Malta’s defence of citizenship-by-investment programme gets strong endorsement from Advocate General

Advocate General Anthony Michael Collins on Friday (today) suggested that the Court of Justice should dismiss the European Commission’s case against Malta’s citizenship-by-investment programme.

The formal Opinion is a big win for the Maltese Government, which has strongly defended the programme against mounting criticism from the European Commission.

Advocate general Collins proposed that the Court of Justice should “dismiss the Commission’s action and order the Commission to pay its costs and those of the Republic of Malta.”

The Government welcomed the Advocate General’s positive opinion, and said it was “encouraged by [his] recognition of several key arguments advanced by Malta before the Court of Justice.”

It said it will continue its detailed assessment of the Opinion to ensure a comprehensive understanding of its potential implications.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment, Byron Camilleri, expressed satisfaction with the opinion of Advocate General Collins, which reflects the same or similar arguments that Malta has advanced in recent years.

This follows sustained efforts to ensure that citizenship remains within the national sphere of competence.

“While we await the final judgment, this is a step in the right direction. We will continue working in the best interest of our country,” said the Government.

It is important to note that although the Court of Justice often follows the Advocate General’s Opinion, it is not bound to do so.