Source: European Parliament
17.10.2024
Priority question for written answer P-002139/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D), Idoia Mendia (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D)
The Draghi report acknowledges that the European transport sector faces a common challenge: a shortage of professional drivers. In 2023, 105 000 bus driver positions were unfilled in Europe, a figure which could double by 2028, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU). The shortage could reduce the frequency of or disrupt public transport services, affecting both access to essential services and sectors such as tourism and undermining one of the EU’s fundamental principles: territorial cohesion.
The Commission has already acknowledged the problem. In 2023, it included bus drivers in the EU talent pool initiative, which makes it easier to recruit third-country workers in professions with shortages. The lack of drivers is also recognised as a challenge to be addressed in the mission letter of the future Commissioner for Transport.
Against that backdrop:
- 1.Does the Commission share concerns about the shortage of bus drivers in the EU?
- 2.What steps, such as improving working conditions or promoting the inclusion of women, could be taken to make the profession more attractive?
- 3.Is this state of affairs affecting territorial connectivity in the EU?
Submitted: 17.10.2024