The Convention on the Reduction of Cases of Multiple Nationality and on Military Obligations in Cases of Multiple Nationality (E.T.S. No. 043) is a convention signed in 1963 by the Council of Europe with the stated aim of reducing cases of multiple nationalities.
Background The Convention aims to reduce as far as possible the number of cases of multiple nationality, as between Parties. It contains 2 chapters: Chapter I, "Reduction of cases of multiple nationality", lays down rules to reduce cases of multiple nationality in the case of the acquisition of a new nationality or the renunciation of one nationality, and the legal consequences for persons concerned, including minor persons. Chapter II contains provisions on "Military obligations in cases of multiple nationality".
The convention came into force in 1968 following the ratification by Italy, the second state, after France.
Signatories, ratifications and renunciations , 15 of the 47 states of Europe have signed the convention, 13 of whom went on to ratify it with five choosing to denounce it (or partially denounce it) between 2000 and 2011. Denunciations by a party enter into force one year after the denunciation itself.
According to the Italian Government (the most recent to denounce chapter I of the convention): "The Italian government's denunciation of the 1963 Strasbourg Convention means that, as from June 4, 2010, Italian citizenship is no longer automatically lost for the Italians who become naturalised citizens of the countries signatories to that Convention."
Following the (partial) denunciations of many countries, the full treaty – including chapter I – is only in force for Austria and the Netherlands.
State Signature Ratification Entry into force Denunciation Chapter I Chapter II Austria 6 May 1963 31 July 1975 1 September 1975 In force Belgium 5 June 1963 18 June 1991 19 July 1991 27 April 2007 (Chapter I only) Denmark 25 August 2014 (Chapter I only) France 6 May 1963 26 January 1965 28 March 1968 3 March 2008 (Chapter I only) Germany 6 May 1963 17 November 1969 18 December 1969 Ireland 16 March 1973 16 March 1973 (Chapter II only) 17 April 1973 In force (Chapter II only) Italy 6 May 1963 27 February 1968 28 March 1968 3 June 2009 (Chapter I only) Luxembourg 1 May 1969 11 October 1971 12 November 1971 9 July 2008 (Chapter I only) Netherlands 6 May 1963 9 May 1985 10 June 1985 In force Norway 6 May 1963 26 November 1969 27 December 1969 18 December 2018 (Chapter I only) Portugal 23 February 1979 N/A N/A N/A Republic of Moldova 3 November 1998 N/A N/A N/A Spain 8 November 1985 16 July 1987 (Chapter II only) 17 August 1987 In force (Chapter II only) Sweden 26 June 1968 29 May 2002 30 June 2002 29 May 2002 (Chapter I only) United Kingdom 6 May 1963 7 July 1971 (Chapter II only) 8 August 1971 In force (Chapter II only)
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