Latest news with #BlueCard
Euronews
22-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Blue Cards: Which EU country offers the highest minimum salary?
The latest report on Blue Cards shows that Germany welcomes the most workers from outside the EU among the bloc's member states. Berlin issued around 69,000 of these permits, or 78% of the EU's total of 89,000. Poland comes in second place with 7,000, followed by France at 4,000, says Eurostat. The Blue Card is considered a golden ticket for highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries. Denmark and Ireland are the only countries that don't issue these permits at all. This special visa also guarantees a minimum annual gross salary, even in countries without a statutory minimum wage, such as Italy, Sweden, Austria and Finland. Thresholds vary widely. From a maximum of around €68,000 in the Netherlands to just over €16,000 in Bulgaria. Also, the EU Blue Card directive proposes that the employer pay the cardholder a salary that's at least 1.5 times the average of the respective country. It's called the "rule of thumb." Figures for each country are indexed yearly. Indians lead the pack with 21,000 cards - almost a quarter of the total (24%), followed by Russians (9,000 or 11%), Turks (6,000 or 7%) and Belarusians (5,000 or 6%). Qualifying for a Blue Card is relatively straightforward. It requires either a university degree or three years of relevant work experience in the field related to the application. Blue Cards might also be issued after a cycle of studies attended in the EU. The good news is, there are no language requirements. The card also allows to travel freely within the Schengen Area, if the permit is issued by a Schengen country (Cyprus is the only exception among Blue Card countries). Blue Cards aren't the only visas granting work and stay to non-EU workers. In 2023, EU countries granted almost 11,000 "intra-corporate transfer permits," allowing high-skilled citizens of third countries to move to EU branches of international companies. The Netherlands issued a quarter (2,700) of them, followed by Germany and Hungary (both 1,900 or 18%), France (1,500 or 14%) and Spain (1,100 or 10%). Most recipients were Indians (3,900 or 36% of all permits), Chinese (1,600 or 14%) and South Koreans (1,300 or 12%). German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has travelled to Lithuania for the formal inauguration of a German brigade stationed there to bolster NATO's eastern flank. Merz was welcomed on Thursday by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. The inauguration of the 45th Armoured Brigade is set to take place in Vilnius' central square, with more than 1,000 Lithuanian and German troops expected to attend. The aim of this new unit, which consists of 4,800 troops and 200 civilian personnel, is to strengthen NATO's presence in the region in light of the threat posed by Russia. It is hoped that the stationing of German troops in Lithuania will discourage potential Russian aggression and provide added protection to the Baltic states. The brigade, which will include infantry and tank battalions, should be fully operational by 2027, according to Lithuania. Around 700 German military personnel are already serving there. The unit's posting abroad is part of a German security policy initiative known as the 'Zeitenwende' (Turning Point), which was announced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the outbreak of Russia's full-scale invasion. Although Germany has in recent decades participated in worldwide military operations, this move marks Germany's most significant military deployment since World War II. Merz's first visit to Lithuania as chancellor also includes a meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda. Their talks are expected to cover Lithuanian-German bilateral relations, defence cooperation, support for Ukraine and key issues on the EU's agenda.
Local Germany
16-05-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
Why does Germany issue by far the most EU Blue Cards to skilled workers?
Considered the European version of the US Green Card, the Blue Card was established in 2009 and reformed in 2021 to make it more attractive for highly qualified individuals. To obtain a Blue Card , non-EU citizens need a university degree or an equivalent qualification, have a job offer and a salary meeting the threshold set by the EU country of expected residence. Besides the right to work and reside in a given EU country, the Blue Card holders can also visit another EU member state for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Blue Card holders have equal working conditions to national citizens. In case they lose the job, they can remain three months in the country to look for another one and claim social security benefits. The EU Blue Card can be obtained in 25 EU countries, but not in Denmark and Ireland, which have opted out. In 2023, EU member states issued around 89,000 Blue Cards, according to the latest data issued by the EU statistical office, Eurostat. Germany alone issued some 69,000, 78 per cent of the total and 6,000 more than in 2022. READ ALSO: What you need to earn to get an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2025 Poland followed, with 7,000 Blue Cards issued (8 per cent of the total and 2,400 more than in 2022). France was the third country by the number of permits given out, with around 4,000 issued (4 per cent). Austria issued 1,135, more than doubling the 501 of 2022. In comparison, Italy issued 747 Blue Cards (compared to 572 in 2022), Spain 370 (58 in 2022) and Sweden 106 (83 in 2022). German MEP Damian Boeselager, from the transnational pro-European party Volt, told The Local that 'Germany is one of the few countries that are actually promoting the EU Blue Card and has therefore seen a generally higher adoption, even if still rather limited in absolute numbers.' Advertisement As a reference, Germany issued about 177,000 work visas in 2023, and it is estimated to have some 400,000 open positions for skilled workers. In 2023, Germany also started to implement the Skilled Immigration Act to make it easier for qualified professionals from outside the EU to move to the country, including an expansion of the use of the EU Blue Card. Two Blue Cards for foreign skilled workers are on a table at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Bavaria. