Italy would be entitled to impose DNA tests on would-be immigrants seeking to join family members already settled in the country, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.
Commenting on similar moves towards DNA testing in France, Friso Roscam Abbing said tests intended to prove blood ties were not banned under European immigration legislation.
The relative EU directive, adopted in 2003, says merely that "member states may interview the person and their family members and carry out any investigation deemed necessary," explained the Commission's Justice, Freedom and Security spokesman.
The measure makes no specific reference to DNA testing, he continued, noting that the vague wording "leaves member states a great deal of freedom" on what tools they adopt.
The only requirement is that procedures must be "transparent and fair, in providing suitable legal guarantees for the individuals involved", said Abbing.
As part of a tough new immigration bill approved on Thursday by the French Senate, foreigners seeking to join family members already settled in France would have the option of taking a DNA test in order to prove they are blood relatives.
Although it would technically be voluntary, critics of the measure say those who refuse the test would probably see their applications rejected out of hand.
Following the introduction of the French bill last month by President Nicholas Sarkozy's centre-right bloc, key members of Italy's opposition coalition unveiled plans for their own draft legislation.
"We should do like Sarkozy: introduce DNA tests for non-EU foreigners seeking to join family members - this is the only way we can be certain that Italian regulations aren't twisted in order to let just anyone in," said Maurizio Gasparri, a heavyweight in the rightist National Alliance (AN) party.
Another AN member, Senator Alfredo Mantovano, said recently that laws allowing relations to join settled immigrants were being "manipulated, which is one of the reasons illegal immigration is on the rise in Italy".
Mantovano said he would shortly table a bill that would allow a DNA test to be carried out "every time police personnel are not certain of the family tie that is being relied upon in order to settle in Italy".
Roberto Maroni, House whip for the Northern League party, said he would also back a bill, suggesting it would receive "widespread public support in the name of order and security".
Italy is in the process of overhauling its immigration laws, as the centre-left majority coalition seeks to relax tough measures introduced by the last government.
Among the proposed changes would be the right to bring specified family members into the country, including children under the age of 18, dependent parents and disabled or sick relatives.
Other developments include the right to citizenship after five years living in Italy legally and certain voting rights.
Between 1.5 and 1.8 million foreigners living in the country are expected to take advantage of the new measures if approved.
Most of the proposals are designed to implement outstanding European Union directives, although some of them go a step further, such as the granting of citizenship.
