EU Court Rules Malta's 'Golden Passport' Scheme Illegal

The European Court of Justice recently ruled that Malta's "Golden Passport" scheme violates EU law. This program allowed wealthy foreigners to obtain Maltese citizenship through an investment of at least €600,000, granting them the rights of EU citizens.

The key details of the ruling follow, namely:

Ruling Details

• The court determined that Malta's scheme essentially commercializes nationality, which contradicts the principles of "good faith" and "sincere cooperation" among EU member states.

• Judges emphasized that obtaining nationality should not be based on commercial transactions.

Background

• In 2022, the European Commission initiated legal action against Malta's program, following infringement procedures launched in 2020 against both Malta and Cyprus.

• Other countries, such as Cyprus and Bulgaria, have ended similar programs, Malta has become one of the last remaining countries operating such schemes.

Impact

• This ruling may encourage other EU member states to reassess their nationality granting policies, especially in light of growing concerns over security and legal risks.

• The Maltese government has stated it will respect the court's decision while also reviewing the legal implications of the ruling.

In conclusion, the European Court of Justice's ruling against Malta's "Golden Passport" scheme marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about citizenship within the EU. It reinforces the notion that nationality should be rooted in shared values and responsibilities rather than commercial interests. As member states reflect on their own policies in light of this decision, it may usher in a new era of more equitable and principled approaches to citizenship across Europe, ultimately strengthening the integrity of the European Union as a whole.