The citizenship scheme approved by the Maltese Parliament is contrary to EU principles and more specifically at odds with the Schengen rules. There is a clear lack of transparency if the names of those persons buying citizenship are not published. If Malta needs money, this is not the way to go about it. An EU investigation is warranted, MEP Wim Van de Camp, head of the Dutch delegation at the European People's Party, said.

Mr Van de Camp was reacting to the adoption of the controversial Bill to amend the Maltese Citizenship Act by the Maltese Parliament, last Tuesday.

The head of the PN Delegation, MEP David Casa, said Malta is falling in disrepute internationally. "The introduction of this scheme is highly embarrassing for Malta and for the Maltese also because acquisition of a Maltese passport does not stop there. Malta forms part of a free movement area, called the Schengen area. If non-EU nationals buy Maltese citizenship, these non-EU nationals do not just acquire Maltese citizenship but also EU citizenship. This means that these people will be able to travel on Schengen territory without border checks and they can also settle down in a Schengen country, like The Netherlands. This is bound to be interpreted as an abuse of the privileges we have gained through accession as well as disrespect towards our partner member states."

"This is why this scheme is raising eye brows in the European Parliament. Not only because the thick cloud of secrecy surrounding the scheme runs counter to EU principles, but more pertinently, the fact that these names will remain under wraps is bound to attract questionable non-EU nationals wishing to gain a foothold into EU countries such as The Netherlands," said MEP David Casa.