European Union Franco Frattini encouraged member states to develop immigration policies to attract migrant labor at a conference in Portugal.

Germany, Italy, and Hungary were cited as the EY countries most in need of skilled workers, while Ireland and Spain were held up as examples of countries that benefited economically by expanded immigration. Frattini's proposed a "blue card" would allow skilled workers to live, work, and move between European Union countries. Status would initially be valid for 2 years and could be extended thereafter, with permanent status available after 5 years.

Frattini is not a newcomer to immigration policy, by the way. In 2005, he is quoted as stating that immigration "is an opportunity, not a threat" (see Immigration is "an opportunity, not a threat", says Frattini , euractiv.com, June 15, 2005.

See Frattini wants barriers to EU immigration torn down, workpermit.com, September 14, 2007, for more information.