#citizenship by investment europe

[riftrustuae]

Unlock Global Citizenship: Explore Opportunities with Riftrust's Citizenship by Investment Program

Discover newfound freedom and opportunities with Riftrust's Citizenship by Investment program. Seamlessly navigate the complexities of international residency and citizenship acquisition through strategic investments tailored to your goals. With Riftrust, embark on a journey towards global citizenship, offering unparalleled access to thriving economies, enhanced travel privileges, and a secure future for you and your loved ones. Explore our range of customizable solutions and unlock the doors to a world of possibilities today.

[piptaninternationa]

The Top 3 European Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment Programs

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs have become an increasingly popular way for countries to attract foreign investment and talent. These programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in a country by making a significant investment in that country, often in the form of real estate or other approved investment options. In return, individuals are granted access to the benefits and privileges that come with citizenship, such as the right to live, work, and travel freely in the country.   Many countries around the world offer CBI programs, each with its own unique requirements and investment options. These programs can be an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to gain citizenship in a new country and take advantage of the opportunities that come with it. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Citizenship by Investment Programs offered by the top 3 countries of Europe.

Austria

Citizenship by Investment Program in Austria: Austria's citizenship by investment program was launched in 2011 and is officially known as the "Austrian Citizenship Act Amendment." The program is designed to attract wealthy individuals who can contribute to the Austrian economy and society. To be eligible for the program, individuals must make a significant investment in Austria, have a clean criminal record, and meet other requirements.

The investment options for the program are as follows:

Investment in a business: An individual can invest a minimum of €3 million in an Austrian business that creates new jobs or maintains existing ones. Investment in real estate: An individual can invest a minimum of €10 million in real estate in Austria. Investment in government bonds: An individual can invest a minimum of €3.5 million in Austrian government bonds.

Investment in a charitable project: An individual can invest a minimum of €2 million in a charitable project that benefits the Austrian people.

Combination of investment options: An individual can combine investment options to reach the required investment amount.

Once an individual has made the required investment, they must then meet additional requirements to obtain citizenship. These include passing a German language test and demonstrating knowledge of Austrian culture and history. Additionally, applicants must have a clean criminal record and be able to prove that their investment funds are legitimate.

Austria's CBI program has several advantages for investors. First, Austria is a member of the European Union, which means that Austrian citizens have the right to live and work in any EU member state. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who are looking to do business or invest in Europe. Second, Austria is known for its stable economy and high standard of living, which can make it an attractive destination for individuals looking to relocate or invest. However, the program also has some drawbacks. The investment amount required for the program is high, which may make it inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, the application process for the program can be lengthy and complex, which may deter some potential investors.

In conclusion, Austria's Citizenship-by-investment program offers wealthy individuals the opportunity to obtain Austrian citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. While the program has several advantages, including the ability to live and work in the European Union, it also has some drawbacks, including a high investment amount and a complex application process. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the program before making a decision.

Benefits of the CBI Program Austria

Austria does not have a formal citizenship-by-investment program. However, Austria does offer a residency by investment program called the Austrian Investor Program (AIP), which can lead to citizenship over time. Here are some potential benefits of participating in the AIP:

Access to the European Union: Austria is a member of the European Union, which means that obtaining residency in Austria through the AIP can provide visa-free travel to all EU countries.

Quality of life: Austria is consistently ranked among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, thanks to its strong economy, excellent healthcare, and beautiful natural environment.

Education: Austria is home to many renowned universities and educational institutions, including the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Residency in Austria can provide opportunities for educational advancement for you and your family.

Business opportunities: Austria is a hub for business and trade in Central Europe, with a highly skilled workforce and a favorable business environment. Obtaining residency in Austria through the AIP can provide access to these business opportunities.

Citizenship eligibility: Although the AIP is a residency program, after a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for Austrian citizenship. Austrian citizenship can provide access to all the benefits of being an EU citizen, including the right to live and work in any EU country.

It's important to note that the AIP has strict eligibility requirements, and the process can be lengthy and complex. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before pursuing a residency in Austria through the AIP or any other program.

Malta

Citizenship by Investment Program in Malta: Malta's citizenship by investment program, also known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), was launched in 2014. The program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to the Maltese economy and society. To be eligible for the program, individuals must make a significant investment in Malta, have a clean criminal record, and meet other requirements.

The investment options for the program are as follows:

Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund: An individual can make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund of Malta. The contribution amount varies depending on the size of the applicant's family, but it starts at €650,000 for a single applicant. Investment in government-approved financial instruments: An individual can invest a minimum of €150,000 in government-approved financial instruments, which must be held for a minimum of five years. Investment in real estate: An individual can invest a minimum of €350,000 in real estate in Malta. The property must be held for a minimum of five years. Investment in a Maltese company: An individual can invest a minimum of €700,000 in a Maltese company. The company must be actively trading in Malta and have a physical presence in the country.

Once an individual has made the required investment, they must then meet additional requirements to obtain citizenship. These include passing a due diligence check and a background check, demonstrating knowledge of Maltese culture and history, and proving that their investment funds are legitimate.

Malta's CBI program has several advantages for investors. First, Malta is a member of the European Union, which means that Maltese citizens have the right to live and work in any EU member state. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who are looking to do business or invest in Europe. Second, Malta has a stable economy and a high standard of living, which can make it an attractive destination for individuals looking to relocate or invest.

However, the program also has some drawbacks. The investment amount required for the program is high, which may make it inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, the due diligence process for the program is rigorous, which may deter some potential investors.

In conclusion, Malta's citizenship by investment program offers high-net-worth individuals the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. While the program has several advantages, including the ability to live and work in the European Union, it also has some drawbacks, including a high investment amount and a rigorous due diligence process. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the program before making a decision.

Benefits of CBI Program Malta

The Maltese Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Individual Investor Program (IIP), provides foreign investors with the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship by making a significant investment in the country. Here are some potential benefits of the program:

Access to the European Union: Maltese citizenship provides access to the European Union, which means that citizens can live and work in any EU country without a visa.

Travel benefits: Maltese citizens can travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to over 180 countries, making it easier to explore the world.

Business opportunities: Malta has a growing economy with a favorable business environment, and obtaining Maltese citizenship can provide access to business opportunities in the country and the wider EU.

Education: Malta has a highly regarded education system, with many reputable universities and educational institutions. Citizenship in Malta can provide opportunities for educational advancement for you and your family. 

Quality of life: Malta is known for its beautiful weather, stunning coastline, rich history and culture, and high quality of life.

