EU Takes Action Against Malta, Cyprus for ‘Golden Passports’

A demonstrator takes a mock copy of Cyprus passport during a demonstration against corruption outside of the conference center in the capital Nicosia, Cyprus, on Oct. 14, 2020. Petros Karadjias/AP Photo

BRUSSELS—The European Commission launched infringements procedures Tuesday against Cyprus and Malta over their “golden passport” programs, in which wealthy people can acquire EU citizenship in exchange for an investment.

The EU’s executive said the lucrative schemes are in violation of EU law and undermine the “essence of EU citizenship.”