BRUSSEL, Belgium, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The European Union is considering using identification cards similar to U.S. "green cards" to regulate immigrants it needs to counter a shrinking labor force.
The EU Observer said the commission has issued a discussion paper to help it develop a policy on so-called economic immigrants by the end of the year.
Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Spidla said, "Immigration in itself is probably not the solution to demographic change." But warned that if immigration remained at current levels the EU would fall short by 20 million workers between 2010 and 2030.
The commission has agreed to devise a common strategy to handle the issue, which would help create a more positive economic attitude towards migrants, rather than touting an image of threat.
But some countries, like Germany, believe that immigration issues should be decided on a country-by-country basis.
