Road safety package - review of the directive on driving licences
21.3.2023
Priority question for written answer P-000932/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Rovana Plumb (S&D)
Romania is one of the countries most affected by the shortage of professional drivers with 71 000 unfilled vacancies in 2022. Given that Romania is not in the Schengen area and third-country drivers still require a visa to enter the EU/Schengen Member States, drivers waste a great deal of time waiting at the border (especially because of the war in Ukraine), making it even harder to attract people to this profession and further exacerbating the current skilled labour crisis.
Unlike companies from Schengen countries, Romanian hauliers are unable to use non-resident drivers on international routes, making matters even more difficult. Moreover, third-country drivers are currently not allowed to work in the EU for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
- 1.What measures are being envisaged by the Commission to remove these restrictions to the employment of non-resident drivers?
- 2.Is it planning to introduce EU framework provisions for the mutual recognition of professional driving licences from third countries?
Submitted: 21.3.2023