31 May 2026 22:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission reports SMEs face recruitment challenges abroad

Key points

46% of SMEs struggle to find skilled workers
14% tried hiring outside the EU; 54% of them found it difficult

TL;DR

Eurobarometer finds 46% of European SMEs struggle to find workers with the right skills; 14% tried hiring outside the EU and 54% of those described the process as difficult.
Administrative and immigration complexity (31%), lack of suitable candidates (25%) and language barriers (24%) are main obstacles; SMEs seek financial support, guidance and integration help.
Commission highlights the EU Talent Pool and other initiatives (EU Visa Strategy, Talent Partnerships, European Legal Gateway Office) to address shortages.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Eurobarometer highlights perceived obstacles and opportunities for European small and medium companies in recruiting skilled workers outside the EU Brussels, 1 June 2026 A new Eurobarometer survey shows that nearly half of European small and medium companies (SMEs) (46%) face difficulties in finding workers with the right skills. Recruitment of non-EU nationals remains limited, according to the survey. One in seven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have attempted hiring workers outside the EU in the past two years. Among those that have recruited non-EU nationals (14% of the sample), 54% described the recruitment process as difficult. The complexity of administrative and immigration procedures is the most frequently cited barrier (31%), followed by difficulty finding suitable candidates (25%) and overcoming the language barriers (24%). Most companies (85% to 90%) directly manage the recruitment of workers from outside the EU, according to the survey. There is limited awareness among SMEs of public support for international recruitment. The use of private recruitment agencies is significantly higher for international recruitment. The companies consulted suggest that hiring outside the EU could be improved through financial support (31%), information and guidance (25%), assistance in finding candidates (23%), help with workplace integration (20%), and immigration and relocation support (18%). The EU Talent Pool will tackle labour and skills shortages. As the first EU-wide platform for international recruitment, it will help match job vacancies in shortage occupations with workers from outside the EU. Background The Eurobarometer findings are in line with the actions put forward by the Commission earlier this year in its EU Visa Strategy and the Strategy on European Asylum and Migration Management . Both strategies underline the need to simplify and accelerate the process to attract the talent Europe needs, including as regards the recognition of qualifications and skills. More information on the planned measures under these strategies can be found online. An important focus of the European Commission's work is on scaling up existing and launching new initiatives with partner countries, including through Talent Partnerships . The recent Memorandum of Understanding with India also envisaged opening to attract talents and skills to Europe. As a first deliverable, the EU has launched the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office , a one-stop hub to provide information and support the movement of students, researchers and workers, in the ICT sector. For more information Eurobarometer survey Infographic Factsheets for every member state IP/26/1203 Quote(s): "SMEs are vital to the EU economy, representing about 99% of enterprises. They need to find people with the right skills to boost the EU’s competitiveness. By empowering SMEs with the right information and support channels, we can facilitate the hiring of skilled foreign workers to mitigate labour and skills shortages in the EU. The upcoming EU Talent Pool will help match job vacancies in shortage occupations with skilled workers from outside the EU." Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness - 01/06/2026 "46% of European SMEs struggle to find staff. More than half find it difficult to recruit from outside the EU. This clearly shows that we must help our businesses to attract talent. With the visa strategy, we aim to facilitate international recruitment. We need to simplify and speed up procedures through digitalisation, less red tape and smoother transitions from study to work or entrepreneurship. This will ensure that more skilled talent chooses Europe." Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration - 01/06/2026 Press contacts: Eva HRNCIROVA (+32 2 29 88433) Eirini ZARKADOULA (+32 2 29 57065) Markus LAMMERT (+32 2 29 67533) Fiorella BOIGNER (+32 2 29 93734) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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