Brussels has long insisted that the immigration policy of the member states should be based on "common rules." But so far these initiatives have been implemented mainly in the form of appeals or discussions. The latest draft immigration directive, developed by the European Commission, was "killed" in 2001 during discussions in the EU Council of Ministers.
The European Commission made another attempt to bring immigration under its control in January of this year. Commissioner for Justice Franco Frattini presented the so-called 'Green Paper' – a document with the Commission's proposals for regulating immigration. In particular, it proposes to turn to the American experience – to abandon short-term work visas and start issuing migrants long-term work permits similar to green cards. The proposed scheme would allow a foreigner who has received a green card in one country to move freely within all 25 members of the union. The right to determine how many and exactly whom to let into their territory will remain with the states.
It is difficult to say what the future of this 'Green Paper' will be. In July, the European Commission plans to hold public discussions of its initiative and then put it to a vote in the Council of Ministers. The EU countries have reacted in a peculiar way: while it is not too late, they are changing their immigration laws in accordance with their own interests.
Britain, for example, has decisively tightened its immigration policy. Now, only those newcomers whose knowledge the British economy needs will be allowed into the country. The professional suitability of migrants will be determined by the number of points awarded to them by a special commission. Strictly speaking, there are two criteria: knowledge of the language and the "usefulness" of the profession. In addition, the authorities plan to introduce restrictions on the right to obtain permanent residence. In particular, foreigners who have lived in Britain on a work visa for 4 years will no longer be able to automatically obtain permanent residence. A permanent residence permit will only be given to highly qualified workers who have worked for 5 years, are financially well-off, and have excellent knowledge of English.
By the way, in Germany, a similar practice giving preference to highly qualified immigrants became the rule more than two years ago. However, no one dares to say that it is successful in a country with 5 million unemployed. Nevertheless, a similar law is being discussed in Sweden, which also lacks qualified labor.
Meanwhile, Spain and Italy have chosen a different tactic. They are legalizing illegal immigrants who have settled in their territory in 'waves.' Just the other day, Madrid announced the granting of residence permits and work rights to almost 800,000 people – illegal immigrants who entered the country before August of last year. The EU did not welcome this decision: Brussels believes that if one country opens the door to refugees, the entire European Union will suffer from it.