The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has mandated Malta to abolish its golden passport program, which allowed individuals to gain citizenship through substantial investment. This decision aims to reinforce the integrity of EU citizenship by preventing the commodification of citizenship. Transparency International welcomed this ruling, highlighting the potential for such schemes to facilitate corruption and enable dubious individuals access to the EU. The Maltese government has stated it will comply with the ruling but noted that existing passport holders will not be affected by this decision.
"Today's judgment confirms that member states cannot commodify EU citizenship and operate reckless golden passport programs. Countless cases have shown how these schemes have granted safe haven to corrupt actors from around the world..."
"The Commission asserts that the scheme, which granted naturalization in return for predetermined payments or investments to persons without a genuine link with Malta, constitutes an infringement of the rules relating to Union citizenship..."
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