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Italy in support of Ukraine

Italy support of Ukraine

Italy condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
Italy highlights its unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, full sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognized borders and its proactive engagement within the Euro-Atlantic community efforts to support Ukraine.
Italy also fully supports Ukraine’s European path and actively contributed to the granting of EU candidate status to Kyiv.
In coordination with partners, we strongly condemned Russia’s sham referenda and annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia and shall never recognize such illegal acts. The Russian Ambassador in Rome was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 3rd 2022 to convey these messages.
We also support Ukraine’s future reconstruction, in line with the principles and commitments endorsed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference that took place in Lugano on 4-5 July 2022. In line with the priorities of our diplomatic action, we call on Russia to immediately cease hostilities, ensure safe passage to civilians by agreeing and respecting humanitarian corridors, and to refrain from any action that may affect civilian and critical infrastructures or nuclear facilities.
Italy strongly condemns Russian strikes against civilian and critical infrastructure, which continue worsening the humanitarian situation and civilians’ conditions. Italy is ready to work with its partners to bolster Ukraine’s infrastructure resilience, as stated at the Paris Conference on 13 December 2022, where Italy pledged 10 million Euros.
Italy continues to urge Russia to put immediately an end to its escalatory measures, including the irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, and stresses that any use of nuclear weapons by Russia will be met with severe consequences.
We reject Russia’s actions at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and the increasing pressures exerted on the staff of the site. The safety, security and safeguards of the nuclear facility are crucial and we fully support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts in this regard.
Italy is in favor of a just peace under Kyiv’s full ownership. Italy appreciates President Zelensky’s formula for peace and supports the plan in principle.
Italy also continues to call on Russia to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire and humanitarian measures with a view to elaborating a shared and sustainable solution to the conflict.
Italy deems it important that channels of communication between Ukraine and Russia remain as open as possible. This has led to practical and localized agreements, such as on the exchanges of prisoners and on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which have brought some relief.
Italy will continue to exert pressure on Russia by engaging in the multilateral sphere to ensure Russia’s isolation in light of its wanton disregard for the values, principles and norms of the international order, and to pursue its accountability for the gross violations it has committed and continues to perpetrate.
During its mandate as Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Italy presided over the Committee’s decision that ruled that membership of the Russian Federation in the Council of Europe ceased as from 16 March.
In the OSCE, Italy joined the decision to activate twice the OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Human Dimension to establish a mission of experts to address the human rights and humanitarian impacts of the Russian Federation’s invasion and acts of war on the people of Ukraine.
Italy supports action by the EU aimed at isolating and putting pressure on Russia in the various WTO groups and meetings as well as to suspending concessions or other obligations with respect to the Russian Federation, such as the most-favoured-nation treatment. Likewise, it supports EU action to suspend the accession process of Belarus.
At the same time, Italy is urging key players to push Russia to exercise restraint and move closer to a diplomatic solution of the crisis through peace talks.
Italy is working with like-minded partners to detect, prevent, monitor and react to Russian disinformation and information manipulation and interference.
Italy joined more than 40 partners in the referral of the situation in Ukraine to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, in order to expedite investigations on alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed in Ukraine. In response to the request made by Prosecutor Khan, Italy has committed a voluntary contribution of half a million Euros to the Trust Fund established by the Office of the Prosecutor and expressed availability to deploy several experts to support the Court’s investigations. It is also providing an additional contribution to the Trust Fund for victims.
Together with its partners, Italy has repeatedly affirmed its support for Ukraine’s application instituting proceedings against Russia before the International Court of Justice under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Last 15 September Italy, invoking article 63 of the Court’s Statute, officially filed a declaration of intervention in the said case.
Italy intervened as third party in the proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights concerning Ukraine’s allegations of mass and gross human-rights violations committed by the Russian Federation in its military operations.
Italy co-sponsored and voted in favour of the adoption of five Resolutions approved by the United Nations General Assembly on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and of the “Veto-Initiative” Resolution, which establishes that, following a veto in the Security Council, the General Assembly is automatically convened within 10 days. Also at the UN General Assembly, in December 2022, Italy co-sponsored and voted in favor of resolution on the situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and in the city of Sevastopol promoted by Ukraine.
Italy joined the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine and has recently joined the Core Group dedicated to achieving accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Within the Human Rights Council (HRC) Italy actively supported Ukrainian initiatives to address ongoing violations of human rights and to promote accountability. At the beginning of March 2022 Italy supported the request to hold an urgent debate on the human rights situation in Ukraine and was among the first co-sponsors of the HRC resolution, which established an independent international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, which are occurring in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. On the occasion of the 49th HRC session, together with other 50 countries (including all EU MS, US and UK), Italy also joined a cross-regional joint statement promoted by Poland expressing deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia. Also within the HRC, together with other 54 Countries, including all EU MS, Italy has supported the convening of the Special Session on the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression held on the 12th of May that led to the adoption of a Resolution co-sponsored by all EU MS and adopted with a large majority (33 votes in favor, 2 against and 12 abstentions), which further details and strengthens the mandate of the CoI. Within the 51th session of the HRC (September-October 2022), Italy co-sponsored a side-event promoted by Ukraine on the issue of accountability. We continued to raise the attention on the human rights situation in Ukraine within the Human Rights Council, including by intervening in our national capacity in the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on his report addressing killings of civilians committed in parts of the Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy regions of Ukraine between 24 February and 6 April 2022. In November 2022, Italy also decided to provide a financial contribution amounting to EUR 500.000 to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support the work of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. The first amount (EUR 375.000) was already transferred in December 2022.
Italy co-sponsored the Decision, recently adopted by UNESCO Executive Board, to alleviate the consequences of war on Ukraine’s Heritage. Moreover, Italy has been closely involved in finding a solution to the thorny problem of the Presidency of the World Heritage Committee, tasked to protect the World Heritage, entrusted to Russia, responsible for the destruction of Ukrainian Heritage. As a consequence, Italy has been instrumental in fostering a general agreement in the Committee, which resulted in the replacement of the Russian Chairman. Italy, in coordination with UNESCO, provided the Ukrainian authorities with the technical expertise to prepare the candidature file of the Historic Centre of Odessa as a World Heritage Site. Italy is also providing support to monitor the damage to the Ukrainian Heritage, with a special focus on UNESCO World Heritage Sites and those on the Ukrainian Tentative List, as well as other sites of national interest.
Italy voted the suspension of all activities run by the OECD with Russia and a consequent decision by the OECD Council was adopted. Moreover, Italy, as Chair of the 2022 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, has proposed to discuss the crisis in Ukraine at the MCM in June, the most important yearly meeting of the Organization; the proposal was accepted.
Italy supported the decision of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to convene an extraordinary session of the General Assembly; and on 27 April 2022 voted in favour of the suspension of the Russian Federation from membership in the Organization.
Italy has also contributed to the approval of the regulation of the Council of the EU of 24 May 2022 allowing for temporary trade liberalisation and other trade concessions with regard to certain Ukrainian products, a measure which can significantly support Ukraine’s economy.

