I'm watching with interest the proposal of an EU 'Blue Card' for skilled immigrants. Not only because I'm an immigrant in the EU but it will be interesting to see how it might play out along side or against the current immigration policies of EU member states and issues surrounding the expansion of the Schengen zone due in December.
EU ministers will decide in Brussels on November 8 which new member states have met all criteria to join the Schengen area.
In short, you'll soon be able to cross the border from say Russia or Ukraine and travel all the way to the Channel without having to show your passport.
No doubt EU Justice and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini, who is overseeing the process, will be seeking EU ministers to back his recommendations.
Politically for Portugal, a smooth enlargement of the Schengen area is also important to end its EU Presidency on a high note. Portugese IT know-how is also behind SISone4all - the new Schengen data-sharing system - a vital link in an enlarged Schengen zone to fight human trafficking and to stem illegal immigration.
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