Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images

Things just got a little harder for those hoping to snag a coveted European Union passport.

And this decision could have a ripple effect on other countries in the EU with similar programs.

“It therefore brought an action against that Member State before the Court of Justice.”

View of Valletta, Malta with St. Paul’s Cathedral and surrounding buildings, boat in the foreground

The capital city of Valletta, Malta at dusk.Credit:Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images

As always, the government of Malta respects the decisions of the courts, astatement by the government reads.