EU labor market: which professions and countries lead in terms of job vacancies

In 2026, the European labor market is showing uneven growth depending on the sector and country. The greatest demand is observed in applied professions, while some technological areas are shrinking. Find out where in the EU there are the most vacancies and which specialists are in demand today

Get legal advice on working abroad

GET

At the beginning of 2026, the European labor market is showing resilience and adaptability despite economic challenges and the long-term effects of the pandemic. According to Eurostat, a number of sectors are seeing strong growth in the number of job vacancies, indicating structural changes in the EU economy.

Sectors with the highest growth in vacancies

The number of job vacancies is growing fastest in traditional and applied fields:

Manufacturing sector — +4.2%

Sales, marketing, and development managers — about 3%

Salespeople — about 2.8%

Transport and logistics — about 2.5%

Administrative support — about 2.4%

These data confirm the trend towards recovery in the real sector of the economy, growth in consumer demand, and increased domestic trade.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Where are vacancies decreasing?

At the same time, not all professions are showing positive dynamics. A decrease in the number of vacancies is observed in some technological and highly specialized areas:

IT and software development

Database management

Scientific and technical specialties

Experts explain this by the active automation of processes and optimization of companies' costs, which reduces the need for some specialists.

Countries with the highest demand for workers

The level of vacancies varies significantly between EU countries. The highest demand for labor is observed in:

The Netherlands — about 4.2%

Belgium — about 3.9%

Austria — about 3.4%

Cyprus — about 3.3%

Malta — about 3.2%

For comparison, the lowest rates are recorded in:

Romania — about 0.6%

Poland — about 0.8%

Spain — about 0.8%

The European labor market is gradually changing: demand for blue-collar professions, logistics, and sales is growing, while some high-tech areas are undergoing a transformation. This opens up new opportunities for workers who are willing to adapt to the needs of the economy and retrain.

When choosing a country for long-term residence or employment, it is worth considering not only the current level of salaries, but also the prospects for social security. If you have any questions about legal employment, contract terms, or social guarantees, Ukrainians can contact lawyers specializing in employment abroad at Visit Ukraine to avoid risks and ensure that your documents are properly prepared.

We remind you! The European labor market integrates Ukrainian refugees in different ways, and the level of employment varies significantly between countries. Find out where it is easiest for Ukrainians to find work, why most work below their qualifications, and what actually increases their chances of finding employment.

Photo: Canva

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.