The Russia-Ukraine war triggered a crackdown on "golden passport" schemes across Europe. Malta is the only EU country with a golden passport program and is under pressure to shut it down. In recent years, countries including Bulgaria and Cyprus have shut down their golden passport programs following accusations of corruption and pressure from the European Union. The European parliament estimates that Russian nationals account for about half of approved golden passport applications in the EU. "The concern is that unsavory and possibly criminal individuals will secure EU passports, which then entitles them to mobility and settlement rights."

---