Abstract: An electromagnetic assembly, for example for a relay, has a magnetic core surrounded by an electrical coil, and an armature closing the magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic assembly. The magnetic core is of the split pole type having a first pole and a second pole, the former being surrounded by a shading ring to produce a phase shift in the magnetic flux in the region of the poles when the electrical coil is energized. A step is provided in the first pole between the shading ring and the armature so that the flux density, and thus the magnetic force, between the first pole and the armature is increased.