IRU welcomes the European Commission’s Union of Skills Communication and its clear recognition of labour shortages in the road transport sector. This crucial acknowledgment sets the stage for further action.
The European Commission’s Union of Skills Communication explicitly recognises the severe labour shortages facing road transport. The industry’s vital role in the EU’s mobility and economy depends on a skilled workforce. This acknowledgment sets the stage for further, targeted action.
The Commission’s strategy addresses workforce shortages and skills gaps across multiple industries, focusing on vocational education and training (VET), upskilling, skilled worker mobility, and the recognition of qualifications, including from third countries.
While prioritising STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and academia, it also highlights the need for stronger VET pathways and continuous upskilling, which are also critical for road transport.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “It is encouraging to see the European Commission recognise the pressing labour shortages in road transport. This strategy is a vital step towards building a stronger, future-proof EU workforce.”
“IRU is committed to working with policymakers to turn this recognition into concrete solutions that attract, train and retain skilled professionals, ensuring that Europe’s mobility and economy continue to thrive,” she added.
To ensure that the strategy delivers real impact for road transport, IRU calls on the Commission to reinforce it with targeted measures, including:
- Clarifying minimum age requirements to make the profession more accessible to young drivers
- Modernising training and career pathways to enhance retention and professional development
- Strengthening qualification frameworks for consistency and mobility across the EU
- Expanding financial support mechanisms to improve access to skilling and reskilling opportunities
- Harmonising the recognition of third-country driver qualifications to support workforce mobility
- Streamlining visa and residence permit processes to attract skilled transport workers
- Integrating sector-specific provisions into the upcoming EU Visa Strategy and Talent Partnerships
IRU-led initiatives such as STEER2EU and SDM4EU are already delivering structured, cross-border workforce solutions. Aligning these efforts with the Union of Skills strategy will help build a resilient and skilled transport workforce.
IRU looks forward to working closely with EU institutions and stakeholders to turn this recognition into concrete actions that secure the future of Europe’s transport system.