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In a world where small nations often struggle to find their place on the global stage, Malta exemplifies how bold leadership and innovative policies can help these nations punch above their weight. This has been the case for the last 12 years, as Malta debuted their initial citizenship by investment program back in 2013.
On a recent episode of The Bitcoin Lawyer Podcast, host and crypto lawyer Adam Juchniewicz sat down with Joseph Muscat, the former Prime Minister of Malta, to discuss the island nation’s groundbreaking policies on citizenship and cryptocurrency.
The two also explored Muscat’s perspective on the U.S. Gold Card, a groundbreaking initiative which President Donald Trump announced in February, as well as how the U.S. dollar is potentially more dangerous than a nuclear bomb.
The episode also marked a significant milestone for Bitcoin Lawyer, the pioneering Bitcoin-first legal firm. Bitcoin Lawyer sits at the forefront of the CBI industry with its innovative, Bitcoin-first business model. The firm recently launched a redesigned website and expanded its services to include Polish citizenship by descent. This addition reflects the firm’s ongoing efforts to navigate the intersections of Bitcoin, global mobility, and financial innovation, aligning with the themes that Muscat addresses in the interview.
Joseph Muscat served as Malta’s prime minister from 2013 to 2020, during which he played a key role in shaping the country’s policies and development. He remains an influential voice, reflecting on Malta’s role in the world and its future direction.
Malta: Building Bridges Through Citizenship
Muscat’s tenure was marked by ambitious programs designed to position Malta as a global innovator. Among these was the country’s Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) Policy, a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) initiative introduced early in his administration, which the European Court of Justice just ruled against. While similar programs existed in the region and beyond, Muscat claims that his government’s approach went deeper, aiming to attract more than just financial capital.
“We weren’t just after money,” Muscat explains, emphasizing that Malta’s primary focus with the MEIN was to attract talent and foster global connections.
“This program gave us a seat at the table with some of the most influential individuals in the world—people who brought not just investment but also expertise and networks that were invaluable.”
Juchniewicz, who studied European and Comparative law at the University of Malta and wrote his thesis on the legal justification for Malta’s CBI program, agrees that Malta’s RCBI approach set a global benchmark.
However, the program also drew criticism, particularly from the European Commission, which questioned its legality and raised security concerns. Juchniewicz dismisses the EU’s argument that Malta’s program poses a security risk, asserting that member states maintain the legal right to bestow citizenship on individuals however they deem fit. Additionally, he describes the vetting process for applicants to Malta’s residency and citizenship programs as “one of the toughest in the world.”
“The EU should be asking how to replicate Malta’s standards, not criticize them,” Juchniewicz argues during the podcast.
Cryptocurrency, the Future of RCBI, and Trump
As the conversation shifts to cryptocurrency, Muscat’s confidence is evident. Under his leadership, he says Malta became one of the first countries to regulate blockchain technology, earning its reputation as the “Blockchain Island.” Muscat sees digital currencies as an inevitable part of the global economy—one that Malta embraced ahead of many larger nations.
Juchniewicz asks whether Malta’s reliance on the euro might limit its ability to fully embrace cryptocurrency. Muscat disagrees, viewing Malta’s EU integration as a strength rather than a limitation. Juchniewicz goes on to explain that the goal isn’t to undermine the euro, but perhaps to position Malta as a testing ground for new policies. Dual adoption of simultaneous Bitcoin and a stablecoin euro acceptance would enable Malta to stay ahead of the curve.
On Donald Trump’s norm-breaking administration and the Gold Card, Muscat declares that “the prohibition era is over,” explaining that when “even the U.S.” is considering entering this space, it’s a clear sign that “citizenship by investment is here to stay.”
Listen Now
Listen to the full episode of The Bitcoin Lawyer Podcast with former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and other global figures in the Bitcoin and CBI industries.
If you would like to book a free consultation with Bitcoin Lawyer, please book an appointment here.
You can check out Bitcoin Lawyer’s 20 different citizenship & residency by investment programs at their official website.
