What the latest data reveals about labour market imbalances across Europe

The latest data on labour market imbalances across Europe shows shortages and surpluses are widespread but distributed unevenly, leaving significant room for mobility. The newly released 2025 EURES report finds that shortages cluster heavily in a few countries, including Bulgaria, Italy and the Netherlands, where employers report difficulty filling roles from specialist doctors to welders. Of these shortages, 57% are classified as medium or high severity. In contrast, surpluses are more common in Latvia, Austria and Finland, especially in clerical roles and creative fields such as graphic design. A key finding is that 98% of occupations facing shortages in at least one country also experience surpluses elsewhere. The report links persistent gaps to limited awareness, qualification recognition barriers, language obstacles, and less attractive wages abroad. It warns health and care shortages are acute, while the green transition also risks worker shortfalls.