In the report, the Commission concludes inter alia that there are wide variations between MS in the number of Blue Cards granted. An answer can be found in policy choices by MS who apply and promote the Blue Card in considerably different ways. The national schemes for attracting highly qualified migrants in many MS compete with the EU Blue Card and with each other. In addition to this, the Directive only set minimum standards and left much leeway to MS through many “may-clauses” and references to national legislation.

The Commission also expressed concerns about flaws in the transposition, the low level of coherence, the limited set of rights and barriers to intra-EU mobility. This report reveals a general lack of communication by MS of data and measures taken in application of the Directive, e.g. on volumes of admission, labour market tests, ethical recruitment, salary threshold. The availability of reliable, detailed and up-to-date information is essential for the functioning of the EU Blue Card system, e.g. for intra-EU mobility, and to evaluate its attractiveness.

Based on this, the Commission will increase its efforts to ensure that the Directive is correctly transposed and implemented across the EU. The Commission will also make the best use of existing websites, e.g. the EU Immigration Portal, and encourages MS to improve their provision of information and to raise awareness via other relevant channels.

Considering the available information and in view of the short time of application no amendments are currently proposed.

For further information, please read the Communication on the implementation of Directive 2009/50/EC on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment (“EU Blue Card”).