Our Blog
Useful articles and news
Excluded with a scandal: Putinist ballerina will not perform at a gala concert in Rome
The organisers of the famous ballet show Les Etoiles, which is to take place on 20 and 21 March in Rome, have officially removed Svetlana Zakharova, prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, from the list of participants. Political past: The 46-year-old ballerina, although born in Ukraine, is an ardent supporter of the Russian dictator. From 2008 to 2012, she was a member of the State Duma from Putin's United Russia party. This is not the first time the artist has been cancelled in Italy. In January, her performance was blocked in Florence after strong protests from the Ukrainian embassy.
Ukrainian women in Italy make another solidarity calendar
Ukrainian women who have taken refuge from the war in Italy have created the Association for Social Assistance C.R.A.S.A. APS to implement creative projects and provide support.Ode to the association's initiatives is the solidarity calendar. This is a social project with the participation of Ukrainian women currently living in Italy. The author and organiser of the project Zhanna Zhukova emphasises: «This project has already become a good tradition. People are waiting for it, they want to participate in it. It is a platform for girls to say, 'Even in another country, I exist, I have achievements, I am strong, I am a Ukrainian woman. This year's feature of the calendar was a photo shoot in Ukrainian embroidered shirts from the collection of Anna Marchuk, which set the main visual tone for the entire project. Anna's workshop is known for products with traditional Ukrainian embroidery - from embroidered shirts for children and adults to dresses with luxurious ornaments, embroidered women's shoes, bags, backpacks and accessories. Some models are made exclusively for individual orders, which makes each image in the calendar unique. The money raised for the calendar goes to charity. This year, the association is cooperating with the Talan.ua foundation from Kharkiv, which helps the military and improves bomb shelters.The calendar's models are women who have achieved results in their professional activities, business, education or social work Many of the models came to Italy at the beginning of the full-scale invasion and are now finding their way in a foreign country. Gennaio – Sasha Mazhorka – a popular blogger from MilanFebbraio – Tatiana Smolyak – has her own business, volunteers, helps stray animals;Marzo – Tetiana Shavolina, has her own business in the beauty industryAprile – Tetiana Shnaider, has her own business in the beauty industryMagio – Olha Oriekhova, - musician, activist, volunteerGiugno – Olena Nudzhevska, entrepreneur, created a successful business in Italy - an online store selling security and video surveillance systemsLuglio – Roksolana Solonetskaya, has his own business in the beauty industryAgosto – Katerina Klimenko, certified translator of Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish at the Court of Naples and in legal institutions; make-up artist and hair stylistSettembre Alina Nefidova, professional model;Ottobre – Julia Duknich, manager of an elite hotel complexNovembre – Olga Bigunenko, manager in the field of tourismDicembre – Olena Braha, psychologist, facilitator, educator for young people, professionally engaged in dancing . Make-up and hairstyle: Olga Martyniuk, Iryna Tkachova, Kateryna Klimenko, Lino de Matteo. Photos were taken on a volunteer basis by Ukrainian photographers currently working in Italy - Iryna Levytska, Ilya Dimitro; Anastasia Alikas, Yuriy Chartorynsky, Zhanna Zhukova. The Ukrainian Women in Italy 2026 calendar is not only a visual project, but also a testament to the strength, solidarity and visibility of Ukrainian women abroad, who continue to create, support and inspire even in times of war. The first copy of the calendar was recently presented in Naples. During the event, the women also got acquainted with the international glossy Business Woman .
What specialists are in short supply in Europe
The European labour market is facing a serious shortage of personnel, especially in the fields of IT, artificial intelligence, medicine and engineering. The study covered 41 countries and about 39,000 employers. The results showed that about 7 out of 10 companies have difficulty finding employees. 🔹 Countries with the greatest shortage of staff 📈 Employers in the following countries have the greatest difficulty finding workers: 🇸🇰 Slovakia - 87% of companies are unable to fill vacancies 🇬🇷 Greece - 84% 🇩🇪 Germany - 83% 🇵🇹 Portugal - 82% 📉 A smaller shortage of workers was recorded: 🇵🇱 Poland — 57% 🇫🇮 Finland — 60% 🇨🇿 Czech Republic — 61% 🔹 The problem is growing rapidly Back in 2006, only about 40% of employers reported difficulties in hiring. In 2026, this figure rose to 72%, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. 🔹 The most scarce industries The most difficult areas for companies to find employees are in the following areas: ▪ IT — 75% ▪ Hotel and restaurant business — 74% ▪ Healthcare — 74% ▪ Scientific and technical services — 73% 🔹 What specialists are needed most In many European countries, the greatest demand is now for specialists in the field of artificial intelligence and IT. This is especially true in France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. 🔹 Where engineers are most sought after The demand for engineers is particularly high in the following countries: 🇸🇪 Sweden — 26% of vacancies 🇳🇱 Netherlands — 28% 🇨🇿 Czech Republic — 31% 🇸🇰 Slovakia — 31% 🔹 Demand for logistics and HR In some countries, the shortage is also related to other professions: 🇧🇪 Belgium — logistics (19%) 🇮🇪 Ireland — logistics (18%) 🇳🇴 Norway — logistics (18%) 🇬🇷 Greece — HR professionals (21%)
Refugees returning home: statistical research
