Urgent question about the Lisbon Treaty re immigration...

[GSOtodd]

Even though the Lisbon Treaty states that there will be more power at the EU level regarding immigration, would members still be able to have their own immigration policies? What role do you think the EU will play regarding immigration? Would it still be mimimal regarding work permits etc?

[stmellon]

Even though the Lisbon Treaty states that there will be more power at the EU level regarding immigration, would members still be able to have their own immigration policies? What role do you think the EU will play regarding immigration? Would it still be mimimal regarding work permits etc?

As far as I can see, only the UK and Ireland have a full opt-out of immigration controls (Protocol No 20), though member states are still entitled to negotiate their own arrangements with third countries as long as they respect Union law (protocol 23).