At the EU- and ILO-backed THAMM Plus event in Rabat, Morocco, this week, IRU outlined how improving driver mobility from third countries to the EU tackles two challenges: chronic driver shortages and subpar professional qualification standards.
To address the chronic shortage of professional drivers, the EU road transport sector is ramping up efforts to attract local talent, with a particular focus on young people and women.
However, with the shortage worsening and a significant portion of the current workforce nearing retirement, the industry is also in need of skilled drivers from third countries.
IRU is leading several initiatives to support EU transport companies in recruiting qualified third-country drivers. Among them is the Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe (SDM4EU) project, which is part of the technical assistance projects under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), funded by the EU.
In parallel, IRU has recently completed the “Bus and truck drivers from third countries” study (STEER2EU), which was entrusted to IRU by the European Commission. The research examined the conditions for employing non-EU drivers in the EU and the driver qualification frameworks in 20 non-EU countries. It has also identified the conditions – such as visas, work permits and professional qualifications – required by Member States to allow third-country drivers to work for EU-based companies.
Speaking at the “THAMM Plus: Labour migration governance and mobility in North Africa” event in Morocco, IRU Director of Certification and Standards Patrick Philipp said, “We need to address two interconnected challenges: chronic driver shortages in the EU and the lack of professional qualification standards in many countries.
“By aligning professional qualification standards globally, we can help alleviate the shortage of drivers while strengthening qualification frameworks in partner countries. It’s a clear win-win solution.”
The implementation of the ECMT Quality Charter, which recognises IRU Academy Professional Qualifications as a benchmark, is seen as a model for enhancing regional harmonisation and the recognition of driver qualifications.
IRU is also working with governments to establish an advanced examination methodology and improve capacity to ensure transparency and trust in driver qualification documents.
Through Examiner, IRU collaborates with governments and certification bodies to assess and certify road transport professionals based on international standards. Meanwhile, with RoadMasters, IRU helps mobility and road freight companies make informed decisions during and after the hiring process.
“The road transport sector is facing two critical challenges, but the good news is that by facilitating the recruitment of skilled third-country drivers, we can address both,” concluded Patrick Philipp.