Skilled Workers Wanted in European Countries (New CEDEFOP January 2025 Report Published)

The latest Cedefop Labour and Skills Shortage Index (LSSI) has revealed that labour shortages will affect nearly all sectors of the European job market in 2025, with critical gaps in healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and service industries. The report, which forecasts job market trends across the EU until 2035, identifies three key factors behind labour shortages: employment growth, replacement needs due to retirements, and supply-demand imbalances.

For skilled workers worldwide, these findings highlight major opportunities for employment in Europe as governments struggle to fill vacancies in high-demand sectors.

Findings in LSSI Report: Which Jobs Are in Highest Demand?

The LSSI 2025 report confirms that shortages will not be limited to a single job category—labour demand spans high-skilled, medium-skilled, and low-skilled occupations.

1# High-Skilled Jobs Facing the Most Critical Shortages:

• • Healthcare Professionals – Doctors, nurses, personal care workers face severe shortages in over half of EU countries due to rising healthcare demands and workforce retirements.
  • IT & Digital Experts – AI specialists, software developers, cybersecurity analysts are urgently needed as Europe accelerates its digital transformation.
  • Engineers & Scientists – Renewable energy engineers, civil engineers, and researchers in green technology are in high demand as the EU transitions to a sustainable economy.
  • Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals – Social workers, legal experts, and business professionals will be essential for workforce stability.

2# Medium-Skilled Jobs in Urgent Demand:

• • Skilled Tradespeople – Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and mechanics are crucial for Europe’s construction boom but in short supply.
  • Manufacturing & Machine Operators – Workers in industrial production face growing demand as industries expand despite automation.
  • Transport & Logistics – Truck drivers, delivery workers, and plant operators are needed to meet supply chain demands.

3# Low-Skilled Jobs With Rising Shortages:

• • Service & Hospitality Workers – Hotel staff, restaurant workers, and customer service roles are in high demand as tourism rebounds post-pandemic.
  • Personal Care & Home Support – With Europe’s aging population, caregivers and home aides are among the most sought-after workers.
  • Construction Labourers & Retail Workers – Many EU countries are struggling to find enough workers for retail and construction projects.

“Labour shortages in the EU are widespread, affecting all skill levels,” the report states. “Even declining sectors still require workers for replacement needs.”

Which EU Countries Have the Most Severe Labour Shortages?

According to LSSI 2025, labour shortages vary significantly between EU member states, with some countries facing demand across all job levels, while others need either highly skilled or low-skilled workers.

1# Countries With Shortages Across All Sectors are: (Germany, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Ireland): These nations face critical shortages across all skill levels, with high demand in healthcare, IT, construction, and service sectors.

2# Countries With Shortages in High-Skilled Professions (Italy, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia): Shortages in engineering, IT, and healthcare dominate, while low-skilled job demand remains stable.

3# Countries Struggling to Fill Low-Skilled Jobs (Bulgaria, Ireland, Portugal): These countries face gaps in retail, hospitality, and personal care roles but have enough high-skilled workers.

4# Countries Facing Mixed Labour Shortages (Greece, Spain, Netherlands): Shortages exist across different skill levels, requiring urgent immigration and workforce policies.

“Every country’s workforce needs are different,” the report explains. “Policies must be adapted to address specific labour market gaps.”

The AI & Technology Effect: Will Automation Reduce Job Shortages?

As Europe’s digital economy expands, the report also examines how automation and AI will impact jobs in the coming years.

Some of the following jobs will decline due to automation in 2025:

• • Clerical and administrative roles
  • Factory assemblers and machine operators
  • Some retail and customer service positions

However, AI will not replace human-focused roles so far, including:

• • Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, caregivers)
  • Skilled trades (electricians, welders, mechanics)
  • Engineering, IT, and AI specialists (who develop the technology itself)

“The digital transition is creating as many jobs as it is automating,” the report notes. “New opportunities will arise, especially in AI and green technologies.”

How Can Skilled Workers Take Advantage of Europe’s Labour Shortages?

With millions of jobs available across the EU, skilled workers from around the world have a unique opportunity to secure employment in high-demand sectors.

Here’s how job seekers can benefit from the LSSI report findings:

• Identify where your profession is needed most – Some countries have critical shortages for specific roles.
• Check if you qualify for an EU work visa – Several countries offer fast-track visas for skill-shortage occupations.
• Apply for high-demand jobs via official EU job portals – The European Labour Authority lists job vacancies for international applicants.
• Upskill in AI, renewable energy, or digital transformation – The future workforce will need advanced technical skills.

“EU labour shortages will persist beyond 2025,” the report warns. “Now is the time for skilled workers to apply and secure their place in Europe’s job market.”

Final Verdict: Europe Needs Skilled Workers—And Now Is the Best Time to Apply

The Cedefop Labour and Skills Shortage Index (LSSI) 2025 paints a clear picture: Europe is facing workforce shortages across multiple sectors, and foreign talent will be crucial in filling these gaps.

With shortages in healthcare, IT, engineering, skilled trades, and personal services, the EU is actively seeking skilled workers to sustain economic growth.

Some job roles may shrink due to automation, but the demand for human-centered jobs in healthcare, technology, and infrastructure will continue to rise.

The green and digital transition is creating new high-paying job opportunities, making it essential for workers to upgrade their skills in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

As the EU works to tackle labour shortages, 2025 could be the best year for skilled workers to immigrate and secure employment in Europe.

For those eyeing new opportunities in Europe, the time to act is now!

Are You Looking to Work in Europe? Here’s What to Do Next:

Check your occupation’s demand level in the LSSI 2025 report.
Research which EU country offers the best visa pathways for your skills.
Upgrade your qualifications in high-demand fields.
Apply for jobs through official EU job boards and recruitment agencies.

Don’t wait—Europe is actively looking for skilled workers in 2025!

• Latest CEDEFOP Report (published January 2025): https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publications/9202.
• PDF Copy: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/9202_en.pdf

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