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UA Service HUB: CRASA project presented at the forum in Rimini
At the ‘Community Creating Change’ forum, held in Rimini on 21–22 March, the CRASA APS association officially launched its project — the UA Service Hub platform for finding Ukrainian specialists (work.crasa.team). The event brought together active members of the Ukrainian diaspora, entrepreneurs and community leaders working to develop the Ukrainian community in Italy. The UA Service Hub is positioned as a modern online platform that serves as a kind of ‘digital home’ for Ukrainian entrepreneurs, craftspeople and specialists currently working in Italy and other European countries. The main idea behind the project is to create a single space where Ukrainians can easily find clients, develop their own services and integrate into the European market. As noted by Zhanna Zhukova, President of the CRASA APS association, the UA Service Hub platform was created to support Ukrainian professionals who were forced or chose to pursue their careers abroad. According to her, the service not only helps find work or clients but also builds trust in Ukrainian specialists among the European audience. “The mission of UA Service Hub is to help Ukrainian professionals find their clients: both among Ukrainians who have been forced to move abroad and among Europeans open to a new standard of service and cooperation,” emphasised Zhanna Zhukova. Particular attention was paid to the quality of Ukrainian services during the presentation. Ukrainian craftsmen and specialists have long established themselves as professional, responsible and results-oriented. Their approach to work often exceeds clients’ expectations, creating a competitive advantage in the European services market. The UA Service Hub platform (work.crasa.team) allows specialists to create their own profile, showcase their services, add a portfolio and start promoting themselves without significant costs. The service is geared towards both offline services in Italy and online work across Europe, which significantly expands opportunities for users. The platform’s developers and representatives of the CRASA APS association are encouraging Ukrainian professionals currently working in Italy to join the service today. Registering on the work.crasa.team website opens up the opportunity to effectively promote their services in the near future, not only within the Ukrainian community but also among Italian clients. In this way, UA Service Hub is becoming an important tool for the economic integration of Ukrainians in Europe, creating new opportunities for business development, expanding the client base and strengthening the position of Ukrainian specialists in the international market.
A picket in memory of Ukrainian women run over by zebra will be held in Naples
In the Porta Nolana neighbourhood of Naples, two women were killed by a car. According to eyewitnesses, they were crossing the street when they were hit by a car travelling at high speed. Both women were citizens of Ukraine. One died instantly, the other - shortly after being admitted to Mara's hospital. The driver was detained. On 24 March, Italian activists organise a small rally to commemorate the tragedy that happened to the Ukrainian women.
Living standards of Ukrainian refugees are improving
The financial and social situation of Ukrainian refugees is improving Ukrainians who fled abroad because of the war are increasingly integrating into labour markets and gradually strengthening their financial situation. This is evidenced by a study by the Centre for Economic Strategy. About 60% of Ukrainian refugees already have jobs abroad. At the same time, 54% of them work outside their speciality. The financial situation has improved significantly: ➖ If in 2022 only 10% could afford not only basic expenses but also more expensive purchases, now it is 35% ➖ The main source of income is salary or own business, which covers 56% of expenses ➖ Social assistance from host countries covers 17% 🔹 Level of integration The social integration of Ukrainians abroad is gradually increasing: ➖ 39% speak the language of the host country at B1 level and above ➖ 83% have friends or established social ties ➖ 75% positively assess the attitude of local residents
Anniversary of the unification of Ukrainian associations in Italy
The results of the NAU conference. Representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora and 26 associations, including the Naples-based CRASA APS, which have joined the NAU network, celebrated the anniversary of the creation of this powerful organisation. During the meeting, the participants shared their best practices, achievements and concrete plans to support Ukraine and counter Russian propaganda in Italy.
A heartfelt gathering of Ukrainians in Naples: the barbecue season is open
Today in Naples, something much more happened than just a barbecue meeting. It was a real heartfelt gathering of Ukrainians - warm, sincere, lively, filled with laughter, the aroma of fire, their native language and a sense of home, even far from Ukraine. The meeting place was truly special - an orange garden under Vesuvius. It was here, among the sun, greenery, ripe trees and incredible views, that a wonderful group of our people gathered. The air was filled with the smells of citrus, smoke, barbecue and joy. And there was something very symbolic in this: we, Ukrainians, wherever we are, know how to create an atmosphere of warmth, unity and real life. Today there were many smiles, sincere conversations, hugs, memories and plans. It felt as if everyone brought a piece of their hearts with them, and together we created a real little holiday of the soul. Such moments are very valuable. Because they remind us that the strength of Ukrainians is not only in their unbreakable spirit, but also in their ability to be together, support each other, laugh, share warmth and just enjoy life. This day was another proof that the Ukrainian soul is alive everywhere. It sounds in songs, in jokes, in toasts, in a friendly circle around the fire. It lives in our sincerity, openness and love for our fellow human beings. And today, under Vesuvius, it was exactly like that - truly, kindly, in our way. The season is open. And it was opened beautifully, deliciously, sincerely and with love. Let there be many more such meetings. Let them fill your heart with light, give you new acquaintances, strengthen your friendship and leave you with the warmest memories. Because it is precisely these simple but real moments that make up life. We thank everyone who was with us today. For the mood, for the warmth, for the laughter, for the unity. Ukrainians in Naples are not just a company. It is a big family of heart.
