As the Commission and Malta prepare to face off in court, Prof. Kochenov stands by his 2020 forecast: “The Commission will be humiliated.”
In a formal statement, the IMC characterizes the Commission’s case against Malta as “an attack on” and “violation of” fundamental EU rights.
Despite the Commission’s protestations, Cyprus kept processing applications pending since the CIP’s termination – but rejected most of them.
The European Commission has sent a “Reasoned Opinion” to Cyprus and an “additional letter of formal notice” to Malta.
Six months after officially responding to letters of formal notice of infringement procedures, Malta still awaits comments from the European Commission.
Risks related to investment migration had been the subject of “significant exaggeration” and were “primarily theoretical in nature.”
Giegold openly denounced von der Leyen in the European Parliament, accusing her of “extending an open invitation to criminals.”
“Malta is willing to take all legal paths to ensure nationality and […] will defend this position even if the case is taken to the ECJ,”
IMC-boss Bruno L’ecuyer explains how infringement procedures work, how common they are, and what they will mean for Malta and Cyprus.
Secretary Muscat is annoyed at comparisons to Cyprus and that he can find no legal reasons to end citizenship by investment in Malta.
Cyprus and Malta must now provide “satisfactory” answers within two months or see the matter referred to the European Court of Justice.