1) Snapshot (Q2-2025)
- EU job-vacancy rate: 2.1% (EA: 2.2%); easing vs 2024 but still tight in key hubs.
- Record-low euro-area unemployment ~6.2% (Jun-2025) supports continued demand for scarce skills.
2) Countries (where demand bites most)
Highest vacancy rates (Q2-2025): Netherlands 4.2%, Belgium 3.9%, Austria 3.4%, Cyprus 3.3%, Malta 3.2%.
Lowest: Romania 0.6%, Spain 0.8%, Poland 0.8%, Bulgaria 0.9%.
→ Use these to prioritize sourcing & pricing.
3) Sectors with Momentum (’25–’26)
- Digital & AI: Software, data, cloud, cybersecurity, GenAI integration.
- Green/Climate: Renewables, energy efficiency, EV/charging, ESG.
- Health & Care: Aging-driven demand; telehealth, medtech ops.
- Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics: Robotics, HSE, supply-chain optimization.
- Professional & Technical Services: Consulting, risk/regulatory.
4) Top 30 Skills in Demand
AI/Data/Tech (10): Python, SQL, cloud, MLOps, GenAI integration, prompt design, data engineering, BI, cybersecurity, AI governance.
Green (5): LCA, ESG reporting, energy systems, EHS/HSE, carbon accounting.
Product/Delivery (5): Product mgmt, agile, UX, QA/automation, DevOps.
Ops/Supply (3): S&OP, logistics optimization, lean/quality.
Commercial (3): Enterprise sales, customer success, BD.
Human/meta (4): Critical thinking, problem solving, communication, leadership.
5) Roles on the Rise
- AI & Data: AI product lead, GenAI solutions engineer, data engineer, AI security specialist.
- Green: Sustainability analyst, energy consultant, environmental officer.
- Cloud/Cyber: Cloud engineer/architect, cybersecurity analyst.
- Ops & Customer: Program manager, customer success, BD manager, care assistant.
6) Job Offerings by Type
- Permanent: Health, public services, regulated energy.
- Freelance/contract: Fastest in AI/software, UX, cloud, design/content.
- Hybrid: Core team (perm) + elastic freelance bench.
7) What This Means (Conclusion)
- Market cooler than 2024, but still skill-scarce in AI & Green.
- Northern EU hubs (NL/BE/AT) → premium wages.
- Southern/Eastern EU (ES/PL/RO) → talent sourcing pools.
8) Strategic Actions 2025–2026
Employers
- Target NL/BE/AT for high-value hires; nearshore from ES/PL/RO.
- Two-speed workforce: core perm AI/Green + flex pods.
- GenAI literacy for 100% of knowledge staff.
- Green P&L: tie ESG hires to cost savings/revenue.
- Talent funnels: adopt skills-based hiring.
Professionals
- Add one AI/Data + one Green credential by Q1-2026.
- Target NL/BE/AT clients for uplift; serve remotely from cost-effective hubs.
- Productize freelancing (packaged services).
9) Glossary & Explanation
Vacancy Rate
% of jobs unfilled. → High = wage pressure (NL 4.2%).
GenAI (Generative AI)
AI that creates content from prompts. → Baseline literacy by 2026.
MLOps
Practices to run/deploy ML. → Keeps AI scalable and secure.
ESG Reporting
Disclosing environmental, social, governance metrics. → Mandated under EU CSRD.
Carbon Accounting
Tracking emissions Scopes 1–3. → Basis for green finance and compliance.
Customer Success
Ensuring clients achieve results. → Critical in SaaS/B2B retention.
S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning)
Aligning demand forecasts with supply. → Cuts cost, stabilizes supply chains.
Prompt Design
Creating precise instructions for GenAI. → A new literacy like coding.
Skills-Based Hiring
Recruiting based on assessed skills vs degrees. → Expands talent pool.
Two-Speed Workforce
Blend of permanent core + freelance pods. → Flexibility + resilience.
9a) GenAI in Action – On-Demand AI Strategies & Applications
Definition Recap:
GenAI = Generative AI → systems that create text, visuals, code, or insights from prompts. By 2026, baseline literacy in GenAI will be as essential as spreadsheets today.
🚀 Demonstrating On-Demand Content Creation
Example Prompt → Executive Brief
Prompt:
“Summarize the top 3 labour market risks for EU leaders in 2026 and give one strategic action for each.”
AI Output (2 min brief):
- AI Talent Scarcity → Action: Launch internal GenAI reskilling sprint.
- Green Compliance Costs → Action: Hire ESG analyst per BU.
- Freelancer Dependence → Action: Secure hybrid contracts for core AI roles.
Example Prompt → Action Card (for Board Use)
Prompt:
“Turn the EU Labour Market 2025–2026 Report into a 1-page checklist for CEOs.”
AI Output (Action Card):
- Hire: AI engineer, ESG analyst, program manager.
- Train: All staff in GenAI literacy by Q2-2026.
- Outsource: UX, cloud ops, content packs.
- Source: NL/BE/AT premium → RO/PL/ES value pools.
Example Prompt → Sales Deck Slide
Prompt:
“Create 3 bullet points showing why freelancers are critical for scaling AI projects in 2026.”
AI Output:
- Flexible pods for fast pilots.
- Cost-effective vs permanent hiring in shortage markets.
- Access to niche expertise (prompt design, MLOps, AI security).
🎯 Why It Matters
- Leaders: Turn strategy into slides, briefs, or talking points instantly.
- Entrepreneurs: Package AI output as on-demand advisory for clients.
- Investors: Validate assumptions with AI-driven summaries before deep due diligence.
⚡ Power AI-Gen Profile
Josef David
🌐 www.rapidknowhow.com
Positioning Statement:
The leading expert in generating tailor-made AI-Prompts for Leaders, Investors, and Entrepreneurs — delivering clarity and results in minutes, not days.
🧩 What This Profile Signals
- Authority: Josef David as a go-to AI Strategist in the European and global B2B space.
- Speed: Solves the biggest pain point of executives — time.
- Value: Tailored prompts become strategic assets (briefs, reports, investor decks, sales funnels).
Want to discuss your AI- Strategic Actions with Josef David?
