The president Sergio Mattarella received this Tuesday, 17th, at the Quirinal Palace, in Roma, the 63 representatives of the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE), on the occasion of the beginning of the 2025 Plenary Assembly.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Quirinal for this fifth legislature of the Council. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the work you do in the service of our communities around the world,” said the President, opening the meeting.
In his speech, Mattarella acknowledged the importance of Italian communities outside the peninsula. “Your daily commitment sustains and expresses the bond between Italy and the millions of compatriots who live outside the borders of our country. You represent them with great merit: a large population, an integral part of the national fabric.”
Mattarella's speech came amid the debate over the recent reform of citizenship by descent, the target of criticism among Italians abroad. “The issue of the decree-law dealing with the recent reform of citizenship has generated attention and debate. The debate that will open in the Council will certainly be useful and worthy of attention, to encourage thoughtful reflection and, possibly, some reconsideration of the points raised,” said the president.
Despite the conciliatory tone, CGIE representatives heard by Italianism said the statement should be received with caution. “They want to set a tone of democracy,” said a councilor who participated in the meeting. Another assessed that “the speech has more symbolic than practical value.”
Mattarella also highlighted the role of the community in Italian democracy: “The participation of our compatriots abroad in elections, an expression of active citizenship, contributes energy to the life of our democratic society.”
Addressing the history of migration, the President recalled: “The history of Italian emigration is an essential part of our national identity. From the great migrations following the unification of Italy to the numerous departures in the post-war period, generations of Italians have found better destinations outside the country, decisively supporting its recovery and development, including with the substantial financial remittances of the last century.”
He also praised the ability of Italian communities to keep the country’s culture alive: “Italian communities have managed to make Italy accessible in all latitudes. Even in the most remote places, they have been authentic ambassadors of the Italian language.”
The president also highlighted the leading role of women in emigration: “Since the first waves of migration, our compatriots have been authentic guardians of the language, culture and traditions. Their presence has been the support structure for our communities abroad.”
When discussing “new mobility,” Mattarella said that half a million young graduates have left Italy in the last 15 years in search of opportunities. “This experience abroad could be a prelude to a return, outlining a reality of communicating vessels, which challenges Italy to be more attractive.”
“It is on this common path, made up of tenacious work and ideal commitment, that the CGIE and the work of all of you, counselors — even more meritorious because it occurs in the dimension of service — assume a relevant role”, concluded Mattarella.
The CGIE Assembly brings together representatives of Italian communities from all over the world to discuss topics such as consular functioning, citizenship, relations with local committees and public policies aimed at Italians abroad.
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