employment conditions, and cross-border mobility. The SDM4EU project represents a critical bridge between policy insights and tangible, operational solutions to address the EU driver shortage.
Evidence-Based Insights for Policymakers
The study’s findings were initially presented at the final STEER2EU workshop, attended by EU policymakers, Member State authorities, and industry representatives. The workshop allowed stakeholders to review the evidence base, discuss operational implications, and consider potential strategies for enhancing workforce mobility and skills development. With the study now officially published, it provides a robust foundation for ongoing EU-level discussions on labour mobility, skills shortages, and the future of the road transport sector. The evidence underscores the need for a coordinated, multi-level approach that balances domestic workforce development with the structured integration of third-country professionals.
Strengthening Sector Attractiveness and Professionalisation
IRU continues to play a central role in addressing the EU driver shortage by promoting initiatives that improve training, working conditions, and sector attractiveness. These efforts are reinforced by IRU’s longstanding commitment to professionalisation through the IRU Academy, which provides standardized training, certification, and career development programs for drivers across Europe. By enhancing professional standards and providing clear career pathways, IRU aims to attract a more diverse and younger workforce while supporting safe and efficient transport operations. The study reinforces the importance of these measures, highlighting how targeted interventions at multiple levels can enhance both supply and quality of professional drivers.
Supporting Policy Development and Future Workforce Planning
The comprehensive data and insights contained in the IRU study are intended to guide policymakers in creating long-term, sustainable solutions to the EU driver shortage. By identifying barriers, mapping qualification gaps, and highlighting successful integration strategies, the study offers a practical blueprint for harmonized EU policies. It emphasizes that while third-country recruitment is a valuable complement to domestic workforce initiatives, it must be pursued alongside measures to increase participation of women and younger drivers. By adopting a balanced, evidence-driven approach, EU Member States can ensure a resilient, competent, and future-ready transport workforce that meets both current operational needs and long-term strategic objectives.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient EU Driver Workforce
In conclusion, the IRU study commissioned by the European Commission provides critical insights into how third-country drivers can be effectively integrated into the EU labour market. It identifies key legal, administrative, and qualification-related barriers while showcasing best practices from across the Union. The findings highlight the importance of clear recruitment pathways, streamlined procedures, and targeted training solutions in supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport. Through initiatives like SDM4EU and continued professionalisation via the IRU Academy, the Union can enhance workforce diversity, attract new talent, and address the structural challenges underpinning the driver shortage. By combining domestic workforce development with structured third-country recruitment, the EU can build a resilient, well-qualified, and sustainable professional driver workforce for the decades ahead.
Source Link:https://www.iru.org/