Source link : https://europ.info/2025/11/10/ecj-strikes-down-maltas-controversial-golden-passport-program/
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has delivered a decisive verdict against Malta’s controversial “Golden Passport” program, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing debate over the commodification of citizenship within the European Union. The court ruled that Malta’s practice of granting citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for substantial financial contributions contravenes EU law, challenging the legality of citizenship-by-investment schemes. This landmark decision, highlighted by the American Society of International Law (ASIL), underscores growing concerns about security, transparency, and the integrity of EU citizenship, signaling a potential crackdown on similar programs across member states.
Commodifying Citizenship and the Legal Challenges Faced by Malta’s Investment Scheme
Malta’s investment-for-citizenship scheme, often branded as the “Golden Passport” program, has faced increasing scrutiny following the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) ruling, which categorically challenged the commodification of citizenship. The court highlighted fundamental legal inconsistencies, emphasizing that citizenship is a protected right under EU law and cannot be treated as a mere transactional commodity. This decision has far-reaching implications, reflecting growing unease about how such programs potentially undermine the principles of equal treatment and transparency across member states.
Key legal challenges highlighted by the ruling…
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Author : Jackson Lee
Publish date : 2025-11-10 04:41:00
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