It's important to note that the Maltese Citizenship by Investment Program has strict eligibility requirements and significant investment requirements, and the process can be lengthy and complex. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before pursuing Maltese citizenship through this program or any other program.

Montenegro

Citizenship by Investment Program in Montenegro: Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs have become increasingly popular in recent years as more countries seek to attract foreign investment and talent. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a country by investing a certain amount of money in that country. One country that offers a CBI program is Montenegro.

Montenegro's citizenship by investment program, also known as the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program (MCBI), was launched in 2019. The program is designed to attract foreign investment to the country and boost its economic growth. To be eligible for the program, individuals must make a significant investment in Montenegro and meet other requirements.

The investment options for the program are as follows:

Investment in real estate: An individual can invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate in Montenegro. The property must be held for a minimum of five years.

Investment in a development project: An individual can invest a minimum of €450,000 in a development project in Montenegro. The project must be approved by the government and create a minimum of ten jobs.

Investment in government bonds: An individual can invest a minimum of €350,000 in Montenegro government bonds. The bonds must be held for a minimum of three years.

Once an individual has made the required investment, they must then meet additional requirements to obtain Citizenship by investment. These include passing a due diligence check and a background check, demonstrating knowledge of Montenegrin culture and history, and proving that their investment funds are legitimate. Montenegro's CBI program has several advantages for investors. First, Montenegro is a candidate country for membership in the European Union, which means that Montenegrin citizens may have the opportunity to become EU citizens in the future. Second, Montenegro has a growing economy and a high potential for growth, which can make it an attractive destination for individuals looking to invest in emerging markets. However, the program also has some drawbacks. The investment amount required for the program is high, which may make it inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, the due diligence process for the program is rigorous, which may deter some potential investors. In conclusion, Montenegro's citizenship by investment program offers individuals the opportunity to obtain Montenegrin citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. While the program has several advantages, including the potential for EU membership and a growing economy, it also has some drawbacks, including a high investment amount and a rigorous due diligence process. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the program before making a decision.

Benefits of CBI Program Montenegro

The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Montenegro Economic Citizenship Program (MECP), provides foreign investors with the opportunity to obtain Montenegrin citizenship by making a significant investment in the country. Here are some potential benefits of the program: Access to the European Union: Montenegro is a candidate country for EU membership, and Montenegrin citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Once Montenegro joins the EU, Montenegrin citizens will have access to all the benefits of being EU citizens, including the right to live and work in any EU country. Travel benefits: Montenegrin citizens can travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to over 120 countries, making it easier to explore the world. Business opportunities: Montenegro has a developing economy with a favorable business environment, and obtaining Montenegrin citizenship can provide access to business opportunities in the country and the wider EU. Real estate investment: The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program requires a significant investment in real estate in the country, which can provide a valuable asset for the investor. Quality of life: Montenegro is known for its stunning natural beauty, warm Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, making it a desirable place to live and visit.

It's important to note that the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program has strict eligibility requirements and significant investment requirements, and the process can be lengthy and complex. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before pursuing Montenegrin citizenship through this program or any other program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, citizenship by investment programs has become an increasingly popular way for countries to attract foreign investment and talent. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a country by making a significant investment, often in the form of real estate or other approved investment options. While the benefits of these programs can be significant, including access to the privileges and opportunities that come with citizenship, it is important for individuals to carefully consider the costs and requirements of each program before making a decision. Piptan in Each country offering a citizenship-by-investment program has its own unique set of requirements and investment options, and individuals should carefully evaluate each option to determine which program best meets their needs and goals. Ultimately, citizenship by investment programs can be an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to gain citizenship in a new country and take advantage of the opportunities that come with it.

[uglyandtraveling]

Ready to ditch the tourist visa and explore on your own terms? Dive into this comprehensive guide to PR, discover its benefits, and find out if it's the perfect travel upgrade for you!

[bestimmigrationconsultantsdelhi]

Citizenship Programs

Citizenship by investment is a legal process that allows foreign individuals to acquire citizenship or residency in a country by making a significant investment in that country. This can include investment in real estate, government bonds, or other approved investment options. The exact requirements and benefits vary depending on the country offering the program.

[businessimmigrationvisa]

Citizenship by Bulgaria Investment visa Program allows the applicant and the immediate family to become occupant of an EU member country (6 months) and in due course the citizens with this Europe Business visa within a short duration of stay.

[djuvlipen]

Hey

I know there are many, many things happening in the world right now and there is only so much time, energy and money people can invest in social justice but with the advance of fascism in Europe - 84 fascists from 12 different countries were elected to the European Parliament this year - and with the news of a 15yo Romani teenager dying during a police confrontation in England last week, I have compiled a list of different human rights organizations dedicated to helping Romani people in Europe.

Please donate if you can!

💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️

🇪🇺 Roma Education Fund

The Roma Education Fund (REF) is an international foundation established in 2005 and dedicated to closing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. With an active and growing network of representative offices across Central, Eastern, South Eastern Europe and Turkey, REF provides grants and scholarships to entities and individuals who share its belief in quality, inclusive education and desegregated schools and classrooms. The Roma Education Fund is active in countries such as: Hungary, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Russia.

🇪🇺 European Roma Grassroots Organization (ERGO)

ERGO Network mobilizes and connects grassroots, national and international organisations and individuals who share a set of core values to create the courage, capacity and  opportunities to combat antigypsyism and Roma poverty; strengthen Roma civil society participation in decision-making at grassroots, national and European level and commit governments and European institutions to effective social inclusion and anti-discrimination policies, standards and funds for Roma.

🇪🇺 European Roma Rights Center (ERRC)

The ERRC is the largest transnational Romani rights organization in Europe. They provide judicial and financial help to Romani people facing poverty, police brutality and racist violence all across Europe

🇷🇴 Resource Center for Roma Communities Foundation (RCRC)

The operational activity of RCRC includes training programs, consultancy and comprehensive community development in Roma communities. The grantmaking activity of RCRC has involved managing grants and scholarship programs, including the administration of the European Union’s and EAA grants programs focused on health, vocational training, small infrastructure and income generating activities.

🇨🇿 Cesta Von

Cesta von (This Way Out) organization is based in Slovakia. Their Omama program works with the very youngest Romani children in particular. Their aim is a big and important one – extricating the inhabitants of the segregated settlements from the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty. The program targets the development of the intellect, motor skills and social skills in an attempt to increase the chances of children from socially excluded localities at living better adult lives. One of the main conditions for choosing the Omamas is that they must be Romani women who know the excluded locality well (source).

