Brussels, 21/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - European Immigration Commissioner Franco Frattini has categorically denied reports that appeared in The Financial Times on 12 September stating that the Commission was planning the admission of up to 20 million immigrants over the next few years. Such allegations are “utter nonsense”, Frattini said on 20 September during an address on immigration in Brussels. “I have no intention of calling into question the jurisdiction of any EU member state, which is the sole authority determining the number of migrants admitted onto its territory”, the commissioner said, preparing to present two proposals on illegal immigration on 23 October (EUROPE 9501). In his view, the headline in The Financial Times served no other purpose than to “create confusion”, stirring up emotions in many European capitals. Looking beyond the polemic raised by the newspaper report, Frattini said further reflection was needed. He added that he is thinking of launching a study in early 2008 on how to assess labour needs on national labour markets. The study could be the basis for discussion on whether or not common rules should be proposed on the admission of economic migrants other than those who are highly qualified and seasonal workers. (bc)