Who among Ukrainian refugees plans to return home and who will stay abroad About 43% of Ukrainian refugees plan to return to Ukraine, while 36% have other plans and do not consider returning. These are the results of a study by the Centre for Economic Strategy. 🔹 Ukrainians abroad after four years of full-scale war According to researchers, as of January 2026, about 5.6 million citizens are outside Ukraine. ▪️ The main characteristics of refugees: ➖ 71% of adults have higher education ➖ 66% are people of working age ➖ A significant part of them left big cities - Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa ➖ At the same time, 40% of refugees are adult women, but the share of men is gradually increasing 🔹 How many people can return ▪️ Researchers consider two scenarios of Ukrainians' return: ➖ Optimistic - about 2 million people will return ➖ Pessimistic - only 1 million to 1.3 million Older people, especially those aged 50+ (about half), are most likely to return, while young people are much less likely to return (about a third). 🔹 Four groups of Ukrainian refugees The study divides Ukrainian refugees into four clusters according to their intentions to return home.▪️ Classic war refugees - 39% People who left because of hostilities or occupation. These are middle-aged people, 27% of them are over 50 years old. A significant proportion are from the east of the country. ➖ 63% of them want to return ➖ 90% have temporary protection in European countries ▪️ New life trajectory - 22% Mostly young people under 35. They left relatively safe regions, consciously choosing a new path. Financially, they are the most successful refugees, with every second having a job in their speciality or qualification and working full-time. Only 12% plan to return.▪️ With strong ties to Ukraine - 22% These people have integrated well, but retain close ties to their homeland. ➖ 51% plan to return ➖ 19% have an income from their home country ➖ 55% regularly send money to Ukraine ▪️ Economically vulnerable - 17% Mostly single mothers or women with difficulties in finding employment and language skills. They often depend on social assistance, but rarely think about returning. 🔹 A demographic challenge for Ukraine About 31% of Ukrainian refugees are children under 18, and 56% are people under 35. Researchers warn that such a migration pattern creates a serious demographic problem, as the country is losing a significant portion of its young and working population.
Ukrainians will be able to receive free legal aid in 28 countries
The Verkhovna Rada has supported Ukraine's accession to the Convention on International Access to Justice. This means that Ukrainians will be able to receive free legal aid in 28 member states. What it means: • the opportunity to apply to foreign courts under a simplified procedure • exemption from legalisation of documents • the opportunity to receive free legal assistance abroad The list of countries includes, in particular: France, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Switzerland and others. The Ministry of Justice notes that joining the convention will expand access to free legal aid for Ukrainian citizens and simplify the protection of their rights abroad.
Ukraine is alive: Crasa APS prepares a symbolic performance in Naples
During the rally dedicated to the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Crasa APS prepared a symbolic performance: a girl dressed in an embroidered shirt and a wreath with charred ears of grain fed the audience with a loaf of bread. "The enemy is trying to destroy our country every day, destroying our people and our land. They wanted to take the country in three days, but even after four terrible years, Ukraine is alive. And even in the darkest times, the life, culture and voice of the people do not disappear. Naples heard this voice. And this voice says simply: Ukraine is alive.
Нові правила для користування електромобілем у країнах ЄС
ЄС вводить нові правила для електромобілів: що змінить стандарт Євро-7 Європейський Союз вперше поширює екостандарт на плагін-гібриди. Нові вимоги почнуть діяти з кінця 2026 року і стосуватимуться не лише викидів, а й довговічності батарей та інших джерел забруднення. Вимоги до батарей Вперше встановлено мінімальний рівень збереження ємності акумуляторів: • не менше 80% через 5 років або 100 тис. км; • не менше 72% через 8 років або 160 тис. км. Контроль нових джерел забруднення Стандарт враховує не тільки вихлоп, а й частинки від гальм і зносу шин, які утворюються навіть у електрокарів. Жорсткіші перевірки протягом усього життя авто Автомобілі тестуватимуть у більшій кількості умов, а відповідність екостандартам контролюватимуть протягом усього терміну експлуатації. Фактично Євро-7 робить акцент не лише на зменшенні викидів, а й на довговічності електромобілів і реальному екологічному впливі транспорту.
Charity dinner in Ukrainian style at Anastasia restaurant
Ukrainian flavour, useful competitions, promotion of traditions and donations for good causes. This was the charity dinner organised by CRASA APS. We are sincerely grateful to the Anastasia restaurant for their continued support of our initiatives. Almost everyone adhered to the dress code and came in brightly coloured embroidered shirts, both traditional and modern. It was a real joy to feel that Ukrainian culture is beautiful and inspiring. Special thanks to everyone who contributed with donations. Following the results of our 'calendar' journey, we will be able to transfer €1,000 to the Talan.ua charity foundation, which is engaged in the improvement of bomb shelters.
Fourth anniversary of the full-scale war: a peaceful march in support of Ukraine took place in Naples
A large rally and peaceful march was held in Naples to mark the tragic anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hundreds of people came to support the initiative with placards and flags. On that day, Dante, Plebiscito and Toledo streets turned yellow and blue. The CRASA APS Association took part in this important event, prepared a symbolic performance and treated everyone present to a loaf of bread. "The enemy destroys our people, our land, our bread every day. They wanted to take the country in three days, but after four terrible years, Ukraine is here, Ukraine is alive. Glory to Ukraine!