The so-called “golden passport” provided wealthy representatives of the Russian Federation with the opportunity to live on the territory of all states of the European Union. Cyprus and Malta deprived the Russians of relevant documents.
Dozens of Russians lost their so-called “golden passports” with which they could settle and do business in all countries of the European Union. This is stated in the material of the Der Spiegel publication.
The Cypriot authorities decided to revoke the citizenship of nine investors from the Russian Federation, as well as 34 members of their families. They fell under the sanctions mechanisms introduced by the EU in connection with Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. Malta confiscated the “golden passports” of two people.
These countries have long practiced investor naturalization in exchange for large cash payments. Holders of such documents had the opportunity to settle and do business on the territory of all EU countries. Getting a suitable passport in Cyprus required a huge investment. Its dimensions amounted to at least 2.5 million euros. According to the Cypriot government, it was possible to raise around 9.7 billion euros from 2007 to 2020.
Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine in February 2022 has caused the European Commission to outlaw the controversial practice, and it has helped EU countries, especially if there are people on the relevant EU sanctions lists or who support Russia’s aggressive war, such advised them to consider revoking citizenship. While the Brussels authorities sued Malta, Cyprus abandoned this practice.
As the publication notes, the cessation of sales of “golden passports” to EU countries led the Russians to find new routes to the EU. According to the findings of the EU Commission, island states such as Vanuatu or Balkan countries such as Montenegro have granted hundreds of citizenships in exchange for large sums. These passports allow visa-free entry to the EU.
Recall that human rights activist Elena Luneva said that the Russian Federation is trying to force Ukrainians to obtain Russian passports. This is evidenced by the actions of the head of the Kremlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on the recognition of non-Russian Ukrainians as “foreigners” living in the occupied territory of Ukraine.
Source: Focus
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