Nearly two-thirds (62.8%) of EU enterprises have encountered difficulties in filling critical information and communication technology positions, with the rate even higher in the grand duchy, the EU’s statistical bureau, Eurostat, reported this week.

The struggle was particularly pronounced among large enterprises, with 72.2% across the EU reporting recruitment challenges last year. Medium-sized enterprises faced a similar hurdle, with 63.7% experiencing difficulties, while small enterprises trailed closely behind at 59.9%.

At individual EU member state level, several countries stood out for their high proportion of enterprises facing challenges in recruiting ICT specialists.

Slovenia topped the list with 78.0% of enterprises reporting difficulties, closely followed by Czechia at 77.0% and Germany at 76.6%. Luxembourg and the Netherlands also faced substantial hurdles, with 70.9% and 70.4% of enterprises, respectively, struggling to fill ICT vacancies.

On the other end of the spectrum, some member states exhibited lower shares of recruitment difficulties in the ICT sector. Spain reported the lowest proportion at 32.8%, followed by Bulgaria at 46.0%, Poland at 46.5% and Slovakia at 51.4%.

Hurdles

The reasons behind these recruitment challenges varied but encompassed several common themes. Enterprises reported a lack of applications as a primary issue, with a limited pool of qualified candidates.

Furthermore, candidates often lacked the necessary qualifications and experience demanded by the rapidly evolving ICT field.

Additionally, high salary expectations among ICT specialists further compounded the difficulties faced by businesses.