EU Will Lure Skilled Migrants With 'Blue Card'

Legal action challenges 'Viktator's' effort to consolidate power

(NEWSER) - The European Union has given Hungary a legal slap in the face over what it sees as moves toward authoritarianism. The EU's executive body has launched legal action over the country's new laws governing its central bank, judiciary and data protection authority, reports the Wall Street Journal . Hungarian premier Viktor Orban—dubbed the "Viktator" by critics—recently lowered the retirement age for judges and prosecutors to 62 from 70, a move the EU sees as an attempt to pack the courts with his political allies. More»

But they don't agree on how to make that happen

(NEWSER) - It’s time for Moammar Gadhafi to go, the leaders of the EU have declared following an emergency meeting in Brussels. The leaders will “examine all necessary options” to protect civilians in Libya, they say. But amid reluctance from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the officials haven’t come to a decision regarding a possible no-fly zone, reports the BBC . More»

(NEWSER) - The global recession has sparked a conservative, anti-immigrant impulse in Europe—see the right’s victory in European Parliament elections—and US liberals should take notice, Michael Lind writes for Salon. Though “it would be a mistake to read too much into the elections” as the “European Parliament has more symbolism than power,” Lind writes, the tide is turning. “Symbolism counts for something.” More»

Low turnout across 27 nations leads to extremist gains

(NEWSER) - The center-right won a clear victory in this weekend's European parliament elections, while a record low turnout helped far-right and extremist groups make gains across the 27-nation bloc, the BBC reports. The ruling conservative parties in France, Germany and Italy performed well, while in Britain Labor came in a dismal third behind an anti-EU party. The hard right picked up seats everywhere from Holland to Hungary. More»

Foreigners with $1M cash can get US residence

(NEWSER) - Foreigners still interested in the American dream can get permanent residence in the US by investing $1 million in a Florida condo-hotel project starved for credit. The government-approved offer gives investors a conditional visa in exchange for the investment, the Orlando Sentinel reports. If the foreigners can prove within two years that their investment has created 10 jobs in the area, they get a green card and full residency rights. More»