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Daniel Karmann Although the new German government announced restrictions to immigration, Boeselager says that 'the current take-up of the Blue Card will likely remain on a similar level, unless Germany changes something about the current rules.' 'So far, the new German government has not targeted highly qualified labour migrants in its rhetoric,' he added. READ ALSO: Which German jobs have a lower salary threshold for an EU Blue Card? Spain also eased rules in 2023, abolishing the requirement for employers to conduct a labour market test before sponsoring Blue Card employees, allowing six-month (instead of 12-month) contracts, reducing the salary threshold, and extending the validity of Blue Cards from 1 to 3 years. Sweden introduced new Blue Card rules on 1 January 2025 to attract highly skilled workers. These include lower salary requirement and contract length (from one year to six months), the possibility for people to change to another highly skilled job without applying for a new Blue Card, and a simpler process for those with a Blue Card issued in another EU country to obtain a new one in Sweden. Advertisement The revised EU directive entered into force on 27 November 2021 and EU member states had until 18 November 2023 to adapt the national legislation. As a result, the number of Blue Cards might increase in the future. In 2023, the most common nationalities of recipients were India (21,000), Russia (9,000), Türkiye (6,000) and Belarus (5,000). READ ALSO: Blue Card jobs, residence permits and prefixes - 6 essential articles for life in Germany
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BRN Shareholders Clearly Support Change on the Barnwell Board
Vero Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 14, 2025) - The Sherwood Group, a long-term and significant shareholder with approximately 29.90% of the issued and outstanding shares of Barnwell Industries, Inc. ("Barnwell" or "BRN") today issued the following letter to Barnwell shareholders following the closing of the Consent Solicitation: Dear Barnwell Shareholders: We wanted to thank all shareholders who participated in the Consent Solicitation process and supported change by submitting the Blue Card in favor of our proposals. Based upon the Consents that were submitted by The Sherwood Group, our preliminary report indicates the results of the Consent Solicitation below. Please note that these are preliminary results and subject to final tabulation and verification by an Independent Inspector of Election in the coming days: (i). 53.38% voted in favor of repealing any bylaw enacted by the Board on or after February 4, 2025;(ii). 53.38% voted in favor of removing Mr. Kinzler from the Board immediately;(iii). 53.39% voted in favor of electing oil and gas expert Ms. Isidoro to the Board immediately;(iv). 49.2% voted in favor of the election of Sherwood Group Nominee Sullivan;(v). 48.53% voted in favor of the election of Sherwood Group Nominees Cornell, Oran and Sherwood;(vi). 49.2% voted for Mr. Grossman's removal; and(vii). 47.48% voted for Mr. Horowitz's removal. Since a Consent Solicitation requires a high bar of 50% of all shares to vote in favor, we were successful in electing Heather Isidoro to the Board and removing Alex Kinzler from the Board. We were also successful in repealing the egregious Bylaw revision enacted by the Board that attempted to further limit shareholder rights. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in electing the balance of our proposed Board slate by very small margins. We believe that our failure to reach the 50% threshold for our other candidates was primarily due to the uniqueness of the Consent Solicitation and the predilection of institutional shareholders to vote in traditional proxy solicitations. Therefore, we hope to succeed on other Director nominees via Barnwell's upcoming annual meeting proxy vote. We must caution all shareholders that Barnwell's current entrenched management has filed a lawsuit in Delaware to keep our candidates off the ballot for the 2025 Annual Meeting, so the ability of shareholders who wish to support us to vote is currently in the hands of a Delaware court judge. Given the almost 50% support we received for our candidates in the Consent Solicitation, we are hopeful that the Judge rules that our candidates should be on the ballot for the 2025 Annual Meeting but if not, our supporters will not have a voice in Barnwell's future direction. As we noted in our previous releases, we originally launched our Consent Solicitation efforts because Barnwell's entrenched Board and management refused to set an annual meeting date, and we were concerned that the rapid financial deterioration in the Company's operations and the excessive spending by the Company on legal defense fees might deplete Barnwell's remaining cash resources to dangerously low levels. At this point, we are even more concerned about Barnwell's financial viability, and we believe that it is urgent that our Board nominees be elected in order to stabilize the Company and attempt a turnaround. We anxiously await Barnwell's report of its March 31, 2025 quarterly results which should be issued tomorrow on May 15 to see the Company's current financial situation. We have sent our Consent Solicitation results and tabulation to Barnwell and we have informed them that the Barnwell proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting is now materially deficient and misleading given Mr. Kinzler's presence on the Barnwell slate. We have advocated for the 2025 Annual Meeting to be adjourned and have requested