German newspaper Der Freitag sported an extensive article on the issue of golden visas issued in 12 European countries, including Greece and Cyprus, while at the same time the EU is trying in every way to fortify itself against the waves of refugees.
As he points out, “Europe belongs to those who can afford it. If you have enough money, you can just buy a permanent residence permit or EU citizenship. These free tickets for the upper class are called Golden Visa and can be purchased in twelve EU countries for a significant investment in the country, mainly real estate – in fact, four of them sell passports directly “.
Prices, according to the report, range between about 250,000 euros in Greece and about 10 million euros in Austria, while poorer EU countries such as Portugal, Spain, Latvia and Cyprus began already selling gold visas during the financial crisis, about a decade ago in order to improve their gross domestic product.
According to the newspaper, Transparency International and Global Witness criticize the fact that these countries often do not see when some of the applicants make a living with criminal companies.
In any case, money is ultimately the most important factor in deciding whether Europe will open or close its door to someone, comments the author of the article, which also refers to the art project Peng! collective, which is trying to wake up, aiming to buy… gold visas for asylum seekers.
Latest News
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024
Eurostat: Greece Records Largest Drop in Natural Gas Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
The price of electricity and natural gas in Europe was down following a substantial surge that began before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and peaked in 2022
GEK TERNA Still Considers Leveraging Concessions Portfolio as Financial Tool
President and CEO of Gek Terna George Peristeris explained the company's plans on Tuesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of sections of Greece's E65 highway
NielsenIQ: 3% Supermarket Revenue Increase in Q1
Private label products are gaining traction, comprising 25.4% of shopping basket shares, up from 24.7%
Store Hours Change Today in Observation of Orthodox Easter
The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce hopes the Easter period will provide a much-needed boost to retail traffic in the capital
Athens-area Mass Transit Systems Set to Finally Install Contact-less Fare Payment
Paying fares via bank cards, smartphones and smartwatches in all mass transit systems in the Greek capital, namely, buses, trolleys, the metro and tram lines, is scheduled by the end of the year
Council of State Rejects Motion Against Thessaloniki Motorway Project
The motion was filed earlier this month by three local citizens’ and environmental groups and generated a high court decision for a temporary stay in construction
Greek 30Y Bond Issue Oversubscribed by 11 Times
Very high demand pushed down the coupon's interest rate to 4.125%
Athens Int’l Airport Wins Top Prize at Routes Europe Awards
The Routes business is focused entirely on aviation route development and the company's portfolio includes events, media and online businesses
IOBE: Income Gap Between Poor and Wealthy Greeks Widens
The findings in the analysis, entitled “Progressivity in Income Taxation in Greece, 2012-2021", paint a bleak picture for Greeks in the bottom half of the income bracket, warning that income inequality is growing