Europe’s private security industry is facing a growing challenge: attracting and retaining the next generation of professionals who continue to protect critical infrastructure, public spaces and major supply chains across the continent.

Last week in Brussels, CoESS and UNI Europa, the sector’s European Social Partners, brought together industry leaders, trade unions, policymakers, researchers and HR experts to conclude the EU-funded INTEL project at the conference “Securing Europe’s future: tackling labour shortages in private security.”

The event also launched a major perception study among more than 2,000 young security professionals across six European countries, providing new insights into what motivates young people to join and stay in the sector. Early findings show that pay, work-life balance, stable employment and meaningful work are decisive factors for choosing a career in private security, alongside clear career pathways and inclusive workplaces.

Listening to workers to shape the future

Opening the conference, Catherine Piana, Director General of CoESS, stressed the importance of understanding the expectations of the workforce:

“With this project, we wanted to move beyond assumptions. We wanted to listen and understand the reality of the people doing the job. This exercise allowed us to draw conclusions on how to improve attractiveness, retention, inclusion and career development in our industry. Importantly, the INTEL project demonstrates the value of European Social Dialogue in our sector, which is essential for the protection of European citizens. Employers and trade unions worked together across countries to better understand the challenges and identify common solutions that respond to workers and the market demand.”

The conference’s Opening Keynote was delivered by Maria Luisa Cabral, Head of the Directorate for Quality Jobs, Working Conditions and Social Dialogue at the European Commission, who highlighted that a strong Social Dialogue is key to ensuring quality jobs and strengthening Europe’s preparedness, particularly in sectors like private security that provide essential services supporting public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure.

This message was echoed by the Social Partners. Eduardo Cobas, Social Dialogue Chair at CoESS, stressed that labour shortages in private security are not only a workforce issue but also a preparedness and security challenge for Europe. Illustrating the point, he invited participants to imagine what everyday life would look like without private security officers - airports unable to function safely, hospitals without controlled access, public transport systems vulnerable, major events impossible to organise, and critical infrastructure exposed.

Eduardo Cobas called for a better recognition of private security for what it is: with around two million professionals across Europe, private security officers quietly ensure the safe functioning of countless parts of daily life - from transport hubs and hospitals to businesses, public institutions and major public events.

At the same time, speakers across countries and with different backgrounds all underlined that public procurement practices focusing primarily on the lowest price remain a major barrier to improving job attractiveness in the sector. Reforming procurement rules to award public contracts in essential services on quality and not price only would allow companies to invest more in quality jobs, training and career development.

Oliver Roethig, Regional Director at UNI Europa, highlighted the strength of the partnership between employers and trade unions in the sector, stressing that strong social dialogue is essential both for improving working conditions and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness – underlining the urgent need for public procurement reform at EU-level.

Understanding the expectations of a new generation

During the day, researchers from the University of Ghent, the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security, MKOR and Panteia presented the perception study and helped participants better understand today’s younger workforce. The findings show that while pay and work-life balance are decisive factors, many workers are also motivated by a strong sense of purpose - contributing to public safety and protecting society. Most interviewed workers are eager to grow in the industry, but many still need to be convinced that they have such opportunities through transparent and inclusive career pathways.

HR experts and trade union representatives discussed how companies can better attract and retain talent through modern recruitment strategies, stronger employer branding and improved people and talent management. Particular attention was given to diversity, inclusion and the participation of women, which would help make the sector more attractive to a broader workforce.

Social Dialogue and public procurement reform at the heart of the solution

Representatives from the six participating national Social Partners (ARXIA - Belgium, CSA - Croatia, BDSW - Germany, ConFedersicurezza - Italy, ARIS - Romania, NV - the Netherlands) concluded the event by outlining priorities for the future. Across Europe, sectoral Social Dialogue will be essential to address labour shortages and skills needs, ensuring that the sector can respond both to workers’ expectations and to society’s growing demand for security services.

Quality training, clear career pathways and stronger recognition of the profession emerged as key priorities - but participants were clear: without reform of EU public procurement practices, real progress will remain limited. Moving beyond lowest-price criteria is essential to unlock investment in people, skills and quality jobs in this critical sector.

As participants emphasised, private security is not just another service - it is a profession carried out by two million workers across Europe who help protect citizens every day.

For full insights in the study’s findings and the six national reports, visit www.securityskills.eu.