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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
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%)