Frattini noted that the EU is facing stiff economic competition from the United States, Canada, Australia and rapidly developing Asian states. Meanwhile, in Europe, especially in countries such as Italy, Germany and Hungary, an aging population is causing a sharp shortage of labor. At the same time, the EU is experiencing an influx primarily of unskilled labor (85%), and only 5% are qualified specialists. In the United States, by contrast, 55% of arriving workers are qualified, while laborers make up only 5%.
The Blue Card is intended to help correct this situation. Specialists will be invited for two years, with the right to extend their stay. And after five years in the EU, they can obtain the right to permanent residence. At the same time, measures to combat illegal immigration are to be strengthened. As Franco Frattini believes, in the next 20 years the EU will need up to 20 million foreigners.