The European Commission has published a comprehensive study conducted by IRU on the recruitment and integration of professional bus and truck drivers from third countries into the EU labour market.
The study, carried out by IRU on behalf of the European Commission, provides a fact-based assessment of the qualification-related gaps and barriers along with the legal and administrative barriers faced by third-country drivers and EU transport operators. It also identifies concrete best practices implemented across Member States.
The findings support EU-level efforts to address the EU’s growing and structurally entrenched driver shortage through practical, workable solutions from third countries with a surplus of drivers.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “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."
“Third-country recruitment can complement domestic solutions, provided it is based on clear pathways, fair conditions and common EU standards. There is no single fix, but with the right mix of measures, the EU can build a resilient and sustainable driver workforce,” she added.
The EU road transport sector is facing a severe and worsening shortage of professional drivers, estimated at around 500,000 unfilled positions, driven by an ageing workforce and an insufficient inflow of new talent.
While attracting more young people and women into the profession remains a priority, their combined participation still represents less than 10% of the workforce, intensifying pressure on supply chains, reducing transport capacity, and putting essential passenger services at risk.
The study highlights how clearer pathways, streamlined procedures and targeted training solutions can facilitate recruitment while safeguarding EU standards and Vision Zero.
IRU is also advancing implementation through its SDM4EU project. Phase 1 translated policy analysis into an operational blueprint for safe and well-regulated driver mobility schemes. Phase 2 foresees pilot initiatives starting this year.
The findings, first presented last year at the final STEER2EU workshop with EU policymakers, Member State authorities and industry representatives, are now officially published. They provide a robust evidence base to inform ongoing EU discussions on skills, labour mobility and the future of road transport.
IRU will continue to strengthen the driver workforce through improved training, working conditions and sector attractiveness, reinforced by its long-standing commitment to driver professionalisation through the IRU Academy.