Brussels, 01/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 31 May, the Commission called on Slovenia to come into line with the so-called “European Blue Card” directive, which allows highly qualified third country nationals to enter the EU for employment purposes. Last July, Slovenia had received a letter of formal notice, the first stage in infringement proceedings, but since then no satisfactory information has been received by the Commission, a press release states. The deadline for transposition was 19 June 2011.
The Blue Card directive establishes a fast-track admission procedure for these foreigners and ensures a common set of social and economic rights, such as equal treatment with nationals as regards working conditions and pay, as well as access to goods and services, the Commission points out. Once a member state grants a Blue Card to a migrant, after two years that person may then benefit from free access to highly qualified employment positions in that member state and may also move to another EU member state where their skills may be needed. (OL/transl.jl)