LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has delivered a decisive blow to Malta’s controversial passport sale scheme, ruling that the programme violates EU law and undermines the principles of European citizenship. The judgment comes in response to legal action brought by the European Commission against the scheme, which was introduced by Malta’s Labour Government.
The ECJ concluded that the practice of granting Maltese — and by extension, EU — nationality in exchange for pre-determined financial contributions amounts to a “mere commercial transaction” that is incompatible with European legal standards. In its decision, the Court emphasized that Member States cannot unilaterally commodify EU citizenship, stating that such practices “undermine the mutual trust between EU Member States” and breach the principle of sincere cooperation enshrined in EU treaties.
“This ruling confirms that citizenship cannot be bought”, said a spokesperson for the European Commission. “It upholds the integrity of European values and the legal framework that binds all Member States”. The ECJ’s decision is final and binding on Malta, requiring the immediate cessation of the scheme and potentially opening the door for legal challenges from individuals who acquired citizenship through the program.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
