Advocate-General dismisses Commission’s argument against Malta’s passport scheme
The European Commission has not demonstrated that EU citizenship rules mandate a “genuine link” or “prior genuine link” to grant citizenship, according to the EU’s Advocate General. This marks a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute between the European Commission and Malta regarding the contentious golden passport programme. The Advocate General dismissed the Commission’s arguments, representing the second-to-last stage before the European Court of Justice rules on Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme. Advocate General Anthony Collins emphasized that the matter of nationality is a sovereign prerogative of individual member states, which have the authority to establish their own criteria for granting citizenship. While his opinion is not legally binding, it usually holds considerable influence in the European Court of Justice’s final decision. A definitive ruling in this case is expected in the weeks ahead. (Times of Malta)
db Group, Hard Rock International announce Hard Rock Hotel Malta as part of St George’s Bay project The db Group and Hard Rock International have laid the foundation for the €300 million Hard Rock Hotel Malta, set to open in 2026. The project will include a 5-star hotel with 394 rooms, 25 suites with private pools, and extensive facilities like a Rock Spa, fitness center, and public/private pools. The development will also feature Ora Residences with two luxury towers, a 20,000 sqm mall, 12 restaurants, green spaces, and a beach lido. The project will create hundreds of jobs and aims to boost Malta’s tourism by offering high-end experiences. Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted its significance for Malta’s economy and sustainable tourism growth. (Maltatoday)
Report highlights major flaws in Malta’s asylum policies
A report by aditus foundation, a Maltese human rights organisation, has highlighted major flaws in Malta’s asylum policies and detention conditions. The findings, part of the Asylum Information Database (AIDA) managed by the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, expose issues such as bureaucratic backlogs, questionable detention practices, and challenges to integration. In 2023, Malta received 600 new asylum applications, primarily from Syria, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine. However, the year concluded with a backlog of 833 cases, raising concerns about the asylum procedure’s efficiency. The report also reveals a troubling trend in decision-making: of the 951 decisions made at First Instance, 488 were issued without a personal interview. Human rights advocates have criticized this practice, arguing that it undermines the fairness and thoroughness of the asylum process. (The Malta Independent)
