In view of Russia's war against Ukraine, the EU Commission is demanding consequences for the controversial practice of some EU states of selling citizenships to non-EU citizens.
It should be checked whether Russians and Belarusians who have been issued "golden passports" are on the EU sanctions list.
These passports should be withdrawn if necessary.
The EU Commission also confirmed that the awarding of “golden passports” must come to an end as a matter of principle.
According to a spokesman for the EU Commission, only Malta currently grants citizenship in exchange for investments in the country.
EU: Stop selling residence permits to Russians and Belarusians
The EU Commission also demanded that no more “golden visas”, i.e. residence permits, should be sold to Russians and Belarusians.
The granting of citizenship and residence permits is a matter for the individual EU countries.
However, the EU Commission sees this as a danger for the entire EU, for example with a view to security, money laundering, tax avoidance and corruption.
The reason for this is that those affected can move freely in the Schengen area, among other things.
The EU Commission has therefore already initiated legal proceedings against Cyprus and Malta.
"All affected member states should end their investor naturalization programs immediately," said EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
"Furthermore, they should consider revoking all 'golden passports' already granted to individuals already sanctioned and others who have been instrumental in supporting (Vladimir) Putin's war."
Some countries have already acted.
For example, Bulgaria has stopped issuing “golden passports” – but continues to sell residence permits in exchange for investments.
Malta no longer issues »golden passports« to Russians and Belarusians, but is sticking to the principle of the procedure.
Germany does not issue »golden passports« or »golden visas«.
svs/dpa
