The Government and European Commission has reached agreement on the Citizenship Programme, this was announced by the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during a press conference at the Castille with the Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech.

The Prime Minister announced changes to the scheme which included that applicants would need to wait at least a year to get citizenship, as compared to a minimum of six months before.

Dr Muscat said “this is a reasonable agreement with those who wanted to reach agreement with us.”

He pointed out that the “Government had said the same things to the Opposition, but it had refused to agree.”

In a joint Press Statement issued by Commisioner Reding’s Office at the European Commission and the Maltese Authorities on Malta’s Individual Investor Programme (IIP) it said,

“On the 29 January of 2014, representatives of the European Commission’s services and of the Government of Malta met on the issue of the Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta.

“The Maltese representatives presented their intentions regarding further amendments to the regulations issued under the Maltese Citizenship Act (L.N.450 of 2013), with a view to clarify that this Programme will confer full rights, responsibilities and a full citizenship status.

“The amendments include genuine links to Malta through the introduction of an effective residence status in Malta prior to the possibility to acquire Maltese naturalisation.

“No certificate of naturalisation will be issued unless the applicant provides proof that he/she has resided in Malta for a period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the day of issuing of the certificate of naturalisation.

“In addition, the Government of Malta informed the Commission’s services about its intention to evaluate whether an increase would need to be made to the current capping of main applicants under the Individual Investor Programme.

“The Commission’s services welcomed the announced amendments concerning the residence requirement – done in good faith and in a spirit of sincere cooperation and both parties express satisfaction about the understanding reached on this issue,” the joint statement concluded.

AD Chairperson, Prof. Arnold Cassola in response to the announcement said, “we are happy to see that residence has now become a condition before the granting of Maltese and EU citizenship. It is good to see that such changes will eliminate any breaches of the EU treaties, in particular the article 4.3 on the principle of loyal cooperation. We deplore the childish and obstinate behaviour of our political leaders who have caused serious damage to our country’s reputation during the past three months.”

“We also call for clear procedures to be put in place so that people who contribute to the country’s development and children with no nationality, who though not rich contribute to this country’s well being are able to apply and be granted citizenship according to clear guidelines and not depend on the Minister’s discretion. May this serve as a good lesson to Maltese politicians for the future: always put our country’s interest before your egoistic political party needs.”

“Before commenting further AD will naturally wait cautiously to peruse all technicalities of this new agreement.” Prof. Arnold Cassola said.

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