🇪🇸 La Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG)

The FSG develops all kinds of actions that contribute to achieving the full citizenship of Roma persons, improving their living conditions, promoting equal treatment and preventing all forms of discrimination, as well as promoting the recognition of the cultural identity of the Roma community.

🇪🇸 La Asociación Nacional Presencia Gitana

Presencia Gitana is dedicated to confronting and correcting negative opinions about Spanish Romani people. They promote all kinds of initiatives and projects to ensure that Spanish Romani people's basic needs and fundamental rights are met and guaranteed, work to promoting Romani culture and advocate for the providing of historical reparation for Spanish Romani people.

🇫🇷 ANGVC

The ANGVC (association nationale gens du voyage citoyens) is a French Romani-led organization whose goal is to fight anti-Romani racism and to improve the living conditions of French Romani people and travellers. They provide judicial help to Romani people victims of environmental racism and police brutality, organize workshops to raise awareness about anti-Romani racism and are now leading a project dedicated to educate people about the Romani genocide, which still hasn't been recognized by France.

🇬🇧 Roma Support Group

The Roma Support Group offers free advice for Roma communities on financial inclusion, debt, welfare benefits and housing. They promote Romani arts and culture, fight for the improvement of mental health within the Romani community and helps Romani people victims of racism.

🇬🇧 Romano Lav

Romano Lav is a grassroots Roma community organisation based in Govanhill, Glasgow. They organize youth-led events including artistic and cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions and educational events.

🇬🇧 Luton Roma Trust

The Luton Roma Trust provides advice to British Romani people about housing, employment and education, helps them find jobs and accessing healthcare.

💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️

[mariacallous]

Six months into the Russian occupation of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, in September 2022, the director of Liza Batsura’s college arrived at the dormitory where Batsura lived and told the students to pack up their things: They were going to Crimea. If the students refused, they would be put in the basement, Batsura said, speaking through a translator. The director gave no further explanation.

The next evening, they were taken to a camp called “Friendship” in Crimea, which was occupied by Russia in 2014. Although she couldn’t have known it at the time, Batsura—now 16 years old—was one of almost 20,000 children the Ukrainian government estimates have been deported or forcibly displaced to Russia. Only 388 have been returned.

Initially, the prospect of a couple of weeks by the sea didn’t sound so bad. But Batsura quickly began to realize that that wouldn’t be the case. The food was terrible, the days were long, and the children were pressured to sing Russian songs, including the national anthem, which made her very uncomfortable.

Foreign Policy is unable to independently verify Batsura’s account, but her experience closely tracks with the findings of investigations by the United Nations as well as researchers at Yale School of Public Health and other human rights groups who have documented a “systematic” effort to relocate and reeducate thousands of Ukrainian children over the course of the war. She also recounted her story to Reuters as part of an extensive investigation into the deportations.

Batsura was one of five Ukrainian teenagers who visited Washington last month with representatives of Save Ukraine, a Ukraine-based nonprofit that helps to rescue Ukrainian children from Russia and the territories it occupies. They stoically recounted the stories of their abductions again and again for journalists, members of Congress, and attendees at public events.

It was the group’s first visit to Washington. Batsura felt like she was in a movie, she said.

With long limbs and round cheeks, the teenagers filed into the conference room of a Washington-based nonprofit with their minders from Save Ukraine for an interview with Foreign Policy. Once the Wi-Fi password had been secured and the bathroom located, they began to tell their stories.

They were teenagers like any other you’d see hanging out with friends at a cafe or shopping mall. Yet they were also victims of Moscow’s large-scale deportation of Ukrainian children—a potential war crime and the reason that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country’s children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, in March 2023.

Like Batsura, they all hail from regions of eastern Ukraine that were quickly occupied by Russian forces in the early days of the war. They recount being coerced or forced, sometimes at gunpoint, to go with Russian forces, and they were taken to schools and summer camps where they were held for several months and faced pressure to accept Russian citizenship.

In many instances, Ukraine’s most vulnerable children have borne the brunt of Russian deportation. Before the war, Ukraine had one of the highest rates of child institutionalization in Europe, with more than 100,000 children living in residential institutions. The vast majority have living parents but were placed in institutions because of poverty, difficult family circumstances, or because the child had a disability, according to Human Rights Watch.

The deportations have been carried out in plain sight. Early in the war, Putin signed a decree making it easier for Ukrainian children to be adopted and to be given Russian citizenship. Lvova-Belova herself claims to have adopted a teenager from the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol, and she has spoken publicly about her efforts to Russify him. In November, a BBC investigation found that a 2-year old girl who went missing from a children’s home in Kherson when she was just 10 months old had been adopted by 70-year-old member of the Russian parliament, Sergey Mironov.

Lvova-Belova has made a number of visits to institutions holding Ukrainian children, including to a college in the occupied Ukrainian city of Henichesk, where Batsura had been transferred from Crimea and placed in a culinary arts program.

The dormitory where Batsura was placed was freezing cold at night, she said, and the teenagers were forbidden to close the doors to their rooms. Russian troops patrolled the halls.

Lvova-Belova offered the children 100,000 rubles, roughly $1,000, and the opportunity to study at a college in Russia on the condition that they remain there. Batsura refused. Officials tried to find her a foster family, and she feared she would be sent to a remote region of Russia and would never be able to return to Ukraine.

For eight months while she was in Russian custody, Batsura had been unable to contact her mother, but she learned through a friend that her mother was working with Save Ukraine and applying for a passport so that she could travel to Russia and collect her.

With the border to Russia closed since the invasion, families face a daunting overland journey through wartime Ukraine, traveling into Poland, Belarus, and then Russia and—in Batsura’s case—down into occupied Ukrainian territory.

In some instances, children are turned over to their relatives without too much difficulty once the family members arrive to collect them, but the Russian authorities have also been known to present obstacles, said Olha Yerokhina, a spokesperson for Save Ukraine. The organization has helped families retrieve 240 children to date.

Officials at the school told Batsura that the journey was too arduous and that her friend was giving her false hope that her mother would ever arrive. “I didn’t believe them, and I kept telling myself that ‘No, my mom can do it, my mom will come,’” she said.

In May 2023, Batsura was rescued by her mother and now lives with her in Kyiv, where she is working with psychologists to process her experience. She is back in school and describes her hobbies as writing poems and making TikTok videos.

