The MEPs called for EU interior ministers, who will consider the matter next week, to insist that 'blue card' candidates should have a job offer in Europe which pays at least 1.7 times the national average wage in the country they are applying to work in. That would create a pay level of at least EUR 4,300 pre-tax in France but only EUR 370 in Bulgaria.
That would create a pay level of at least EUR 4,300 pre-tax in France but only EUR 370 in Bulgaria.
Opinions:
British Liberal Graham Watson was very critical at the way the scheme has evolved. "All's not well that starts well," he opined. "What began as pioneering legislation to address legal migration at the EU level ended up a messy, mediocre compromise. "A blue card wrapped in red tape is hardly a welcome gift. Europe can do better than this." Greek Communist Athanassios Pafilis accused the EU of seeking a "cheap labour force for EU capitalism to increase profits" which would be "tantamount to a brain drain from countries of origin."
"What began as pioneering legislation to address legal migration at the EU level ended up a messy, mediocre compromise.
"A blue card wrapped in red tape is hardly a welcome gift. Europe can do better than this."
Greek Communist Athanassios Pafilis accused the EU of seeking a "cheap labour force for EU capitalism to increase profits" which would be "tantamount to a brain drain from countries of origin."
