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Free online programme for Ukrainian refugee women in the field of tech and digital
The free online Pathway programme is set to launch again in Italy, aimed at women who have experienced forced displacement and wish to start a career in the tech sector. According to UA Service HUB, the programme will run from 10 June to 29 July 2026 and will take place every Wednesday from 18:00 to 20:00 in Italian 💻 What the programme offers Participants will receive: • career guidance in the fields of cybersecurity, data analysis, front-end and back-end development; • basic skills in using digital tools; • an understanding of the Italian labour market and its regulations; • the opportunity to improve their Italian through teamwork on a project under the guidance of a mentor. ⸻ 👩💼 Who can take part Women are invited to participate who: • identify as women; • are asylum seekers or have international protection (refugees, temporary or subsidiary protection); • are over 18 years of age; • have basic computer skills and know how to use Google tools; • have a level of Italian no lower than A2; • are willing to attend sessions every Wednesday ⸻ 🤝 Additional support The organisers have arranged for logistical IT support and babysitting for participants during online sessions. The programme is implemented with the support of Sistech. Applications can be submitted until 30 April 2026 via the link: https://sis.tech/apply/ For further enquiries, please contact us via email: italy@sis.tech Experts at UA Service HUB note that the initiative opens up new opportunities for the integration of female refugees into the Italian labour market and helps them take their first steps in the promising field of technology
Revival: the story of Ukrainian designer Victoria Fenix
We would like to introduce one of our registered users on the UA Service HUB platform – designer Viktoria Fenix. Before the full-scale war in Ukraine, Viktoria ran a successful fashion business, managing her own clothing production facility, fulfilling wholesale orders for women’s clothing and developing her own brand. She offered wedding dresses, evening gowns and designer clothing chosen by women for important occasions: weddings, celebrations and formal events. It was a brand associated with quality, elegance and a professional approach to design. After moving to Italy, to the Salerno region, Viktoria Fenix literally started from scratch. She relaunched her business under the brand name Abiti da Sposa Salerno. Today she offers: • bespoke wedding dresses • bespoke evening dresses • hire of wedding and evening dresses in Italy • bespoke dressmaking for special occasions. Her work combines Ukrainian craftsmanship with Italian fashion and style, making it unique in the local market. Viktoria Fenix works with both Italian clients and the Ukrainian diaspora in Italy. This is the choice for those seeking exclusive wedding dresses in Italy, created with heart and soul. Aside from her professional life, Viktoria is a single mum raising her son on her own. Her personal story adds depth to the brand: she is not just a fashion designer, but an example of successful integration in Italy, building a business from scratch, and female empowerment.
Italy proposes to give Ukraine fishing nets to fight drones
A bill has been presented to the Italian Senate proposing the voluntary transfer of decommissioned fishing nets to Ukraine. The initiative has been backed by politicians, including Silvia Fregolent. The bill provides for compensation to businesses, centralised logistics via the Ministry of Defence, and the subsequent transfer of materials to Ukraine. Senator Ivan Scalfarotto noted that the nets can effectively intercept low-cost drones, and such measures are already helping to reduce the risk of attacks on civilians. The Senate meeting was attended by representatives of Ukrainian-Italian associations, including NAU – Network Associazioni per Ucraina and UaMi. As NAU President Dmytro Shchukin noted, this initiative sends a clear signal: Italy’s national interests and solidarity with Ukraine can go hand in hand.
Almost 35% of Czechs fear that Ukrainians are taking away their jobs
How Czechs feel about Ukrainian refugees — survey results 🔹 What the survey revealed ➖ Around 60% of Czechs consider Ukrainians a ‘problematic minority’ ➖ 36.7% — neutral attitude ➖ 21.5% — quite positive ➖ 20.6% — mostly negative experience ➖ 8.1% — very negative. According to analysts, attitudes are often shaped by the media and one’s surroundings, rather than personal experience. 🔹 Why Ukrainians are considered a ‘problem’ ➖ 67.7% — because of social benefits ➖ 50.3% — believe that Ukrainians do not integrate well ➖ 33.7% — are convinced that they take jobs away 🔹 At the same time, there is also the opposite view ➖ 82.1% acknowledge that Ukrainians do the work that locals do not want to do ➖ 81.5% say they fill the labour shortage 🔹 Who has a more positive attitude The most positive attitude is found among students and people with higher education. They are more likely to view Ukrainians as beneficial to the economy and society.
Business Woman magazine becomes a partner of the UA Service Hub project
Business Woman magazine has become a partner of our UA Service Hub project 🤝 This is an important step and a powerful synergy that will help promote Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Italy, strengthen their presence and open up new opportunities for cooperation and development. Together, we are creating a space for support, visibility and growth for Ukrainian businesses abroad
Italian volunteers who died in Ukraine honoured in Rome
A ceremony was held in Rome, at the Basilica of San Andrea della Valle, to honour Italian volunteers who were killed or went missing whilst defending Ukraine. The event was organised by STUR, an association of volunteers and their families. The solemn ceremony was attended by veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war, family members of those killed and missing, members of the Italian Parliament from various political groups, representatives of the clergy, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash, and representatives of organisations supporting the front lines and, in particular, Italian volunteers. Three flags – the Ukrainian, Italian and European flags – were laid at the makeshift memorial featuring photos of the Heroes. 📷photo from Oles Horodotskyi’s Facebook page
The EU is discussing toughening protection conditions for Ukrainians after 2027 - Radio Liberty
The European Commission is preparing a reform of the temporary protection mechanism, which remains in force until March 2027. Options under consideration include restrictions based on region of origin, a separate approach for men of conscription age, and the introduction of a new status for the most vulnerable groups. The issue has been brought back to the table because the transition of Ukrainians to other forms of residence in the EU is proceeding too slowly, and an abrupt end to protection could overwhelm asylum systems. The European Commission plans to submit its final proposal in May.
Smokers in Italy started to pay for medicines to get rid of the habit
Italy has approved reimbursement through the national health service for a citisine-based medication – this is the first smoking cessation treatment now officially funded by the state. The medication is called *Recigar*, the course lasts 25 days, and its aim is to reduce nicotine cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. In Italy, it is recommended for people aged 18 to 65. It should be noted that smoking remains a problem in Italy: it is estimated that tobacco is linked to more than 90,000 deaths a year, whilst the direct and indirect costs to the healthcare system and the economy exceed €26 billion annually.
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church opened in Bagnoli
On 29 March 2026, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community was inaugurated at the Church of “SS. Salvatore, Santi Angeli Custodi e San Gaetano Thiene”, located at: Parco San Laise (ex NATO Base), Viale della Liberazione, 1, 80125 – Bagnoli – Naples. This is an important event for the Ukrainian community in the region, which now has its own place for prayer, spiritual fellowship and holding services in their native language. The church is open to all who seek communal prayer, support and the preservation of Ukrainian spiritual traditions abroad.