Italy: Cassazione ruling 13818/2026 protects descent applicants blocked from pre-reform consular appointments

What changed

On 12 May 2026 the Italian Court of Cassation issued ruling n.13818/2026 affecting citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) applicants.

• The Court held that jure sanguinis is an inherent right and that recognition of citizenship confirms a pre-existing status.

• Applicants blocked in the administrative process - for example, unable to book a consular appointment - may seek recognition before a court.

• Commentators read this as supporting applications under the pre-reform rules for those who tried, in good faith, to book an appointment before 27 March 2025.

• This is a judicial-access principle from case law, not a change to the statutory eligibility rules; the Constitutional Court reviews of Law 74/2025 remain pending.

Outcomes are decided case by case; affected applicants should seek qualified legal advice. Primary source: Italian Citizenship Assistance.