#EUPrivacyCoinBan The European Union has banned Malta's "golden passport" scheme, which allowed wealthy individuals to gain citizenship and, by extension, EU citizenship, through investment. This decision was made by the European Court of Justice in a landmark ruling, effectively ending such schemes across the EU. The court's ruling highlights concerns about corruption and money laundering associated with these schemes, particularly as they allowed sanctioned individuals to circumvent travel restrictions.

The EU's ban on Malta's citizenship-by-investment scheme is a key development with broader implications for the EU's four freedoms, which were put at risk by the possibility of acquiring EU citizenship through investment. The decision aims to prevent other member states from engaging in similar practices and to safeguard the EU's internal market by addressing the risks posed by money launderers and criminals using these schemes.