Найкримінальніші міста Італії
Рим і Мілан — серед світових “лідерів” за кількістю крадіжок у туристів Платформа Radical Storage проаналізувала понад 13 тисяч відгуків мандрівників і з’ясувала, що Рим та Мілан опинилися серед міст із найвищим рівнем крадіжок у туристів. Гірші показники зафіксували лише в Париж та знову ж таки в Римі. Великі скупчення людей на популярних площах, у транспортних хабах і біля відомих пам’яток створюють сприятливі умови для кишенькових злодіїв і шахраїв.
Кордони з Європою можуть закрити
Італія та Данія закликають ЄС підготуватися до можливого закриття кордонів у разі масової міграції Прем’єр-міністерки Джорджа Мелоні та Метте Фредеріксен закликали Єврокомісію розглянути створення «запобіжного механізму», який дозволить тимчасово закривати зовнішні кордони ЄС у разі масштабних міграційних потоків. Цю ініціативу обговорили на неформальній зустрічі в Брюсселі за участі 14 глав урядів, а також голови Єврокомісії Урсули фон дер Ляєн, прем’єра Польщі Дональда Туска та канцлера Німеччини Фрідріха Мерца. ❗️У листі наголошується, що Європа не повинна допустити повторення міграційної кризи 2015–2016 років, яка стала серйозним викликом для безпеки та єдності ЄС.
First Ukrainian karaoke night held in Naples
The event brought together fans of music and live communication. The evening was held in a warm and sincere atmosphere. At the beginning, the participants did not know each other, but by the end they were singing in unison, sharing emotions and making new friends. The programme included both Ukrainian folk and contemporary songs and famous Italian songs such as Felicit and Mamma Maria, and it became a unique and special cultural dialogue. The organisers, the Lalla club women's community, thanked all the participants for their presence and support of the event. A new musical meeting is planned for 1 April at the same location: Vomero – Miseria e Nobiltà Via Giambattista Ruoppolo, 125.
Difficulties in obtaining EU citizenship
🔹 Top countries in Europe with the most difficult citizenship obtainment 🇸🇪 Sweden ▪️ Duration of residence: 5 years (it is planned to increase to 8) ▪️ Language: B1 test is required from June 2026 ▪️ ▪️ Income: about 20,000 CZK per month ▪️ Application processing: on average 47 months ▪️ ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed by 🇩🇪 Germany ▪️ Residence period: 5 years ▪️ Language: B1 ▪️ ▪️ Additionally: passing a test on the legislation and life in the country and proof of financial independence ▪️ ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed 🇫🇷 France ▪️ Residence period: 5 years (sometimes 2 years after graduation) . ▪️ Language: B2 (one of the highest requirements in Europe) ▪️ Additionally: integration and knowledge of society exam and a strict financial stability test ▪️ ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed by 🇪🇸 Spain ▪️ Duration of residence: 10 years ▪️ Language: A2 ▪️ ▪️ Optional: passing a test on culture and government. After approval, you must take the oath of allegiance to the King of Spain ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed only for citizens of certain countries 🇮🇹 Italy ▪️ Duration of residence: 10 years (4 years for EU citizens) ▪️ Language: B1 ▪️ ▪️ Consideration: 24–36 months ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed 🇦🇹 Austria ▪️ Residence permit: 10 years (5 years with permanent residence) ▪️ Language: B1 ▪️ Additionally: citizenship test and proof of financial independence ▪️ ▪️ Dual citizenship: mostly not allowed 🇩🇰 Denmark ▪️ Residence requirement: approx. 9 years ▪️ Language: B2 ▪️ Additionally: a difficult citizenship test and a mandatory ceremony with a handshake with an official ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed 🇨🇭 Switzerland ▪️ Residence period: 10 years ▪️ Language: A2 written / B1 spoken ▪️ ▪️ Special feature: active integration into the local community is important. Decisions are made by the federal government, the canton and the local community ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed in 🇳🇴 Norway ▪️ Duration of residence: 5-8 years ▪️ Language: B1 ▪️ Test: social studies ▪️ ▪️ Dual citizenship: allowed