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Embroidery festival: Ukrainian culture unites community in Italy
On 23 May, the picturesque town of Merano hosted a warm and heartfelt Vyshyvanka Festival, organised by representatives of the C.R.A.S.A. APS association. The event was a true celebration of unity and a reminder of the importance of preserving Ukrainian traditions, roots and cultural heritage, even far from the homeland. Ukrainians from various regions of Italy took part in the event, creating an atmosphere of support, warmth and mutual love. Guests had the opportunity to visit an exhibition of antique embroidered shirts, a fair featuring handmade goods, and to immerse themselves in Ukrainian traditions through lively conversation and cultural activities. Particular attention was drawn to the charity project ‘Calendar of Solidarity. Ukrainian Women in Italy’, aimed at supporting important initiatives for Ukraine. The highlight of the event was a fashion show featuring the ‘Mama’s Shirt’ collection by Oksana Shoorlemmer — a modern reinterpretation of Ukrainian embroidery in elegant designs. The event was made all the more emotional by a musical performance from YAMARYNA, whose renditions of Ukrainian and original songs created a special atmosphere of sincerity and unity. As noted by the event’s organiser, Ukrainian journalist Nadiya Bereziuk, who is also a representative of the CRASA association, such events help to promote Ukrainian culture in Italy and create a space where Ukrainians feel at home. “The festival has proven once again: Ukrainian culture is alive and inspiring,” adds Nadiya Bereziuk. It is worth noting that the event’s partner is Business Women magazine.
Vyshyvanka Day: Ukrainians from different cities of Italy organised a flash mob
Today marks Vyshyvanka Day. In the run-up to the event, Ukrainians from various cities across Italy took to the streets to remind the world once again of their culture, identity and resilience. Activists and communities from Trento, Merano, Rome and Naples joined the initiatives. The patterns on the vyshyvanka are the outward expressions of our soul. Sometimes our heart is stitched with cross-stitch, sometimes mended with black thread. But despite everything, it blossoms. Just as strong, beautiful and unbreakable. Even when worn abroad, the vyshyvanka is a reminder of who we are. “Today, the Ukrainian community in Merano, to mark the 20th anniversary of Vyshyvanka Day, is supporting Business Woman magazine’s initiative — ‘The Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Supports the World’. The community of Naples and the CRASA APS association have also joined the campaign,” notes Nadiya Bereziuk, director of the Italian office of Business Woman magazine. The community of Trento — the Associazione culturale degli ucraini in Trentino RASOM APS, whose president is Book World Records holder Stefania Shmits — also took part in the campaign. Incidentally, another event is scheduled for 21 May at 7.00 pm in the centre of Naples – the ‘Dateci le Ali’ association is inviting people to a flash mob at the Galeria Umberto near the Toledo metro station. “Let’s put on our festive embroidered shirts to remind everyone once again of the culture, traditions and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people,” the announcement reads.
Vyshyvanka Day in Rome: Ukrainians will gather on the Spanish Steps
🇺🇦 In the very heart of Rome, on the Spanish Steps, Ukrainians will gather to celebrate World Vyshyvanka Day — a festival that has long since become not just a beautiful tradition, but a symbol of resilience, remembrance and unity for Ukrainians around the world. On 21 May 2026 at 17:00, Piazza di Spagna will once again be ablaze with Ukrainian colours, voices and embroidered shirts. It is here that Rome’s Ukrainian community holds this event every year, transforming one of Italy’s most famous locations into a space for Ukrainian culture and a living presence of Ukraine in Europe. The event is organised by the associations Ucraina CreAttiva APS Roma, Congresso degli Ucraini in Italia and Associazione culturale Europea Italia-Ucraina Maidan, which have been supporting the Ukrainian community in Rome for many years, bringing people together around cultural, social and community initiatives and preserving Ukraine’s presence in the heart of Italy.
