EU Parliament urges million-plus hiring push to close doctor and nurse gap

According to a recent European Parliament report, the EU faces a deficit of over one million doctors and nurses, prompting MEPs to demand a comprehensive action plan from the European Commission. The proposal seeks inclusion of dedicated funding in the 2028-2034 multi-annual budget, focusing on better training, higher pay and easier mobility between member states. It warns that more than a third of physicians and a quarter of nurses are over 55 and will retire within the next decade, with the highest retirement rates in Italy and Latvia.

The report also stresses the need to curb long working hours, ensure sufficient consultation time for complex patients, and improve safety after a rise in attacks on health workers. To attract new talent, it suggests career pathways, digital training programmes, scholarships and the use of EU cohesion funds, while encouraging faster digital recognition of foreign qualifications. Additional incentives such as housing, tax benefits and targeted support for remote areas are also recommended.