I asked her, given the atrocities that Putin has been accused of committing in Ukraine and during his presidency, how she felt about the fact that it was experiences like hers that had led the ICC to issue an arrest warrant for the Russian leader.

Yerokhina, who acted as our translator, interrupted to say that because she was rescued after the court order was issued, Batsura had likely missed the news about the ICC arrest warrant.

After Yerokhina explained the court’s decision, Batsura said, “It’s just.”

[gremlingottoosilly]

what if König has a wifey that’s just obsessed with a specific artist!! she gets hyped when new albums are released, cries listening to their sad songs, can ramble for hours about their whole career progression and make in depth lyric analysis.

And who would do ANYTHING to see their favourite artist performing live. Literally anything. Like, 100% willing to take part in könig’s deepest, darkest fantasies just as long as he gets her tickets to the latest tour (and maybe some tour merch lol)

Would he be jealous of wifey being so invested in someone else or would he take advantage of her obsession to endear her to him?

This can go two ways!! If the wifey is obsessed with a band/a solo singer who is a female, Konig wouldn't really mind too much. He will buy you those expensive tickets if they are touring in Europe(he doesn't want you to go too far away from him, and the cross-continental flights are too much trouble even with his money and citizenship), will give you his card to buy some merch and honestly wouldn't mind you blasting the songs in the house. He has Opinions about the music he likes - mostly German hard rock, obvi, he was raised on this stuff, at first as a rebellion, and later came to really embrace it, but he won't mind you and your music tastes. Even if it's something basic like Taylor Swift or Lana Del Rey or Mitski, etc, he wouldn't honestly mind. Would like you to listen to his music, but if anything, your obsession with some girlie pop female singer only fuels his adoration for you. You're so cute and obsessive, he can't have enough!! If you like a band or a solo singer that is a man...oh boy. Konig googles the easiest way to kill a celebrity, preferably blasting the whole stage altogether. He knows that his being jealous of some singer is ridiculous...he also doesn't care. He tries to see the comparison between him and the guy you're obsessed with. 90% chance that they don't look alike at all - and it makes him worried, because what if you were to pursue someone like your favorite band boy?? he won't allow you to go to the concert, oh no, these places are too dangerous!! Too many people and too much possibility of mass attack or targeted assassination, you need to stay home! He won't falter even with your puppy eyes, his desire to keep you with him is too much( You'd have to promise you're definitely not leaving Konig, you just like the music and want to support your favorite artist...he will be so obnoxious and rude, not even realizing it - he is blasting your music tastes and probably leaving you crying after( your tears are the only thing that will kinda make him reconsider - but still, no concerts. Maybe a few posters and special edition disks, but please don't forget about your husband, he needs you to tell him how in love you are with him!! If that would mean sucking his cock like a good girl and stopping whining when he asks for cockwarming while he is playing or watching TV...you want those special merch thingies, right? And maybe, if you're good enough and play with your ass a little, he might consider buying a ticket...

[weepingwillow2000]

Hey

I know there are many, many things happening in the world right now and there is only so much time, energy and money people can invest in social justice but with the advance of fascism in Europe - 84 fascists from 12 different countries were elected to the European Parliament this year - and with the news of a 15yo Romani teenager dying during a police confrontation in England last week, I have compiled a list of different human rights organizations dedicated to helping Romani people in Europe.

Please donate if you can!

💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️

🇪🇺 Roma Education Fund

The Roma Education Fund (REF) is an international foundation established in 2005 and dedicated to closing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. With an active and growing network of representative offices across Central, Eastern, South Eastern Europe and Turkey, REF provides grants and scholarships to entities and individuals who share its belief in quality, inclusive education and desegregated schools and classrooms. The Roma Education Fund is active in countries such as: Hungary, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Russia.

🇪🇺 European Roma Grassroots Organization (ERGO)

ERGO Network mobilizes and connects grassroots, national and international organisations and individuals who share a set of core values to create the courage, capacity and  opportunities to combat antigypsyism and Roma poverty; strengthen Roma civil society participation in decision-making at grassroots, national and European level and commit governments and European institutions to effective social inclusion and anti-discrimination policies, standards and funds for Roma.

🇪🇺 European Roma Rights Center (ERRC)

The ERRC is the largest transnational Romani rights organization in Europe. They provide judicial and financial help to Romani people facing poverty, police brutality and racist violence all across Europe

🇷🇴 Resource Center for Roma Communities Foundation (RCRC)

The operational activity of RCRC includes training programs, consultancy and comprehensive community development in Roma communities. The grantmaking activity of RCRC has involved managing grants and scholarship programs, including the administration of the European Union’s and EAA grants programs focused on health, vocational training, small infrastructure and income generating activities.

🇨🇿 Cesta Von

Cesta von (This Way Out) organization is based in Slovakia. Their Omama program works with the very youngest Romani children in particular. Their aim is a big and important one – extricating the inhabitants of the segregated settlements from the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty. The program targets the development of the intellect, motor skills and social skills in an attempt to increase the chances of children from socially excluded localities at living better adult lives. One of the main conditions for choosing the Omamas is that they must be Romani women who know the excluded locality well (source).

🇪🇸 La Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG)

The FSG develops all kinds of actions that contribute to achieving the full citizenship of Roma persons, improving their living conditions, promoting equal treatment and preventing all forms of discrimination, as well as promoting the recognition of the cultural identity of the Roma community.

🇪🇸 La Asociación Nacional Presencia Gitana

Presencia Gitana is dedicated to confronting and correcting negative opinions about Spanish Romani people. They promote all kinds of initiatives and projects to ensure that Spanish Romani people's basic needs and fundamental rights are met and guaranteed, work to promoting Romani culture and advocate for the providing of historical reparation for Spanish Romani people.

🇫🇷 ANGVC

The ANGVC (association nationale gens du voyage citoyens) is a French Romani-led organization whose goal is to fight anti-Romani racism and to improve the living conditions of French Romani people and travellers. They provide judicial help to Romani people victims of environmental racism and police brutality, organize workshops to raise awareness about anti-Romani racism and are now leading a project dedicated to educate people about the Romani genocide, which still hasn't been recognized by France.

🇬🇧 Roma Support Group

The Roma Support Group offers free advice for Roma communities on financial inclusion, debt, welfare benefits and housing. They promote Romani arts and culture, fight for the improvement of mental health within the Romani community and helps Romani people victims of racism.

🇬🇧 Romano Lav

Romano Lav is a grassroots Roma community organisation based in Govanhill, Glasgow. They organize youth-led events including artistic and cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions and educational events.