that the Company submit a new or amended proxy statement containing a universal proxy card with the Sherwood Group nominees (other than Ms. Isidoro who has already been elected to the Board by shareholders) and the management nominees so that finally, Barnwell shareholders can have a true choice in the remaining 4 available director slots. The Sherwood Group is prepared to allow shareholders to make their voice heard at the 2025 Annual Meeting, but it is clear that Kinzler, Grossman and Horowitz hope that their Delaware tactics allow them to proceed to the 2025 Annual Meeting uncontested. We hope that the Sherwood Group is able to move forward with a slate for the 2025 Annual Meeting. We hope justice for all shareholders prevails and what is better justice than choice. If you have any questions, please contact: Alliance Advisors200 Broadacres Drive, 3rd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003Shareholders call toll-free: 1 (833) 215-7301Email: brn2025@ For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Alyssa BarryMedia Relations, Alliance Advisorsabarry@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Building A Truly Safe And Capable Workforce: What The $71.5 Million Investment Must Deliver
Press Release – Safeguarding Children Initiative Safeguarding Children Chief Executive Willow Duffy says this funding represents an opportunity but only if it is deployed it to address the fundamental systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable New Zealanders at risk. Today Minister Erica Stanford announced as part of the $774 million investment to improve the current redress system for survivors of abuse in state care, changes would be made that will endeavour to 'prevent, identify, and respond to abuse in the future'. Within this package, $71.5 million has been earmarked specifically for 'building a capable and safe care workforce for children and vulnerable adults.' Safeguarding Children Chief Executive Willow Duffy says this funding represents an opportunity – but only if it is deployed it to address the fundamental systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable New Zealanders at risk. 'As we consider this $71.5 million investment in building a safe and capable workforce there are some key questions we must ask. Who is included in this workforce? Does it include teachers, doctors, nurses? These occupations all have a role to play in keeping our children safe. Duffy says that every New Zealander deserves to know exactly how this funding will create care environments where abuse becomes truly exceptional rather than predictable. 'Until we build a workforce where safeguarding isn't just a compliance exercise but a fundamental professional value, we'll continue seeing preventable harm to those most dependent on our protection. 'The $71.5 million must deliver transformational change in how we select, train, support, and hold accountable those entrusted with our most vulnerable citizens. We need more than just incremental improvements.' Duffy says the $71.5 million allocation could be transformative if it delivers: A nationwide credentialing system similar to Australia's Blue Card—providing consistent vetting standards across all care settings Specific codes of conduct that prioritise the prevention of abuse Mandatory, comprehensive safeguarding training for all care providers and their leadership Clear consequences for organisations that fail to maintain safeguarding standards Structural supports that elevate care work as a valued, professional career path.
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Building A Truly Safe And Capable Workforce: What The $71.5 Million Investment Must Deliver
Press Release – Safeguarding Children Initiative Safeguarding Children Chief Executive Willow Duffy says this funding represents an opportunity but only if it is deployed it to address the fundamental systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable New Zealanders at risk. Today Minister Erica Stanford announced as part of the $774 million investment to improve the current redress system for survivors of abuse in state care, changes would be made that will endeavour to 'prevent, identify, and respond to abuse in the future'. Within this package, $71.5 million has been earmarked specifically for 'building a capable and safe care workforce for children and vulnerable adults.' Safeguarding Children Chief Executive Willow Duffy says this funding represents an opportunity – but only if it is deployed it to address the fundamental systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable New Zealanders at risk. 'As we consider this $71.5 million investment in building a safe and capable workforce there are some key questions we must ask. Who is included in this workforce? Does it include teachers, doctors, nurses? These occupations all have a role to play in keeping our children safe. Duffy says that every New Zealander deserves to know exactly how this funding will create care environments where abuse becomes truly exceptional rather than predictable. 'Until we build a workforce where safeguarding isn't just a compliance exercise but a fundamental professional value, we'll continue seeing preventable harm to those most dependent on our protection. 'The $71.5 million must deliver transformational change in how we select, train, support, and hold accountable those entrusted with our most vulnerable citizens. We need more than just incremental improvements.' Duffy says the $71.5 million allocation could be transformative if it delivers: A nationwide credentialing system similar to Australia's Blue Card—providing consistent vetting standards across all care settings Specific codes of conduct that prioritise the prevention of abuse Mandatory, comprehensive safeguarding training for all care providers and their leadership Clear consequences for organisations that fail to maintain safeguarding standards Structural supports that elevate care work as a valued, professional career path.