 

 

  • Italy has so far approved 6 substantial military support packages to the defence of Ukraine, inclusive of both lethal and non-lethal equipment based on the needs of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
  • On January 24, 2023, the Italian Parliament definitively approved the conversion into Law of the Law Decree no.185 of 2 December 2022, extending the authorization to supply further military equipment to Ukraine through the year 2023;
  • Italy has so far provided a series of courses and specialised training activities on a bilateral basis in favour of the Ukrainian Armed Forces; other similar activities are ongoing and planned; On January 27, 2023, the Italian Minister of Defence and the French Minister of the Armed Forces announced the decision to donate jointly a medium-long range air defence and anti-missile system SAMP/T to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as to organize and conduct jointly the training of Ukrainian personnel on the same system;
  • Since the very first meeting, the Italian Defence is part of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group – also called “Ramstein Group” – leaded by the U.S.A. in order to better coordinate and calibrate military aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In this regard, an Italian Liaison Officer is deployed within the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine at the U.S. European Command in order to have a better understanding of the priority needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Italian Defence is participating as observer in other international supporting initiatives as: the International Donors Coordination Centre, leaded by UK, and the Copenhagen – Ukraine Initiative.
  • In 2023, Italy ensures participation in the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), concerning about 570 units and a large number of assets in the air and maritime domains; Italy increased readiness of these Forces in accordance with NATO requirements. In 2022 the Italian contribution in the NATO VJTF was of 1350 troops and a large number of assets in the land, air and maritime domains.
  • In accordance with NATO requirements, Italy increased readiness of the Immediate Follow-on Forces Group (IFFG), the reinforcement units of the VJTF, in 2023 concerning about 420 units and a large number of assets in the air and maritime domains. In 2022 the Italian contribution in the IFFG was of about 2400 troops and a large number of assets in the land, air and maritime domains:
    • enhanced Forward Presence (eFP): since 2017 in Latvia, within the framework of the Canadian-led battalion, Italy is deploying 250 troops and around 140 vehicles (light and armored); during 2023 the Italian contingent will increase of around 30 troops;
    • enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA): in Bulgaria, as of October 17th Italy leads, as Framework Nation, the NATO multinational Battlegroup, employing about 700 troops and a large number of vehicles (light and armored);
    • enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA): in Hungary, within the framework of the Hungarian-led NATO multinational Battlegroup, Italy is providing about 250 units and land vehicles;
    • enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA): in Slovakia, where Italy deploys a medium-long range air defence and anti-missile system SAMP/T in order to improve the air defence capability of the country;
    • enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA): in Poland, where Italy is deploying a naval asset with Anti Air Warfare capability in order to improve the air defence capability of the country;
    • enhanced Air Policing (eAP): Italy participates, on a rotational basis, to Air Policing activities across the whole Eastern Flank, from the High North to the Black Sea and the Balkans, The Italian Air Force is currently securing the skies over Romania, employing about 180 units and a 4 combat aircraft;
    • Standing Naval Forces: Italy provides the flagship and contributes to the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) deployed in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, and to the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) constantly employing at least 2 warship and about 200 emabarked units.
  • Italy ensures participation in the European Union Military Assistance Mission – Ukraine (EUMAM) with staff elements and trainers and providing a series of courses and specialised training activities that will carry out in favour of the Ukrainian Armed Forces;
  • So far, Italy contributes about 390 million euros to the Assistance measures in favor of Ukraine provided under the EU’s European Peace Facility, for a total of 3 billion euros.
  • On January 23, 2023, Italy agreed with the EU FAC decision to approve 500 additional million Euros of further financing of military assistance to Ukraine.

