Blue Card Directive voted through the European Parliament
This week, Eurocadres spoke with Euronews’ on the importance of the scheme, and the opportunities it creates for professionals and managers.
Yesterday, September 15, the European Parliament voted in favour of the amended Blue Card Directive text by 556 to 105, with 31 abstentions, following years of interinstitutional negotiations. Originally adopted in 2009, the directive failed to have a meaningful impact, with discussions on amendments underway since 2016, but blocked by the Council.
Speaking to Euronews on the need for this directive, Eurocadres President Martin Jefflén noted the need to improve access throughout various sectors.
“This is a cross sectoral issue. We need better access for highly skilled professionals, regardless of the sector”.
The Blue Card scheme provides an attractive platform for highly qualified workers to enter the European labour market, setting the foundation for increased mobility throughout the bloc. The directive opens clear and transparent channels for migrants, while ensuring Member States’ have flexibility in maintaining schemes to fit their labour market needs. Revisions also expand the scope to include refugees, asylum seekers and seasonal workers all of whom will now be able to apply for the card, while the rules on Blue Card holders’ families relocating to the EU are improved, with blue card holders & their families now able to accumulate years for long term residence even if moving to other EU countries.
In the assessment and implementation of this directive, the revised text provides social partners with meaningful avenues to facilitate dialogue and bring success to the scheme. For organisations such as trade unions, this will include ensuring highly qualified workers rights to a proportionate salary, good working conditions and collective bargaining. Trade Unions will also be crucial in the recognition of qualifications and the establishment of a salary threshold, aiding both employees and competent authorities on these points, but also in the evaluation of the Member States’ labour market relevant to the case/scheme.
"The success of the Blue Card scheme will hinge upon the integration of social partners, who can provide the necessary supports for young professionals as they live and work in the EU".
Reacting to the Parliament’s vote, Eurocadres President, Martin Jefflén stated:
“Firstly, it is very positive that we have got through the blockage with the Council, and that we finally have a text through the European Parliament. Europe needs a clear and transparent system in place to attract highly skilled professionals from third countries.
The success of the Blue Card scheme will hinge upon the integration of social partners, who can provide the necessary supports for young professionals as they live and work in the EU. For trade unions our work to deliver proportionate salaries, good working conditions and collective bargaining will continue through the scheme”.
The full text of the directive can be read here.