Answer given by Mr Reynders on behalf of the European Commission
7.6.2021
On 20 October 2020, the Commission launched an infringement procedure against Cyprus by issuing a letter of formal notice regarding its investor citizenship scheme.
The Commission considers that the systematic granting of EU citizenship for pre-determined payments or investments without any genuine link with the Member States concerned undermines the essence of EU citizenship and violates EC law.
The Commission is currently analysing the reply received from Cyprus in December 2020 and will then decide on the next steps. If the reply is not satisfactory, the Commission may issue a Reasoned Opinion in this matter.
The Commission has not received any complaint or information from the Cyprus Auditor General on alleged political pressure affecting his ability to exercise his competences.
The Commission follows closely the situation of the Rule of Law in Cyprus in the framework of the annual Rule of Law Report, including as regards independent authorities such as the Office of the Auditor General.