The new EU Blue Card proposal:

• As a distinction to the current EU Blue Card scheme, the new proposal does not allow Member States to have parallel national schemes targeting the same group of highly skilled workers. 
• A lower general salary threshold, equivalent to or at the highest 1.4 times the average national salary.
• The required minimum duration of the employment contract is brought down from 12 to 6 months.
• EU Blue Card holders are allowed to exercise a self-employed activity in parallel with their Blue Card occupation.
• Professional experience equivalent to qualifications higher education qualifications to be recognised by Member States.
• Access to EU long-term residence after 3 years if the EU Blue Card holder resided continuously in the same Member State.
• A lower salary threshold should also be laid down to benefit third-country nationals during a certain period after their graduation. 
• Member States may offer a special fast-track procedure for trusted employers with fewer conditions to reduce administrative burden.
• Short-term business trips will be less complicated for EU Blue Card holder.

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