🇬🇧 Luton Roma Trust

The Luton Roma Trust provides advice to British Romani people about housing, employment and education, helps them find jobs and accessing healthcare.

💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️💚🦔💙❤️

(stole this post cause ops a terf)

[piptaninternationa]

The Top 3 European Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment Programs

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs have become an increasingly popular way for countries to attract foreign investment and talent. These programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in a country by making a significant investment in that country, often in the form of real estate or other approved investment options. In return, individuals are granted access to the benefits and privileges that come with citizenship, such as the right to live, work, and travel freely in the country.   Many countries around the world offer CBI programs, each with its own unique requirements and investment options. These programs can be an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to gain citizenship in a new country and take advantage of the opportunities that come with it. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Citizenship by Investment Programs offered by the top 3 countries of Europe.

Austria

Citizenship by Investment Program in Austria:  Austria's citizenship by investment program was launched in 2011 and is officially known as the "Austrian Citizenship Act Amendment." The program is designed to attract wealthy individuals who can contribute to the Austrian economy and society. To be eligible for the program, individuals must make a significant investment in Austria, have a clean criminal record, and meet other requirements.  The investmentoptions for the program are as follows:  Investment in a business: An individual can invest a minimum of €3 million in an Austrian business that creates new jobs or maintains existing ones.

Investment in real estate: An individual can invest a minimum of €10 million in real estate in Austria.  Investment in government bonds: An individual can invest a minimum of €3.5 million in Austrian government bonds. Investment in a charitable project: An individual can invest a minimum of €2 million in a charitable project that benefits the Austrian people. Combination of investment options: An individual can combine investment options to reach the required investment amount.

Once an individual has made the required investment, they must then meet additional requirements to obtain citizenship. These include passing a German language test and demonstrating knowledge of Austrian culture and history. Additionally, applicants must have a clean criminal record and be able to prove that their investment funds are legitimate.  Austria's CBI program has several advantages for investors. First, Austria is a member of the European Union, which means that Austrian citizens have the right to live and work in any EU member state. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who are looking to do business or invest in Europe. Second, Austria is known for its stable economy and high standard of living, which can make it an attractive destination for individuals looking to relocate or invest.  However, the program also has some drawbacks. The investment amount required for the program is high, which may make it inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, the application process for the program can be lengthy and complex, which may deter some potential investors.  In conclusion, Austria's Citizenship-by-investment program offers wealthy individuals the opportunity to obtain Austrian citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. While the program has several advantages, including the ability to live and work in the European Union, it also has some drawbacks, including a high investment amount and a complex application process. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the program before making a decision.

Benefits of the CBI Program Austria:

Austria does not have a formal citizenship-by-investment program. However, Austria does offer a residency by investment program called the Austrian Investor Program (AIP), which can lead to citizenship over time. Here are some potential benefits of participating in the AIP:

Access to the European Union: Austria is a member of the European Union, which means that obtaining residency in Austria through the AIP can provide visa-free travel to all EU countries. Quality of life: Austria is consistently ranked among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, thanks to its strong economy, excellent healthcare, and beautiful natural environment. Education: Austria is home to many renowned universities and educational institutions, including the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Residency in Austria can provide opportunities for educational advancement for you and your family. Business opportunities: Austria is a hub for business and trade in Central Europe, with a highly skilled workforce and a favorable business environment. Obtaining residency in Austria through the AIP can provide access to these business opportunities. Citizenship eligibility: Although the AIP is a residency program, after a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for Austrian citizenship. Austrian citizenship can provide access to all the benefits of being an EU citizen, including the right to live and work in any EU country.  It's important to note that the AIP has strict eligibility requirements, and the process can be lengthy and complex. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before pursuing a residency in Austria through the AIP or any other program.

Malta

Citizenship by Investment Program in Malta: Malta's citizenship by investment program, also known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), was launched in 2014. The program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to the Maltese economy and society. To be eligible for the program, individuals must make a significant investment in Malta, have a clean criminal record, and meet other requirements.

The investment options for the program are as follows: Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund: An individual can make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund of Malta. The contribution amount varies depending on the size of the applicant's family, but it starts at €650,000 for a single applicant. Investment in government-approved financial instruments: An individual can invest a minimum of €150,000 in government-approved financial instruments, which must be held for a minimum of five years. Investment in real estate: An individual can invest a minimum of €350,000 in real estate in Malta. The property must be held for a minimum of five years. Investment in a Maltese company: An individual can invest a minimum of €700,000 in a Maltese company. The company must be actively trading in Malta and have a physical presence in the country.  Once an individual has made the required investment, they must then meet additional requirements to obtain citizenship. These include passing a due diligence check and a background check, demonstrating knowledge of Maltese culture and history, and proving that their investment funds are legitimate.  Malta's CBI program has several advantages for investors. First, Malta is a member of the European Union, which means that Maltese citizens have the right to live and work in any EU member state. This can be a significant advantage for individuals who are looking to do business or invest in Europe. Second, Malta has a stable economy and a high standard of living, which can make it an attractive destination for individuals looking to relocate or invest.  However, the program also has some drawbacks. The investment amount required for the program is high, which may make it inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, the due diligence process for the program is rigorous, which may deter some potential investors.  In conclusion, Malta's citizenship by investment program offers high-net-worth individuals the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. While the program has several advantages, including the ability to live and work in the European Union, it also has some drawbacks, including a high investment amount and a rigorous due diligence process. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the program before making a decision.

Benefits of CBI Program Malta: The Maltese Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Individual Investor Program (IIP), provides foreign investors with the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship by making a significant investment in the country. 

Here are some potential benefits of the program: Access to the European Union: Maltese citizenship provides access to the European Union, which means that citizens can live and work in any EU country without a visa. Travel benefits: Maltese citizens can travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to over 180 countries, making it easier to explore the world. Business opportunities: Malta has a growing economy with a favorable business environment, and obtaining Maltese citizenship can provide access to business opportunities in the country and the wider EU. Education: Malta has a highly regarded education system, with many reputable universities and educational institutions. Citizenship in Malta can provide opportunities for educational advancement for you and your family. 

Quality of life: Malta is known for its beautiful weather, stunning coastline, rich history and culture, and high quality of life.

It's important to note that the Maltese Citizenship by Investment Program has strict eligibility requirements and significant investment requirements, and the process can be lengthy and complex.

It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before pursuing Maltese citizenship through this program or any other program.