It will become even more difficult for Russian tourists to come to Italy
Italy has introduced new restrictions for Russian citizens applying for Schengen visas. Following a high-profile scandal involving the illegal issuance of visas through diplomatic channels, Italian visa centres in Russia have changed their application procedures. From 12 May, the VMS and Almaviva centres will no longer accept applications via intermediaries, agents, couriers, authorised representatives or travel agencies. Applicants must now visit the visa centre in person with their passport and a prior booking made via the online system. The reason for this decision was the scandal surrounding the former Italian ambassador to Uzbekistan. According to media reports, the Italian diplomat is suspected of involvement in the illegal issuance of long-term Schengen visas to Russian citizens in circumvention of established rules. The investigation files mention sums ranging from 4,000 to 16,000 euros for a single such ‘service’. The Uzbekistan route attracted particular attention. Following the outbreak of full-scale war against Ukraine, Russian citizens often sought alternative ways to obtain European visas outside Russia — notably through consulates in third countries. Such routes became popular due to the more complex application procedure within Russia itself, a shortage of appointment slots, and a general tightening of controls by EU countries. The new rules effectively eliminate one of the most common methods of submitting documents — through an intermediary. Previously, an applicant could hand over their passport, application form, insurance, booking confirmation and other documents to an agent or courier, who would then submit the package to the visa centre on their behalf. This option is now closed: personal attendance has become mandatory. This could significantly complicate the process of obtaining an Italian Schengen visa. The problem will primarily affect those living outside Moscow or St Petersburg, in the regions. People will now have to travel to the visa centre in person, book an appointment, pay for travel and wait for available slots. Tour operators are already warning that, due to the increased workload, processing times may lengthen, and the entire process could in some cases take up to several months. This is particularly problematic for the summer tourist season. Italy has traditionally been one of the most popular European destinations among Russians: Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily were among the most sought-after destinations. However, even having tickets, hotel bookings and financial documents no longer guarantees a quick application. The main bottleneck is not the visa itself, but the ability to book an appointment. An interesting fact: in the Schengen system, the visa itself is not an absolute guarantee of entry. The final decision is made by the border guard at the border. Even with a valid visa, you may be asked to confirm the purpose of your trip, your accommodation booking, your return ticket, your insurance and your financial means. Following corruption scandals and tighter controls, such checks may become even more thorough. Another important point is that Italy has long remained one of the EU countries that continued to issue Schengen tourist visas to Russians more readily than some other EU states. For example, the Baltic states, Poland, the Czech Republic and a number of other countries imposed much stricter restrictions on tourist entry for Russian citizens. Against this backdrop, Italy appeared to be a more accessible destination for many applicants. This is precisely why the crackdown on intermediary schemes could have a significant practical impact. Formally, Italy has not imposed a complete ban on issuing visas to Russians, but has made the procedure less convenient, more tightly controlled and less suitable for mass ‘bulk’ processing through agencies. In fact, the new rules have several objectives. Firstly, to reduce the risk of submitting fictitious or dubious documents. Secondly, to complicate the work of illegal intermediaries who profited from the shortage of slots and “accompanying” applicants. Thirdly, to demonstrate that, following the visa scandal, Italy is tightening controls and attempting to protect the reputation of its consular system. At the same time, for ordinary applicants, this means more red tape. Now they must keep an eye out for available dates themselves, compile the correct set of documents, attend the appointment in person, and be prepared for a longer wait. An error in the documents or the absence of the required confirmation could result in wasted time and the need to book a new appointment. Thus, Italy has not closed the door to Russian tourists entirely, but has significantly narrowed the scope for ‘convenient’ processing via third parties. In practice, this could lead to longer queues, higher costs for support services, increased demand for scarce slots, and the cancellation of some summer trips. The visa scandal has shown that even in traditionally popular tourist destinations, Europe is gradually moving towards stricter and more personalised checks on applicants.
"Invisible Pavilion" of deceased Ukrainian artists appears at the Venice Biennale
Ukrainian activists have organised a powerful anti-Russian campaign at the Venice Biennale. An ‘Invisible Pavilion’ dedicated to deceased Ukrainian artists has appeared in the city. This is a symbolic art project honouring Ukrainian artists, writers, directors and cultural figures who were killed by Russia. The pavilion exists only in the form of posters and manifestos placed throughout the city’s streets. They announce exhibitions, film screenings, book launches and artistic events. But each of these announcements is crossed out by a chilling message: ‘CANCELLED, because the author was killed by Russia’. According to UA Service HUB, the initiative belongs to activists from the Network of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (NAU). QR codes on the posters lead to the digital archive of PEN Ukraine, which contains works, films, books and stories by artists whose voices have been silenced forever by the war. “The Venice Biennale of Art is a space where countries present their cultural voices and finest contemporary artists to the world. The ‘Invisible Pavilion’ transforms Venice into a space of remembrance for the lives destroyed, the creative paths cut short and the stolen future of Ukrainian culture,” note the campaign’s organisers.
