The jurist and professor Zeno ZencovichA professor at Roma Tre University argued that the Italian diaspora represents a strategic asset for the country. This statement was made... during the legal seminar held this Friday (6), at the National Forensic Council in Rome, which discussed the effects of Decree-Law 36/25, known as Tajani DecreeRegarding the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent.
“The Italian diaspora is a matter of national interest. Italians abroad are an integral part of our community; they cannot be treated as an anomaly or a problem to be solved,” declared Zencovich.
The professor began his presentation by rejecting a strictly legalistic view of the bond of citizenship. According to him, the relationship between the individual and the State cannot be reduced to a purely formal or documentary criterion.
“One cannot speak of jus sanguinis in an absolute sense. Citizenship is not a metaphysical right, but a concrete legal relationship between the individual and the State. And this relationship can change over time,” he stated.
For Zencovich, the debate on citizenship must consider the historical role of Italian emigration and the ties maintained by millions of descendants scattered around the world. “Those who live outside of Italy but maintain cultural, family, and emotional ties are part of the Italian people. They are an expression of our history and our identity.”
The jurist also highlighted that the legislative decree, now law, ignores the importance of the global dimension of Italian identity. “Reducing citizenship to a bureaucratic mechanism, without considering the social and political value of our diaspora,” It's a shortsighted and harmful view."
He concluded his speech by arguing that Italian institutions should treat citizenship by descent as an instrument for national strengthening, and not as an obstacle to administrative organization. "It's about knowing what kind of relationship we want to maintain with our citizens around the world. It's a political choice, but also an ethical one."
The seminar brought together judges, professors, and experts from various regions of Italy. The discussion precedes the hearing of... Constitutional Court, scheduled for March 11who will judge three remittance orders questioning the legitimacy of Decree-Law 36/25The decision could directly influence access to Italian citizenship for millions of people of Italian descent worldwide.
