Between September 29 and October 3, the CGIE held political meetings in Rome to advocate for changes in citizenship law, greater support for Italian culture abroad, and recognition of the diaspora as an essential asset for the country.
During the meeting, the Council reaffirmed that the 7,3 million Italians living outside Italy must be treated as a strategic part of the nation. "They are a treasure for Italy," stated the CGIE, urging Parliament and the government to take a fresh look at contemporary mobility and the role of communities in the world.
Dialogue with Parliament and the government
During the week, the CGIE met with the Foreign Relations Committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, as well as the Budget Committee. The goal is to ensure progress on topics already approved at the June plenary session, such as citizenship reform and voting security abroad.
The entity also requested the convening of the 5th Assembly of the Permanent Conference of States, Regions, and Autonomous Provinces (CGIE), which has been on hold since 2014.
The new law will now be reviewed by the European Union's courts. And there are European precedents that strengthen the defense of descendants.
- New legal front opened
- Processes can still be filed.
- Individual analysis of your case.
Italian citizenship and retroactivity
Among the proposals, the CGIE advocates extending the one-year deadline for registering minor children of Italian citizens. It also calls for an end to restrictions on dual citizenship.
The matter was discussed directly with Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Giorgio Silli. The expectation now is for the Constitutional Court to issue a statement on the retroactivity provided for in the legislative reform.
Culture, education and history of emigration
The CGIE also addressed the funding crisis for Italian language and culture courses abroad. Representatives denounced the difficulties caused by the current ministerial circular regulating funding for cultural centers.
The Council also aims to include teaching the history of Italian emigration in schools by 2026. This goal marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Committees and the 70th anniversary of the Marcinelle disaster in Belgium.
Agreement with CNEL and incentives for return
During the meeting, an interinstitutional agreement was signed with the CNEL (National Council of Economy and Labor). The document expands the CGIE's role in formulating public policies to value the diaspora and create mechanisms to encourage return.
A specific subcommittee was also created to support the reconstruction of the regions affected by the 2016 earthquake, with a focus on the return of citizens to the affected areas.
Reform proposals and next steps
The CGIE has decided to draft a proposal to reform its own founding law. The intention is to update its structure in light of new demands from the Italian community abroad. The text will be presented at the next plenary assembly.
In addition, continental assemblies and a series of thematic webinars with grassroots representatives are planned, reinforcing the active participation of communities abroad.
