The European Union is facing a serious challenge: the transport industry is struggling with a chronic shortage of professional drivers. In the road freight transport and passenger transport sectors alone, there is a deficit of hundreds of thousands of truck and bus drivers. At the same time, the older generation is retiring faster than new candidates are entering the profession. These structural pressures are forcing policymakers to seek new and innovative solutions.

Driver Shortage in the EU Transport Market

The shortage of professional drivers is a structural problem across the EU transport market. Fewer young Europeans are choosing careers in road haulage and commercial passenger transport. In addition, the percentage of women working in the transport sector remains very low, further limiting the available workforce.

Industry experts estimate that up to half a million drivers may currently be missing across the European Union — both in heavy goods vehicle (HGV) transport and in bus and coach services. This workforce gap directly impacts freight capacity, delivery times, and the efficiency of European supply chains.

New Initiative by the European Commission

To address this growing driver shortage, the European Commission has commissioned international organizations to prepare a comprehensive report on the recruitment of drivers from outside the European Union.

The report examines:

• legal and administrative barriers to employing non-EU drivers,
• best practices for international recruitment in the transport sector,
• mechanisms to streamline employment procedures,
• and safeguards to ensure fair working conditions and protection against exploitation.

The initiative highlights the importance of maintaining high labor standards while improving access to skilled drivers from third countries.

A Systemic Approach Instead of Ad Hoc Solutions

Until now, the recruitment of non-EU truck drivers has largely been based on individual and private initiatives, regulated by various national laws and administrative procedures. This fragmented approach has created inconsistencies and inefficiencies across Member States.

The European Commission is now working toward establishing a common framework that will:

• facilitate legal and structured employment of non-EU professional drivers,
• introduce transparent and harmonized administrative procedures,
• ensure worker protection and compliance with EU labor regulations,
• improve access for transport and logistics companies to a broader talent pool.

A coordinated EU-level strategy could significantly strengthen the resilience of the road transport sector.

Pilot Projects and International Cooperation

As part of this strategy, pilot projects are already being developed. These projects aim to establish structured recruitment partnerships with selected non-EU countries — particularly in regions such as Africa and Asia.

The first pilot programs are expected to launch later this year and may serve as a model for broader implementation across the European Union. Their objective is to create sustainable recruitment pathways while ensuring proper training, certification recognition, and compliance with EU transport standards.

What Does This Mean for the Transport Industry?

Opening the EU labor market to non-EU drivers is a direct response to the increasing demand within the transport and logistics sector. It represents a long-term strategy to stabilize freight transport capacity and maintain continuity in essential road haulage services.

For transport companies, this could mean:

• improved access to qualified HGV drivers,
• greater operational flexibility,
• enhanced supply chain reliability,
• and reduced pressure caused by driver shortages.

For the wider EU economy, strengthening the professional driver workforce is crucial to maintaining efficient cross-border transport operations and safeguarding the stability of European supply chains.

At the same time, careful implementation is essential. Issues such as labor rights, professional standards, social integration, and fair remuneration must remain a priority to ensure that non-EU drivers are treated fairly and successfully integrated into the European transport market.