Breaking: Malta’s Golden Passport Scheme Violates EU Law, ECJ Rules
Malta’s controversial golden passport scheme officially violates European Union (EU) law, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has just ruled.
The ECJ ruled that by commercialising the acquisition of EU member state nationality, Malta breached the principle that nationality should be rooted in a relationship of “solidarity, good faith, and the reciprocity of rights and duties between the State and its citizens.”
These principles of citizenship, the ECJ argued, are outlined by the Treaties.
Malta’s golden passport scheme was set up in 2014 and gave people the option to buy Maltese (and consequently EU) citizenship for an expensive price and investments.
Criticism quickly followed, especially from the European Commission which took legal action against Malta, arguing that the island breached its duty to cooperate sincerely.
Over the weekend, the Financial Times revealed that at least seven Russian nationals who were sanctioned by the US, EU or Ukraine had obtained Maltese citizenship through this scheme prior to the sanctions.
In 2022, Malta suspended its citizenship-for-sale scheme for applicants from Russia and Belarus.
The report found that a total of 16 people had bought Maltese citizenship despite being politically exposed or ended. up sanctioned or convicted later.
Do you agree with this ruling?
READ NEXT: Seven Residents Evacuated From Structure Fire In Birkirkara
