Brussels, 13 May 2023 (dpa/MIA) — In the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU member countries Cyprus and Malta have revoked several dozen so-called "golden passports" they had issued to Russian nationals, the European Union said on Friday.

The phrase refers to the controversial practice of selling citizenships to non-EU citizens, mostly in exchange for investments.

Cyprus has revoked 43 people of Cypriot citizenship, the European Commission said in a reply to a request from a German member of parliament, Moritz Körner.

Two Russians have reportedly also lost their Maltese citizenship. One of them is subject to EU sanctions, the other has been sanctioned by the United States.

The commission had repeatedly called for an end to the golden passports since the beginning of Russia's attac on Ukraine.

Cyprus had already withdrawn "golden passports" before the start of the war, however.

Individual EU member states can decide on granting citizenship and residence permits. However, the commission sees this as a threat to the security of the Schengen area, for example in terms of security, money laundering, tax avoidance and corruption.

Cyprus and Bulgaria no longer issue any "golden passports" at all, and Malta no longer grants them to Russians or Belarusians.

Proceedings are currently pending before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against Malta because of the controversial practice.