Pussy Riot and FEMEN block Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale
Pussy Riot and FEMEN staged a joint protest outside the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale. The activists blocked the entrance to the pavilion, speaking out against Russia’s participation in one of Europe’s most prestigious art events against the backdrop of the ongoing war against Ukraine. According to the protesters, the Russian state uses culture as a propaganda tool, concealing war crimes and destruction behind art exhibitions. Representatives of FEMEN and Pussy Riot stated that “every work presented in the Russian pavilion stands on an invisible foundation — Ukrainian blood”. During the performance, the activists held placards reading: “Russia kills — the Biennale exhibits”, “Blood — the art of Russia” and “Art for the façade — graves below”. They also called on the Biennale organisers to show the “reality of war”: destroyed Ukrainian cities, mass graves and the consequences of Russian missile strikes on civilians. According to UAService Hub, this action marked the first joint public initiative by Pussy Riot and FEMEN. Both movements are known for their protests against authoritarianism, dictatorships and Russian imperialist policies. The protest was accompanied by an attempt to break into the Russian pavilion and attracted significant attention from the police and Biennale visitors.
"A Million Trees of Remembrance: Italian activists join the world record
The global campaign ‘A Million Trees in a Day!’ achieved an impressive result — 1,102,365 trees planted in memory and for life across 575 locations in 30 countries around the world. This was reported to the Book World Record representatives. The initiative brought together hundreds of locations and thousands of people around a common goal — honouring the memory of those who died for Ukraine and restoring the planet’s ecosystem. According to UA Service HUB, the directors of the international offices of Business Woman magazine actively joined this large-scale campaign — women who not only shape business communities in various countries but also become part of global social change. In various corners of the world — from Europe to North America — they planted trees alongside Ukrainian communities and international partners as a symbol of life, remembrance and resilience. The geographical scope of participation is impressive: Norway, Armenia, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Spain, Paraguay, Germany, Moldova, Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, France, Slovenia, South Korea, Canada, the USA — and these are just some of the countries where the Business Woman team has become part of this global movement. Ukrainian activists in Italy have also actively joined this initiative. “Special thanks to Ms Natalia Natalì YA from Rovereto and Ms Yaroslava Vyshnevska from Bergamo, who took part in this record-breaking attempt and proved that even under difficult conditions, it is possible to act quickly and effectively,” said Nadiya Bereziuk, director of the Italian office of Business Woman magazine.
Talking about Ukraine: a powerful cultural event was held in Naples
The opening of the exhibition by Ukrainian photographers in Naples was a great success. The event formed part of the prologue to the 11th edition of ‘Imbavagliati – International Festival of Citizen Journalism’ and was held with the support of journalist Desiree Klein and the Fondazione Plart museum. The CRASA Aps association played a key role in organising and delivering the event, acting as the initiator of the Ukrainian community’s participation and the programme coordinator. Thanks to these joint efforts, a rich and emotionally cohesive event was created, bringing together photography, documentary film and performance art. The exhibition was dedicated to the innocent victims of the war in Ukraine — women and children. The exhibition featured works by Ukrainian photographers Oleksandr Gimanov, Taras Fedorenko and Viktoria Govorushchenko. Their projects explore the theme of war through a female perspective — profound, personal and yet full of inner strength. According to UA Service HUB, the programme also included an emotional performance and a screening of a documentary from the ‘The Will to Win’ project, which tells the story of the young gymnast Oleksandra Pascal. The girl lost her leg as a result of a rocket strike on her home, but after rehabilitation she returned to training, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience. An additional artistic highlight of the event was a musical performance by Ukrainian artist Svitlana Khronenko and visual elements that enhanced the overall impression of the event. The organisers emphasise that the main aim of the event was to give Ukraine a voice and, through art, convey the human dimension of war to the international community. Thanks to the coordinating role of Crasa Aps, this task was carried out to a high standard.
The number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU has increased
Over the past month, the number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU has risen by 22,415. This is according to Eurostat data. According to UA service HUB, as of the end of February, 4.40 million Ukrainians were granted temporary protection in the EU.The increase stands at +0.5%. 📈 Leaders in terms of growth: 🇩🇪 Germany — +7,245 (+0.6%) 🇨🇿 Czech Republic — +2,445 (+0.6%) 🇪🇸 Spain — +2,425 (+0.9%) 📉 Countries from which the most Ukrainians left: 🇪🇪 Estonia — 710 (−2.1%) 🇫🇷 France — 465 (−0.9%) 🇱🇺 Luxembourg — 5 (−0.1%) 📊 Overall breakdown ➖ Adult women — 43.5% ➖ Children — 30.2% ➖ Men — 26.3%