Tightening Control over the Sale of EU Citizenship
EU Commission to Address Concerns over Sale of Citizenship to Third-Country Nationals
The European Commission has expressed its intention to take action regarding the practice of selling EU citizenship to third-country nationals, following concerns about potential risks associated with money laundering, corruption, and lack of control over the buyers.
Over the past ten years, countries like Malta, Cyprus, and Bulgaria have granted more than 3,500 third-country nationals the opportunity to acquire an EU citizenship, with 'golden passport' costs ranging approximately from €650,000 in Bulgaria to over €2 million in Cyprus and Malta. This practice has been a point of concern, with more than 3,500 people, mainly Russians and Chinese, having acquired Cypriot citizenship over the past decade through the 'golden passport' program.
The European Commission has been closely monitoring the sale of EU citizenship by member states to third-country nationals. If the European Court of Justice (ECJ) imposes conditions on the buyer from a third country, the EU Commission may respond with a legislative proposal to regulate the buyer's stay, economic engagement, and cultural integration.
If the ECJ does not prohibit the practice, the EU Commission will act if the ECJ's decision violates European law. The Commission has already initiated infringement proceedings against Cyprus and Malta in October, and has announced that it will react with a legislative proposal if necessary, to address these concerns and ensure compliance with European law.
The sale of EU citizenship grants the buyer the right to do business in the EU, vote, and move freely within the Schengen area. However, the Commission is concerned about the lack of control over who purchases these citizenships, as it may involve individuals with criminal backgrounds, money laundering, or corruption.
The Commission has shared its concerns about the practice of selling EU citizenship to third-country nationals with the member states. If the European Court of Justice's decision regarding the sale of EU citizenship violates European law, the Commission has expressed its intention to take action.
In summary, the European Commission is taking steps to address concerns over the sale of EU citizenship to third-country nationals. The Commission aims to regulate the practice, ensure compliance with European law, and maintain control over who purchases these citizenships to prevent potential risks associated with money laundering, corruption, and lack of control over the buyers.
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