During the presentation of the 19th Report of Italians in the World, promoted by the Migrantes Foundation in Roma, this Tuesday (05), the deputies Paul Emilio Russo (Forza Italia, center right) and Toni Ricciardi (Democratic Party, center-left) exposed the need to reform citizenship legislation.
On the same stage as Migrants Report 2024, parliamentarians defended changes focused on jus scholae, jus sanguinis e ius soli, proposing an update that meets contemporary demands and promotes more inclusive and accessible citizenship.
Citizenship and school education: the ius scholae
For Russo, citizenship should take into account the educational education of young people. He argued that “school forms citizens” and, upon completing the educational cycle, students are already integrated into Italian society, mastering the language and knowing the rules of the country.
Ricciardi showed support for the proposal and committed to opening a dialogue within his party to seek a consensus that “brings practical benefits to the country”.
Ius sanguinis and the role of Italians abroad
Another point addressed was the jus sanguinis, citizenship by descent. Russo highlighted that the current system “does not work” and that citizenship recognitions will only reach 2023 about 190 thousand people.
For him, this number requires a more careful review. Ricciardi, however, sees the presence of Italians abroad as an opportunity for communication and connection with the world, defending a less restrictive approach and stating that “the increase in the number of Italians around the world is a positive vector”.
Ius soli and the European perspective
The theme of ius soli was also at the center of the debate. Ricciardi mentioned the possibility of European citizenship, which would depend on an agreement between countries to transfer part of their sovereignty to the European Union. This proposal, according to him, aims to “consolidate the European project,” also covering areas such as the environment, health and defense.
Consensus and future actions in Parliament
Russo concluded by highlighting that “there is a core of people with common sense” in Parliament, willing to dialogue and propose viable solutions, regardless of political alliances.
The next step will be to present the reform proposal to Parliament, scheduled for January, in order to “modernize the Italian citizenship and reduce bureaucracy.”
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