Montenegro

Citizenship by Investment Program in Montenegro: Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs have become increasingly popular in recent years as more countries seek to attract foreign investment and talent. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a country by investing a certain amount of money in that country. One country that offers a CBI program is Montenegro.

Montenegro's citizenship by investment program, also known as the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program (MCBI), was launched in 2019. The program is designed to attract foreign investment to the country and boost its economic growth. To be eligible for the program, individuals must make a significant investment in Montenegro and meet other requirements.

The investment options for the program are as follows: Investment in real estate: An individual can invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate in Montenegro. The property must be held for a minimum of five years. Investment in a development project: An individual can invest a minimum of €450,000 in a development project in Montenegro. The project must be approved by the government and create a minimum of ten jobs.  Investment in government bonds: An individual can invest a minimum of €350,000 in Montenegro government bonds. The bonds must be held for a minimum of three years.

Once an individual has made the required investment, they must then meet additional requirements to obtain Citizenship by investment. These include passing a due diligence check and a background check, demonstrating knowledge of Montenegrin culture and history, and proving that their investment funds are legitimate.

Montenegro's CBI program has several advantages for investors. First, Montenegro is a candidate country for membership in the European Union, which means that Montenegrin citizens may have the opportunity to become EU citizens in the future. Second, Montenegro has a growing economy and a high potential for growth, which can make it an attractive destination for individuals looking to invest in emerging markets.

However, the program also has some drawbacks. The investment amount required for the program is high, which may make it inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, the due diligence process for the program is rigorous, which may deter some potential investors.

In conclusion, Montenegro's citizenship by investment program offers individuals the opportunity to obtain Montenegrin citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. While the program has several advantages, including the potential for EU membership and a growing economy, it also has some drawbacks, including a high investment amount and a rigorous due diligence process. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the program before making a decision.

Benefits of CBI Program Montenegro: The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Montenegro Economic Citizenship Program (MECP), provides foreign investors with the opportunity to obtain Montenegrin citizenship by making a significant investment in the country. Here are some potential benefits of the program: Access to the European Union: Montenegro is a candidate country for EU membership, and Montenegrin citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Once Montenegro joins the EU, Montenegrin citizens will have access to all the benefits of being EU citizens, including the right to live and work in any EU country. Travel benefits: Montenegrin citizens can travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to over 120 countries, making it easier to explore the world. Business opportunities: Montenegro has a developing economy with a favorable business environment, and obtaining Montenegrin citizenship can provide access to business opportunities in the country and the wider EU. 

Real estate investment: The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program requires a significant investment in real estate in the country, which can provide a valuable asset for the investor. Quality of life: Montenegro is known for its stunning natural beauty, warm Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, making it a desirable place to live and visit.

It's important to note that the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program has strict eligibility requirements and significant investment requirements, and the process can be lengthy and complex. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before pursuing Montenegrin citizenship through this program or any other program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, citizenship by investment programs has become an increasingly popular way for countries to attract foreign investment and talent. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a country by making a significant investment, often in the form of real estate or other approved investment options.  While the benefits of these programs can be significant, including access to the privileges and opportunities that come with citizenship, it is important for individuals to carefully consider the costs and requirements of each program before making a decision. Piptan in  Each country offering a citizenship-by-investment program has its own unique set of requirements and investment options, and individuals should carefully evaluate each option to determine which program best meets their needs and goals. Ultimately, citizenship by investment programs can be an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to gain citizenship in a new country and take advantage of the opportunities that come with it.

[liondapearl]

“I'm Israel.

I came to a land without a people for a people without a land. Those people who happened to be here, had no right to be here, and my people showed them they had to leave or die, razing 400 Palestinian villages to the ground, erasing their history.

Call me Israel. Some of my people committed massacres and later became Prime Ministers to represent me. In 1948, Menachem Begin was in charge of the unit that slaughtered the inhabitants of Deir Yassin, including 100 women and children. In 1953, Ariel Sharon led the slaughter of the inhabitants of Qibya, and in 1982 arranged for our allies to butcher around 2,000 in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila.

Call me Israel. Carved in 1948 out of 78% of the land of Palestine, dispossessing its inhabitants and replacing them with Jews from Europe and other parts of the world. While the natives whose families lived on this land for thousands of years are not allowed to return, Jews from all over the world are welcome to instant citizenship.

Call me Israel. In 1967, I swallowed the remaining lands of Palestine - East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza - and placed their inhabitants under an oppressive military rule, controlling and humiliating every aspect of their daily lives. Eventually, they should get the message that they are not welcome to stay, and join the millions of Palestinian refugees in the shanty camps of Lebanon and Jordan.

Call me Israel. I have the power to control American policy. My American Israel Public Affairs Committee can make or break any politician of its choosing, and as you see, they all compete to please me. All the forces of the world are powerless against me, including the UN as I have the American veto to block any condemnation of my war crimes. As Sharon so eloquently phrased it, “We control America”.

Call me Israel. I influence American mainstream media too, and you will always find the news tailored to my favor. I have invested millions of dollars into PR representation, and CNN, New York Times, and others have been doing an excellent job of promoting my propaganda. Look at other international news sources and you will see the difference.

Call me Israel. You Palestinians want to negotiate “peace!?” But you are not as smart as me; I will negotiate, but will only let you have your municipalities while I control your borders, your water, your airspace and anything else of importance. While we “negotiate,” I will swallow your hilltops and fill them with settlements, populated by the most extremist of my extremists, armed to the teeth. These settlements will be connected with roads you cannot use, and you will be imprisoned in your little Bantustans between them, surrounded by checkpoints in every direction.

Call me Israel. I have the fourth strongest army in the world, possessing nuclear weapons. How dare your children confront my oppression with stones, don’t you know my soldiers won’t hesitate to blow their heads off? In 17 months, I have killed 900 of you and injured 17,000, mostly civilians, and have the mandate to continue since the international community remains silent. Ignore, as I do, the hundreds of Israeli reserve officers who are now refusing to carry out my control over your lands and people; their voices of conscience will not protect you.

Call me Israel. You want freedom? I have bullets, tanks, missiles, Apaches and F-16s to obliterate you. I have placed your towns under siege, confiscated your lands, uprooted your trees, demolished your homes, and you still demand freedom? Don’t you get the message? You will never have peace or freedom, because I am Israel.'’

- Written by Professor Norman Finkelstein.

Please also read 'The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine', by Israeli history professor and activist Ilan Pappé .

The world has been lied to for 73 years.

