U.S. President Donald Trump’s moves on immigration are bad news for
ambitious tech workers. That should be good news for Europe’s
talent-hungry digital hubs.
That sets the stage for Amsterdam, Berlin or Paris to become the next global magnet for engineers, coders and entrepreneurs.
Yet Europe is struggling to surmount multiple barriers. It’s
considered one of the least-tolerant continents toward migrants as
populist movements continue to sway public opinion, said Eugenio
Ambrosi,
the regional director
of the EU, Norway and Switzerland office of the International Organization for Migration.
Meanwhile, the Continent’s
reputation for tech investment
remains weak, and its
inability to grow the next European Google or Facebook makes it a less
desirable place for ambitious workers, politicians, civil society and
the industry agree.
On top of that, EU lawmakers and members of the tech community say the Continent hasn’t embraced a
2009 Blue Card directive,
intended to establish an easy-to-use, universal visa program for
highly skilled workers. A revamp proposed by the European Commission
last year is stuck in interinstitutional infighting.
Note EU-Digest: The EU is getting a great opportunity here
to benefit from the "Trump Administration immigrant fear" to move this
highly qualified stream of tech experts which is now being blocked by
the US, into the EU's rapidly expanding technology market, which has a
lack of skilled experts. Come on EU Parliament and Commission, don't
keep sitting on your hands, put your money where your mouth is. Get the 2009 Blue Card directive fully activated and functional. It is beneficial to the EU economy.and even to you as politicians.
Read more: Europe struggles to attract tech talent even as US closes doors – POLITICO
