In a landmark ruling, the EU's top court determined that Malta's golden passport scheme, which allows individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for substantial financial investment, breaches European law. The program, which previously enabled foreign nationals to acquire a Maltese passport for a minimum investment of €600,000 alongside property acquisitions and charitable donations, was put under scrutiny by the EU Commission.
Malta's Golden Passport Scheme Violates EU Law, Court Decides
Malta's Golden Passport Scheme Violates EU Law, Court Decides
An EU ruling reveals Malta's controversial citizenship program contradicts European legislation.
The ruling from the EU's Court of Justice asserted that citizenship acquisition should not equate to a commercial transaction. Malta's government has yet to publicly address this judgment, which former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat controversially labeled as political, suggesting that with modifications, the scheme might persist.
The court emphasized that "the acquisition of Union citizenship cannot result from a commercial transaction," outlining concerns that Malta's program undermines the trust among EU member states. Malta has defended its stance on the scheme, maintaining that it has correctly interpreted EU treaties.
Previously, in response to geopolitical tensions, Malta halted the initiative for Russian and Belarusian applicants. The ruling conflicts with a prior opinion from the court’s Advocate General, who suggested that EU law does not necessitate a real connection between individuals and the country of citizenship, advocating for member states' autonomy in nationality decisions.
Despite the ruling, the EU has repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with investor citizenship schemes, including security concerns, money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption, urging countries to reform or abandon such practices.
The court emphasized that "the acquisition of Union citizenship cannot result from a commercial transaction," outlining concerns that Malta's program undermines the trust among EU member states. Malta has defended its stance on the scheme, maintaining that it has correctly interpreted EU treaties.
Previously, in response to geopolitical tensions, Malta halted the initiative for Russian and Belarusian applicants. The ruling conflicts with a prior opinion from the court’s Advocate General, who suggested that EU law does not necessitate a real connection between individuals and the country of citizenship, advocating for member states' autonomy in nationality decisions.
Despite the ruling, the EU has repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with investor citizenship schemes, including security concerns, money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption, urging countries to reform or abandon such practices.