The Palestinian people are being destroyed before our eyes, and many of those who have been shouting loudly, 'Never again', look away.

[iy0v]

I am Israel. I came to a land without a people for a people without a land. Except that those people who happened to be here, had no right to be here, and my people showed them they had to leave or die, razing 400 Palestinian villages to the ground, erasing their history.

I am Israel. Some of my people committed massacres and later became Prime Ministers to represent me. In 1948, Menachem Begin was in charge of the unit that slaughtered the inhabitants of Deir Yassin, including 100 women and children. In 1953, Ariel Sharon led the slaughter of the inhabitants of Qibya, and in 1982 arranged for our allies to butcher around 2,000 in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila.

I am Israel. Carved in 1948 out of 78% of the land of Palestine, dispossessing its inhabitants and replacing them with Jews from Europe and other parts of the world. While the natives whose families lived on this land for thousands of years are not allowed to return, the sons of Canaan and Egypt ever since the epic of Megido, Jews from all over the world are priorized for their ethnic superiority and entitlment of their claim, welcomed to instant citizenship.

I am Israel. In 1967, I swallowed the remaining lands of Palestine - East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza - and placed their inhabitants under an oppressive military rule, controlling and humiliating every aspect of their daily lives. Eventually, they should get the message that they are not welcome to stay, and join the millions of Palestinian refugees in the shanty camps of Lebanon and Jordan.

I am Israel. I have the power to control American policy. My American Israel Public Affairs Committee can make or break any politician of its choosing, and as you see, they all compete to please me. All the forces of the world are powerless against me, including the UN as I have the American veto to block any condemnation of my war crimes. As Sharon so eloquently phrased it, “We control America”.

I am Israel. I influence American mainstream media too, and you will always find the news tailored to my favor. I have invested millions of dollars into PR representation. for CNN, New York Times, and others have been doing an excellent job of promoting my rightful propaganda. Look at other international news sources and you will see the difference.

I am Israel. You Palestinians want to negotiate “peace!?” But you are not as smart as me; I will negotiate, but will only let you have your municipalities while I control your borders, your water, your airspace and anything else of importance. While we “negotiate,” I will swallow your hilltops and fill them with settlements, populated by the most extremist of my extremists, armed to the teeth. These settlements will be connected with roads you cannot use, and you will be imprisoned in your little Bantustans between them, surrounded by checkpoints in every direction.

I am Israel. I have the fourth strongest army in the world, possessing nuclear weapons. How dare your children confront my oppression with stones, don’t you know my soldiers won’t hesitate to blow their heads off? In 17 months, I have killed 900 of you and injured 17,000, mostly civilians, and have the mandate to continue since the international community remains silent. Ignore, as I do, the hundreds of Israeli reserve officers who are now refusing to carry out my control over your lands and people; their voices of conscience will not protect you.

I am Israel. You want freedom? I have bullets, tanks, missiles, Apaches and F-16s to obliterate you. I have placed your towns under siege, confiscated your lands, uprooted your trees, demolished your homes, and you still demand freedom? Don’t you get the message? You will never have peace or freedom, because I am Israel.

-X

[armchairfootballer]

Why the time still might not be right for England

With the exception of my homelands and my childhood favorites (Brazil), I'm basically a neutral when it comes to international soccer. That is to say, there's no team I routinely support over others, though there are some teams for which I typically have a stronger affinity. The sources of these sympathies are sometimes deeply rooted in childhood memories, familial ties, or simply due to specific players I admire.

But I say I'm a neutral because these allegiances can be fleeting. For example, I had always been a fan of France (I am a francophile in just about all aspects of my life), but after they defeated Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, my mood toward them soured. I have, at times, cheered on Italy (I had several family members who were fans of Italian football growing up), but in recent years have not found much to enjoy in their performances. I grew up not supporting Argentina because they were great rivals to Brazil, but I can't help but admire and support the play of Messi, Di Maria, and others. All this underscores the fickle nature of these faux-bonds to national identities that aren't my own.

For example, in the 2020 (well... 2021...) Euro finals, I was rooting for England. Although Italy were in the midst of a historic undefeated streak, I was swept up in the narrative of "football coming home." It did, after all, seem long overdue. A chance to win a trophy on home soil again seemed most apt, and ending Italy's unprecedented run would have been just the way to do it. But, alas, it was not to be.

My support for England would have likely come as a surprise to many in my family. My mother's generation grew up in the colonies and still harbor much ill will toward the former empire. And while my mother taught in England and has close, lifelong English friends, she would never cheer for them on the pitch. She still has negative memories of English hooliganism in the 1980s when she lived there. Those were the stories I grew up with as a child.

But as an adult, I've buried my face in English football most weekends, studying the ins and outs of the Premier League. I've followed English players as they move through the academies to clubs across Europe. In short, I feel more invested in English football than I do in any other European country's. And free of the colonial shackles that pester my forebears, my Canadian citizenship adds some validity to any rationale of support.

So RA RA for England! Let's go Three Lions! Football's coming home!

Except, this Sunday, I won't find myself rooting for England. Yes, I'll be cheering on La Roja, despite my typical support for England and despite the myriad reasons why an English victory would be so meaningful. Let's revisit a few of them...

The Perennial Underperformers

England may be either the worst best team in football or the best worst team. By whatever metrics you choose, their record of success pales when compared to their historical expectations. Their only World Cup victory came in 1966 on home ground. Heavy favorites Brazil were eliminated in the group stage largely due to heavy fouling on Pelé, which led to injury. England's quarterfinal win over Argentina that year is mired in controversy. And home field advantage was probably a large factor in their wins over Eusébio's Portugal in the semis and the West Germans in the final. While the event remains a national moment of pride for Britons, not everyone views it fondly, especially South Americans who believed that the officiating in the tournament was biased toward Europeans.

Sticking to Europe, England have never won the Euros. In fact, their appearance in the 2020 final was the first time they had ever made it to the final. In the first 15 iterations of the tournament (1960-2016), England had reached the semifinals only twice. Now they've reached the finals twice in a row. As the nation that developed the game, and where the world's most esteemed league is stationed, it only makes sense that all roads lead to an England victory.

Garreth Southgate

A lot's been said about Garreth Southgate's performance as England manager, but that's all par for the course. You can't take the helm of the Three Lions without being subject to intense scrutiny and near universal disapproval by literally millions of people who don't know nearly as much about football as you do. Still, Southgate has manned the ship for the past eight years, producing some of England's best and most consistent results.

