Cyprus and Malta have stripped dozens of Russians of their citizenship. These are purchased “golden passports”. The practice has long been criticized within the EU.
In the course of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Cyprus and Malta have so far stripped dozens of citizens of their citizenships obtained through “golden passports”. This refers to the controversial practice of selling citizenship to non-EU citizens, usually in exchange for investment.
Cyprus has revoked the Cypriot citizenship of 43 people, the European Commission replied to a question from FDP MEP Moritz Körner. In addition, two Russians have reportedly lost their Maltese citizenship. One of them is therefore subject to EU sanctions, the other is sanctioned by the US. The “Mirror” had reported earlier.
The EU commission had repeatedly called for an end to “golden passports”. Following the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Brussels authority recommended that EU states consider revoking such purchased citizenships if they were granted to sanctioned Russians or Belarusians. However, Cyprus had already issued “golden passports” before the start of the war.
EU with security concerns
Individual EU countries are responsible for granting citizenship and residence permits. However, the EU Commission sees this as a threat to the security of the entire EU, for example in the areas of 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.
Cyprus and Bulgaria no longer issue “golden passports” at all, and Malta no longer issues them to Russians or Belarusians. Proceedings are currently pending before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against Malta over the controversial practice.
Source: Krone
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