Citizenship and residence by investment schemes: extracts from the debate, extracts from the press conference and results of the vote

MEPs debate and vote on ‘citizenship by investment’ schemes, under which third country nationals can get so-called ‘golden passports’. These ones are objectionable ethically, legally, and economically. They also pose serious security risks while undermining the essence of EU citizenship, and should be banned. According to the draft text, third countries with visa-free access to the EU should also end their ‘golden passports’ schemes. Meanwhile, on 25 February in light of Putin’s attack on Ukraine, the leaders of the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Canada, and the US committed to taking measures to limit the access of wealthy Russians (with ties to the government) to ‘golden passports’.