A new Eurobarometer survey reveals that 46% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe are experiencing difficulties in recruiting workers with the skills

they need, highlighting persistent labour shortages in key sectors.

The survey shows that hiring talent from outside the European Union remains relatively uncommon. Only 14% of SMEs reported recruiting non-EU nationals over the past two years. Among those employers, more than half (54%) said the recruitment process was challenging.

Administrative and immigration procedures were identified as the biggest obstacle, cited by 31% of respondents. Other major barriers included difficulties in finding suitable candidates (25%) and language-related challenges (24%).

According to the findings, between 85% and 90% of SMEs manage international recruitment themselves rather than relying on external support. Awareness of public programmes designed to assist with international hiring remains low, although private recruitment agencies are used more frequently when companies recruit workers from outside the EU.

Businesses surveyed suggested several measures that could make international recruitment more effective. The most commonly recommended solutions were financial support (31%), better access to information and guidance (25%), assistance in sourcing candidates (23%), workplace integration support (20%), and help with immigration and relocation procedures (18%).

To address growing labour and skills shortages, the European Union is developing the EU Talent Pool, the first EU-wide platform dedicated to international recruitment. The initiative aims to connect employers facing shortages in critical occupations with qualified workers from outside the EU.

Background

The survey results support actions outlined earlier this year by the European Commission in its EU Visa Strategy and the Strategy on European Asylum and Migration Management. Both initiatives emphasize the need to simplify and accelerate processes that attract international talent, including improving the recognition of qualifications and professional skills.

The Commission is also expanding cooperation with partner countries through Talent Partnerships and other mobility initiatives.

A recent Memorandum of Understanding with India includes measures to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals to Europe. As part of this cooperation, the EU has launched its first pilot European Legal Gateway Office, a one-stop information and support hub for students, researchers, and ICT professionals seeking opportunities in Europe. Photo by Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedi commons.