Court of Justice rules against Malta's Golden Passport scheme
Malta
On the news that the European Court of Justice has ruled against Malta’s golden passport scheme, Saskia Bricmont MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the LIBE Committee, comments:
“We welcome that the Court has recognised that EU citizenship must not be sold. The sale of citizenship creates a deep inequality, where the rich can buy their way into Europe. It runs the risk of corrupt officials and criminals from outside of Europe being able to purchase a new life in the European Union through Malta.
“It is morally reprehensible for an EU country to roll out the red carpet for those who can afford a new passport, while closing the door to refugees fleeing war and persecution. Today’s ruling is a reminder that EU citizenship cannot be sold to the rich and powerful. The Maltese government should now end their golden passport scheme as soon as possible.
“The European Commission should now scrutinise Member States’ residency by investment to ensure that these schemes do not pose similar risks as golden passport schemes. The Commission should follow up on the Parliament’s call to propose legislation to regulate various aspects of residency by investment schemes with the aim of harmonising standards and procedures.”
More:
Report with proposals to the Commission on citizenship and residence by investment schemes