In his first tournament as gaffer, he took England to the World Cup semifinals. While they finished 4th, it was their best showing since 1990, and only the third time in the country's history that they had reached the World Cup semifinals. (Let that sink in.)

Taking them to their first ever Euro final in 2021 was another monument. Losing in a penalty shootout was utter heartbreak. Southgate had missed the decisive penalty in the 1996 Euro semifinal versus Germany. A Euro victory in penalties would have been sweet poetry, but instead, the curse endured.

Harry Kane

No one can deny that the England captain is one of the best footballers in the world. Not only is he an exquisite striker, but he excels at aspects of the game that other prolific strikers like Haaland and Lewandowski don't. The fact that he has never won a trophy for club or country to accompany the litany of individual awards and records he has accumulated is utterly unfair.

We all though that drought would come to an end in 2023-24 when Kane abandoned perennial flunks Tottenham Hotspur in favor of the one sure bet for a trophy every season — the mighty Bayern Munich. And despite another incredible individual season, Kane managed to find himself on a team that underwhelmed, finishing third in the Bundesliga, getting knocked out by a third-tier team in the Pokal, and losing the DFL-Supercup in a big way. Like Southgate, Kane must be cursed.

A win for England at the Euros, with Kane as captain, would mean redemption, validation, and immortality.

Spain doesn't need it

Another strong emotional rationale for rooting for England has nothing to do with them, but rather that this Spanish team doesn't really need this trophy. There are no legends on the Spanish team who have so far been deprived of deserved silverware. Sure, Rodri has not won the Euros or World Cup, but he has won the Champions League and just about every other trophy in Europe. And the likes of Yamal, Williams, and Pedri will be superstars for years to come and have several other chances to win a major trophy.

But England doesn't deserve it

And yet, I'm still going to be rooting for Spain this Sunday. Why? It's simple.

Spain has been the best team of the tournament. I'm not just talking results — I'm talking performances. They have played consistently well. Most of the pundits were sleeping on this team prior to the start of the tournament, with some even suggesting they may finish third in their group. But the writing had been on the wall. This team had been performing extremely well for the past two years, including winning the Nations League and (excluding a 2-0 defeat to Scotland) breezing through Euro qualifying.

Not only has their record at Euro 2024 has been impressive, they've managed their victories against some of the world's best sides. They're the only team to have won all of their games, including wins against Germany (tournament hosts, ranked #16 in the world), Italy (#10), Croatia (#9), and France (#2). More than their victories, their play has been inspiring and invigorating. The consistently exceptional play of Lamine Yamal is no surprise to those of us who watched him in La Liga last season. The breakout play of Nico Williams at this tournament has been another great Spanish highlight, and the contributions of Dani Olmo have been extraordinary.

In contrast, England has played poorly all tournament. They've looked a shadow of what this collection of players should be. Their performances have drawn condemnation from pundits, fans, and former players and coaches. Their play has lacked creativity and fluidity. And these poor performances have not come at the hands of esteemed opposition. Their semifinal against the Netherlands (#7) was the first time they had played a team ranked higher than #19 in the entire tournament. Were it not for a few timely moments of brilliance by some of the world's footballing superstars, England would not have made it this far.

You could argue that England has spent their tournament building up to the final and can now give it their all. I suppose that is a valid argument, but it doesn't hold enough water for me. I will not be surprised if England wins on Sunday, nor will I be disappointed. In fact, I would probably be very happy for them. English football deserves a win for all the strides it has made these past few years.

But you simply can't argue that England deserves to win this tournament over Spain. La Roja have been the undisputed standouts of Euro 2024. Were England to emerge victorious, you'd have to think that all the valid criticisms about their play in the early rounds would merely fall to the wayside, and would that be okay? Maybe. But if I were to look back on an England Euro 2024 victory years later, I would only remember that it was undeserved and serendipitous, and it will be somewhat spoiled for me. I want an England victory that feels deserved. I'm not saying easy — just deserved — hard-fought, well-played, spirited, and memorable. That can't happen this year.

But if not this year, then when?

[louder-than-love]

What do you think about Kosovo?

Despite all the troubles and issues that are going on over there, I love Kosova. It's where my family lives, it's where my citizenship is from and it's where I feel most at home, even after over 20 years of living in the diaspora. I feel like things have been starting to change for the better there in recent years and a lot of improvements were made despite people calling it a european third world country and a failed state with no hope. Whenever I visit, I see new improvements being made, and I visit it 2-3 times a year.

I hope that the political issues they face can be resolved someday in a manner that profits everyone and that people can start to see the flaws and right points in both sides affected instead of being one sided. But I am also worried for Kosova's future and that people will turn to extremism (islamic, nationalistic etc.) out of this feeling of being torn between many political spheres and being a 'playground' for third party political influences - half of the world does not recognize Kosovo's independence, it's one of the poorest countries in Europe, the west is trying to impose their values on the people there, Turkey is investing a lot in Kosovo and trying to bond with it and establish some sort of neo-osmanic thing, Islamism is on the rise in the torn society where people lose hope in the country. A Kosovar citizenship is pretty much worthless and most people are kinda imprisoned in Kosovo since it's hard to really go anywhere outside of the Balkans. Ethnic tensions between Serbs and Albanians arise all the time so that politicans can abuse these tensions to profit off of them and spread propaganda, as there is no national identity, only an ethnic one. Kosovo is really trying it's best with keeping minority rights though.

You can also really feel this 'proxy war' between Russia and the West that's being fought on the backs of the Albanian and Serbian people, who are constantly being played against each other. But nevertheless, it's a place with a rich and diverse culture and super hospitable and friendly people, breathtaking landscapes and no matter what, my heart will always belong to it. It always hurts to leave for the diaspora, I just returned a few days ago.

What do you think about Kosova?

[istanbulpropertygorkem]

What are the Benefits of Buying a Property in Pendik? 

The benefits of buying a property in Pendik are explained below. 

Turkish Citizenship and Residence Permit: Every foreigner who owns a property in Pendik is eligible for a residency permit. In addition, citizens of almost every country in the world can obtain Turkish citizenship when they buy a property in Turkey worth at least US$400,000. 

Value for Money: Properties of Pendik offer great value for money thanks to their amenities, such as the marina, international airport, and ferry terminal nearby. 

Living costs: In comparison to properties and expenses in Europe, living expenses in Pendik are quite low and affordable. 

Return on Investment: Pendik is home to some of the most affordable properties in Istanbul which makes the district perfect for an investment Originally published at Property for Sale in Pendik, Istanbul