Austria’s citizenship offer piques Italy

AUSTRIA’S chancellor flew into a diplomatic row with Italy yesterday over his government’s plans to offer passports to German-speaking inhabitants of South Tyrol in Italy.

Italy accused its northern neighbour of “anachronistic revanchism” over the proposed law, which would enable German-speaking Italian citizens in South Tyrol to apply for Austrian citizenship and keep their Italian status.

The dispute overshadowed Sebastian Kurz’s visit to Rome and a meeting with Giuseppe Conte, the Italian prime minister.

South Tyrol was part of the Austrohungarian Empire before it was given to Italy after the First World War. The two countries fought a series of bitter battles in South Tyrol and the issue is still a sensitive topic for both countries.

For Italy, the dual citizenship proposal is an unnecessary provocation by Austria’s rulers. Enzo Moavero Milanesi, Italy’s foreign minister, has called off a trip to Vienna, where he was due to have met his Austrian counterpart.

The Italian foreign ministry said the initiative “damages the climate of serenity and mutual trust” between Austria and Italy.