EU Commission sues Malta over “golden passports”

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European Court of Justice in Luxembourg

Photo: JOHN THYS/ AFP

The EU Commission is taking Malta to the European Court of Justice for issuing so-called »golden passports«.

The Commission is of the opinion that issuing such EU citizenships "in return for predetermined payments or investments without any real connection to the country concerned" is not compatible with the principles of the European Union, the authority said on Thursday.

The action before the ECJ is the next step in the so-called infringement procedure, which can result in a fine against Malta.

Granting citizenship and residence permits is a matter for the individual EU countries.

However, the EU Commission sees a danger in this.

The regulation harbors “serious risks, especially with regard to security, money laundering, tax evasion and corruption”.

The reason for this is that those affected can move freely in the Schengen area, among other things.

The holders can also take part in European elections.

The EU Commission had already initiated proceedings against Malta in 2020.

Because of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Malta has already suspended the regulation for Russian and Belarusian nationals.

According to the EU Commission, this is a step in the right direction.

Nevertheless, Malta still grants the "golden passports" to citizens of other countries.

This makes the island state the only EU country that still applies such a regulation.

Bulgaria and Cyprus have already stopped issuing »golden passports« under pressure from the EU Commission.

asa/dpa