EUROPEAN STUDIES AND PUBLIC POLICIES, pages: 59 - 70, 2025

Regional Labor Shortages in the Context of Demographic Decline and EU Cohesion: the Case of Bihor County, Romania

Doi: https://doi.org/10.58603/BAUR6185

Rezumat: Demographic decline and economic challenges have become pressing issues in the European Union (EU), where balanced development and social cohesion remain central objectives. Romania, similar to other Central and Eastern European states, faces the combined pressures of negative natural population growth and sustained emigration of skilled workers. This study investigates how these demographic shifts shape labor market dynamics in Bihor County, Romania, focusing on employers’ perspectives.
The research is based on a sociological survey conducted with 254 companies across various economic sectors. The analysis explores employer perceptions of labor shortages, identifies the main occupational areas affected, and examines preferred long-term policy responses. Results indicate that 67.7% of employers experience persistent difficulties in filling certain or most positions, with acute shortages reported in vocational professions related to heavy industry (metal processing, chemical industry) and construction. Salary levels are perceived as having only a moderate impact on recruitment difficulties, while structural factors—such as the misalignment between the educational system and labor market needs, as well as outward migration to higher-wage EU regions—emerge as key concerns.
Correlation analyses between company size, workforce deficits, and other survey variables revealed weak and inconsistent relationships, suggesting that these factors are poor predictors of employer evaluations. Importantly, while employers reject importing labor from outside the EU, they express strong support for policies aimed at reinforcing the domestic workforce, including improved working conditions and pro-natalist measures.
The findings underscore the importance of EU-level frameworks, particularly Cohesion Policy and the European Social Model, in supporting regions disproportionately affected by demographic decline and labor shortages, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the Union.