Brussels, Belgium. The European Commission confirmed it has closed the file on Cyprus’ citizenship-by-investment programme, ending infringement proceedings launched in October 2020. The Commission decided to close the case on March 11, 2026.
Commission decision and rationale
European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert told the Cyprus News Agency that the decision to close the case was taken on Wednesday. Lammert said the Commission’s position was that such programmes are in breach of EU law, stating that EU citizenship “is not for sale.”
Cyprus law changes and timeline
Lammert said Cyprus suspended the granting of citizenship to foreign investors in October 2020 but did not abolish the relevant law, prompting Brussels to launch infringement proceedings. In December 2025, Cyprus abolished the law underpinning the citizenship programme, effective December 12. Lammert said this addressed the concerns voiced by the Commission.
Background to the infringement proceedings
On October 20, 2020, the European Commission launched infringement proceedings against Cyprus and Malta over their “golden passport” schemes, which offered a fast track to citizenship after investments of between €1 million and €2.5 million. A week before the Commission started the procedure, Cyprus announced it would end the Cyprus Investment Programme on November 1, 2020.
Investigation and exposure
The attorney general started a criminal investigation into the scheme. The issue came to light after an undercover expose aired by Al Jazeera.
What impact do you think the Commission’s decision will have on similar programmes in EU member states?
