Following vote by the European Parliament on the proposed Blue Card scheme, EUROCHAMBRES expresses its satisfaction with the fact that, for the first time, the EU is taking a common approach to the issue of legal economic migration.

MEPs backed the EU's "Blue Card" scheme to attract highly-skilled immigrants to take jobs in EU economic sectors suffering from skill shortages, modelled on the US "Green Card" system. However, they propose a clearer frame, more precise definitions, and to ensure more flexibility for Member States, whilst urging them to avoid a brain drain from third countries. They also say that Blue Card workers should not have priority on EU nationals on the labour market.

Fitch Ratings sees increased challenges for the European automotive industry as a result of the rapid deterioration in global auto markets during the second half of this year.

PandaLabs, Panda Security's malware analysis and detection laboratory, issued a security alert that reveals the volume and effectiveness of money mule scams are increasing with the rising rate of unemployment. Additionally, based on PandaLabs' analysis of a sample population of seven large mule networks around the world, North America ranked highest in terms of the success rate in recruiting potential job candidates to participate in illegal money laundering operations.

MEPs have backed Commission plans to raise the ceiling for financial assistance to non-euro area Member States facing balance of payments difficulties from €12 to 25bn. They rejected, however, the idea of giving the Commission the power to decide on further changes to the ceiling without new legislation.

Both the rate and the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work decreased from 2006 to 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department Labor.

From December 2007 to March 2008, the number of job gains from opening and expanding private sector establishments was 7.1 million, and the number of job losses from closing and contracting establishments was 7.4 million, according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Negotiations on CO2 emission standards for cars could result in legislation bordering on useless, said Greenpeace following a meeting between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission to hammer out the final text of the EU legislation.

Finding the perfect gift and acting on limited-time offers this holiday season will be key drivers of impulse shopping online, concludes GSI Commerce Inc., based on the results of a recent survey on shopping habits of U.S. online adults.

A political consensus has developed in the United States that significantly increased spending on the nation's aged infrastructure is necessary for America to remain prosperous. President-elect Barack Obama and the new congressional leadership have promised to push for major new investments in the nation's transportation networks, water systems, broadband capabilities, electrical grid, and other public facilities.

Advanced broadband technology can play an essential role in cutting carbon emissions, boosting the economy and reducing dependence on foreign oil, according to a report released by the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI).

The Conference Board announced that the U.S. leading index decreased 0.8 percent, the coincident index increased 0.2 percent and the lagging index increased 0.1 percent in October.

Programs that help low-income and minority individuals and families purchase a home may be doing more harm than good, according to a Kansas State University economist.

While President-elect Barack Obama’s economic agenda aims to help the 27 million small business owners in the United States, restoring confidence among this group won’t be easy. A new survey by management consulting firm George S. May International shows the majority of small business owners feel credit relief is critical to their survival, but 60.2 percent don’t think it will come in time.

A new survey conducted by Ruder Finn Insights reveals that hybrid vehicles are increasingly appealing to consumers despite diminishing prices at the pump, though many perceptions of hybrids are out-of-date and based on initial impressions formed nearly a decade ago.