A new wave of job opportunities is emerging across Europe and it’s more urgent than ever. The seventh edition of the EURES report confirms that 98% of EU and EEA countries now face critical shortages in skilled labor.
This shift creates a once-in-a-generation chance for qualified international professionals to migrate, contribute, and thrive.
Labour Market Shortages:
The EURES 2024 Report, covering 31 European countries, shows a major skills imbalance widening in 2025. Critical shortage occupations include:
- Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Nurses)
- Engineers (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
- IT Specialists & Software Developers
- Electricians & Welders
- Chefs & Culinary Workers
- Truck Drivers & Heavy Machine Operators
Countries with Workers Demand:
Countries with the most urgent need for skilled workers:
- Malta
- Slovakia
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- Romania
Example: Italy reported a 30% vacancy rate in its healthcare sector, particularly for nursing staff and rural medical practitioners.
Surplus Occupations on the Rise:
While some professions are in critical demand, others are experiencing an oversupply. Countries such as Spain, Austria, Latvia, Portugal, and Finland report excess candidates in:
- Clerical & Administrative Roles
- Arts & Design Fields
- Elementary Occupations (e.g., cleaners, laborers)
Gender Concern: The report highlights a disparity—women are disproportionately overrepresented in these surplus roles, increasing their risk of unemployment.
Crisis in Transportation Sector:
The transportation and logistics industry across Europe faces an alarming shortage of:
- Long-haul truck drivers
- Mobile plant operators
- Machine handlers
Causes of Decline:
- Ageing workforce
- Poor working conditions
- Automation & technology shifts
- Low attractiveness to younger generations
In-Demand Roles: Heavy vehicle operators with international driving permits are urgently needed in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands.
Benefits:
- Easier Access to Work Visas
Countries are streamlining visa processes for professionals in shortage occupations. - Higher Salary Offers
Employers are offering competitive pay to attract skilled foreign workers. - Job Security & Long-Term Opportunities
Workers in high-demand roles enjoy better job stability and long-term prospects. - Relocation Assistance
Many employers and governments provide relocation support, housing help, and language training. - Priority in Hiring
Candidates with skills in shortage occupations are often prioritized in recruitment and immigration programs. - Pathways to Permanent Residency
Some countries offer fast-track routes to permanent residency or citizenship for critical workers. - Career Growth in Emerging Sectors
Opportunities in green energy, digital transformation, and healthcare offer room for professional advancement. - Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Several EU countries have made it easier to validate international degrees and certifications. - Access to Public Benefits
Once employed, workers may gain access to healthcare, pension, and social security systems. - Family Reunification Options
Skilled migrants often qualify for bringing dependents under family reunification schemes.
EURES Recommendations:
The report calls for bold action from EU leaders. Key recommendations include:
- Expand vocational & technical training
- Reskill workers for green and digital jobs
- Encourage women into STEM careers
- Simplify migration pathways for skilled foreign professionals
- Improve working conditions in shortage sectors
Visa & Migration:
To attract foreign professionals, European countries are expected to:
- Launch fast-track skilled visa programs
- Reduce processing times for work permits
- Recognize foreign qualifications more easily
- Promote cross-border job mobility through the EURES portal
Where to Apply for Jobs:
Visit EURES Job Portal or national job sites in countries with high shortages.
Workers demand:
If you’re a qualified professional in any of the following roles, Europe needs you now:
- Nurse from Nigeria
- IT expert from India
- Electrician from the Philippines
- Engineer from Pakistan
- Truck driver from Kenya
With the right documentation and timing, you could start working in Europe.
How to Seize This Opportunity?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify your skillset and match it with shortage roles |
| 2 | Search vacancies on the EURES Portal |
| 3 | Check visa requirements for your desired country |
| 4 | Prepare a European-format CV and translated credentials |
| 5 | Apply for jobs and track work visa programs (expected to open soon) |
Reference:
Download the full EURES Report here:
https://www.ela.europa.eu/en/news/gaps-european-labour-market-continue-increase
Conclusion:
Europe’s growing labor shortage is not a temporary crisis—it’s a transformational shift in its workforce landscape. Whether you’re a tech expert, nurse, or welder, now is the time to act decisively and prepare for opportunities that were once out of reach.
Start your journey today — your skills are Europe’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can non-EU citizens apply for these in-demand jobs in Europe?
Yes, non-EU citizens are encouraged and increasingly welcomed to apply for in-demand jobs across Europe. Many EU member states have created dedicated pathways for foreign professionals, particularly in shortage sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and logistics.
Which professions have an oversupply of workers?
While many sectors suffer from worker shortages, some occupations are experiencing the opposite trend—a surplus of job seekers. Countries like Spain, Austria, Finland, and Latvia have reported an oversupply of professionals in administrative roles, clerical support jobs, customer service, and the arts and design sectors.
What is causing Europe’s labour shortages?
Several overlapping factors are contributing to the growing labour shortages across Europe. The primary driver is demographic: a rapidly ageing population is leading to mass retirements and a shrinking native workforce, particularly in countries with low birth rates.