Italy worked with its EU and G7 partners to put in place unprecedented sanctions against Russia and Belarus, such as:

  • Freezing of assets belonging to oligarchs and Kremlin-affiliated individuals for over 2.3 billion euros and over 340 million euros of frozen funds. In Italy, asset freezing of listed individuals, groups and entities is carried out by the Financial Security Committee (CSF), an inter-ministerial and national Authorities’ organization chaired by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Treasury). The MFA and other national Authorities (inter alia, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Bank of Italy, Financial Intelligence Unit, Financial Police and Customs and Monopolies Agency) participate in the Committee.
  • Exclusion of 10 major Russian banks (Bank Otkritie, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, Bank Rossiya, Sovcombank, VEB, VTB BANK, Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and JSC Russian Agricultural Bank) from the S.W.I.F.T. banking communication network. For 9 banks (JSC Russian National Commercial Bank, Bank Otkritie, Novikonbank, Promsvyazbank, Bank Rossiya, Sovcombank, VEB, VTB Bank and Sberbank) there is also a full transaction ban. The Russian Regional Development Bank is on the list of Russian State-owned or controlled entities subject to a full transaction ban with EU persons, who are also banned from holding any posts in its governing bodies.
  • Ban of Russian Central Bank transactions and freeze of Central Bank assets in the EU.
  • Targeted sanctions, export controls, a ban on export financing as well as travel bans towards 1473 persons (including Mr. Putin and Mr. Lavrov) and 205
  • EU Member States banks cannot hold bank accounts of Russian individuals or entities, also if only Russian-based, exceeding 100.000 euros.
  • Prohibition of the export of dual-use goods, technological items and small arms, as well as other goods falling under the anti-torture Regulation as well as the transit of such items from the EU through the Russian territory.
  • Prohibition of export of goods and technologies that can contribute to strengthen Russian industrial and military capacity (e.g. quantum computers, advanced semiconductors, semiconductor devices, electronic integrated circuits, photographic cameras, sensitive machinery and transportation equipment, including jet fuel); inclusion of an additional 506 Russian entities subject to import restrictions in the field of the military industry; restrictions and prohibitions on certain categories of chemicals, technological, and spare parts that can also be used in the field of aviation/drones.
  • Prohibition on the purchase and import of coal and items which generate significant revenues for Russia such as: wood, cement, fertilizers -with exceptions related to food security – seafood, liquor, gold, iron and steel, wood pulp and paper, cigarettes, plastics, cosmetics, stones and precious metals and other products such as bitumen, carbon black and synthetic rubber, some of these which (used to) play a relevant role for the Italian industry. Introduced with the ninth package, a ban on investments in mining, excluding a list of raw materials including titanium, aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron ore, mineral fertilizers, including potash and phosphorite, molybdenum, nickel, palladium, rhodium, scandium, vanadium, heavy and light rare earths.
  • The total export ban from the EU to Russia so far is worth 43,5 billion, while the import ban from Russia into the EU is worth 91,3 bln.
  • Measures in the field of visas against Russia: complete suspension of the Visa Facilitation Agreement concluded between the EU and the Russian Federation. Application on the Guide Lines issued by the Commission on general Visa issuance in relation to Russian applicants.
  • Prohibition on crypto assets furthered tightened by banning all crypto-asset wallets, accounts, or custody services, irrespective of the amount of the wallet.
  • EU airspace has been closed to all Russian-owned, Russian-registered, Russian-controlled aircraft. Russian-registered vessels, including those that changed to another flag on or after 24.2.2022, are banned from accessing EU ports. Russian and Belarusian road transport undertaking are also banned to prevent them from transporting goods by road within the EU.
  • Russia Today (RT), Sputnik EU for Rossiya RTR / RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24 and TV Centre International, NTV/NTV Mir, Rossiya 1, REN TV and Pervyi Kanal RT Arabic and Sputnik Arabic are banned from broadcasting in the EU.
