EU considering 'blue card' immigration scheme

Inspired by the famous American "green card" scheme, the European Commission is considering introducing its own "blue card" system to attract more qualified immigrants.

An impact assessment is currently being drawn up and will be ready "in the next two months or so" after which the Commission will draft detailed proposals, EU justice spokesman Friso Ascam Abbing said.

He admitted that EU member states hold differing opinions over legal migration but added that "everyone understands immigration will be part of the solution to the aging population.