The European Union (EU) is facing a growing shortage of skilled workers, making it hard for businesses to find qualified employees in important industries.
To address this issue, the European Commission has launched programs to improve worker training and bring in skilled migrants from outside the EU.
Businesses struggle to fill jobs as labor shortage grows
Many industries, including construction, transportation, and healthcare, are struggling with a labor shortage.
According to European Commission Vice President for Social Rights, Roxana Mînzatu, “Four in five businesses struggle to find workers with the right skill set. More than 40 occupations face EU-wide shortages.”
Experts attribute several reasons for the shortage. Many job seekers lack the skills employers need, leaving positions unfilled. Fast-changing technology, especially in IT and artificial intelligence, has made it harder to plan for workforce needs.
At the same time, the EU’s aging population is shrinking the number of available workers. Senior research associate Peter Bosch warns, “The EU will lose 1 million workers every year until 2050.”
New initiatives aim to train workers and attract foreign talent
To address these shortages, the European Commission launched the Skills Union, a program that helps workers develop new skills and boosts Europe’s competitiveness.
The initiative is built on four main pillars:
- Increased investment in education and vocational training
- Encouraging professional retraining
- Improving mobility for students and workers
- Attracting skilled workers from outside the EUEU Commission aims to t….
A major part of this plan is the “Choose Europe” campaign, which seeks to bring in skilled workers from other countries for high-demand jobs. The program will make it easier for professionals and students to get visas.
The EU also plans to expand the Erasmus+ exchange program and strengthen the Skills Pact, which helps workers retrain if they risk losing their jobs.
Intensifying global competition for skilled workers
The EU isn’t the only region facing a worker shortage. Bosch warns that countries like China, India, and those in the Arab world are also competing for skilled workers. Many of them offer high salaries and good benefits to attract foreign talent.
“The EU needs to act fast, or risk falling behind,” Bosch said.
Some industry leaders argued that the EU must do more than just recruit workers from outside Europe. Experts highlight the need for faster recognition of qualifications and simpler immigration rules to attract skilled professionals.
Changing entry rules and opportunities for workers and visitors
For short-term travelers and tourists, the EU’s focus on labor shortages won’t immediately affect visa-free entry for eligible nationalities. However, the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2026 could play a role in attracting skilled workers.
The ETIAS will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to get travel authorization before arriving. While designed for short stays, it could eventually help identify individuals who qualify for work-related programs.
For long-term migrants, the EU’s efforts to recruit skilled workers may reduce bureaucratic obstacles, especially in high-demand industries.
The “Choose Europe” program aims to simplify visa access for professionals and students, and Schengen visa rules may be adjusted to better support workers in critical sectors.
However, competition for talent is strong, and slow immigration reforms could lead skilled workers to choose countries like Canada or Australia instead.
Balancing labor needs with immigration controls
EU countries are under pressure to adjust immigration policies to meet labor demands.
Some nations, traditionally cautious about opening their borders, may need to increase work visa quotas, speed up qualification recognition, and loosen residency rules for skilled foreign workers.
However, not all countries agree on this approach. While Germany and France support easier pathways for skilled workers, others hesitate due to political concerns about migration.
The EU must balance labor shortages with public opinion and existing policies. Without a clear, unified strategy, member states may take different approaches, making the EU less competitive compared to countries with simpler work visa programs.
The Future of the EU Workforce
With labor shortages getting worse, policymakers face growing pressure to find solutions. The EU’s economic recovery, digital growth, and infrastructure projects all depend on a strong workforce. If the shortage continues, some experts worry it could hurt the EU’s global competitiveness.
Despite these challenges, the European Commission is sticking to its plan. By investing in worker training, improving job mobility, and recruiting talent from abroad, the EU aims to stabilize its workforce and support long-term economic growth.
The key question is whether the EU can act fast enough to close the labor gap.