“EU: Security vulnerability with the sale of pass”
“the EUROPEAN commission warns that countries that sell citizenship to wealthy people can have serious consequences for the rest of the EU.”
“According to a report from the commission, the sale can, even if it is not illegal, pose a risk to other EU countries. The commission believes that it creates potential security risks as money laundering, terrorfinansiering, corruption and the risk of infiltration by organised crime.”
“the EU claims that it has not made sufficient checks on the people who are buying a citizenship or residence permit, and warns of the risk it poses to the whole of the EU when a passport issued by a country which then provides unobstructed access to most of the other member states.”
“Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria are the only EU countries that sell citizenship in exchange for investments in the country. 20 member states, including the three, sells the residence.”
“Bulgaria announced on Tuesday that it plans to put a stop to foreign nationals to purchase citizenship. The justice department states that the possibility to buy the pass not given the economic dividend, the government hoped for.”
“According to the EUROPEAN commission an expert group to develop common recommendations for this type of sale, which will be presented at the end of the year.”
“– There should not be any weak link in the EU, where people can look around after the system with the greatest indulgence, ” says the EU’s justitiekommissionär Vera Jourova.”