  • Prohibition of all transactions with certain state-owned companies which are already subject to refinancing restrictions.
  • Prohibition of participation of Russian companies in public procurement in Member States, and an exclusion of all financial support to Russian public bodies, including EU programs.
  • Prohibition for EU citizens to sit on the boards of entities owned or controlled by the Russian State or of Russian Public Companies, as well as for Russian citizens and residents to sit on the board of “critical infrastructures” of EU Member state;
  • Prohibition of any transactions with a legal person, entity or body established outside the Union whose proprietary rights are directly or indirectly owned for more than 50% by an entity listed.
  • Prohibition of provision of credit rating services to any Russian person or entity.
  • Prohibition of investments in the Russian energy sector as well as a comprehensive export restriction on equipment, technology and services for the energy industry in Russia. Prohibition to supply gas storage capacity in the EU to Russian citizens and entities (with limited exceptions for LNG for storage purposed).
  • Prohibition to purchase, import or transfer of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia into the EU, that Italy has duly observed starting respectively from 5 December 2022 and 5 February 2023, and a temporary exception for some EU member states which suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies and have no viable alternative options.
  • Adoption of a price cap related to the maritime transport of Russian oil for third countries and related services of: a) Russian crude oil (starting from 5 December) and b) petroleum products (starting from 5 February 2023).
  • Since February 25 Italy adopted the highest maritime security level 3 (MARSEC3) and therefore the Italian flagged ships have been required to upgrade, temporarily, security level 3 when in the Black Sea, limited to EEZ of the Russian Federation and Ukraine; and the Sea of Azov, thus de facto preventing Italian flagged ships to enter all Black Sea Russian ports and to perform any commercial activities.
  • Obligation for listed individuals to report their assets to National Competent Authorities (NCAs) – so called “reverse reporting “ – and for natural and legal persons, entities and bodies to supply immediately any information which would facilitate compliance with the sanctioning regime.
  • Obligation for banking, financial and insurance institutions, including the European Central Bank and EU member states Central Banks, to provide information on assets and reserves held or controlled by the Russian Central Bank, with a view to the potential utilization of Russian public assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
  • From October 6, 2022, has been introduced a new listing criterion, which will allow sanctioning persons who facilitate the infringements of the prohibition against circumvention of sanctions.
  • Extension of the geographical scope of the restrictive measures on non-recognition to all the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine in the oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
  • So far, sanctions have been imposed also against Belarus, both in specific sectors of the Belarusian economy (such as the exclusion of the four largest Belarusian banks from the SWIFT banking communication network) and against targeted individuals.
  • Organization of an effective reception of Ukrainian refugees in Italy. As of 16 February 2023, 173.645 refugees have arrived in Italy. Most of them are women (92.353) and minors (49.444).
  • More than 800 million euros have been allocated to support Ukrainian refugees in Italy.
  • The MFA is coordinating a Working Group on refugee flows and reception efforts in order to increase capacities.
  • The Ministry of the Interior has increased the capacity in Centers for Extraordinary Hospitality (CAS) and in the Reception and Integration System (SAI) by a total of 21.000 units. As of 16 February 2023, 11.310 Ukrainian refugees are hosted at the CAS and 3.140 at the SAI. The Italian Department for Civil Protection has increased the receptive capacity by 30 thousand units.
  • People who arrived from Ukraine, holders of protection permits, and who have found accommodation by themselves, can receive a monthly contribution of EUR 300, which can be integrated by EUR 150 in case of families with minors. This contribution covers up to 3 months from the date of arrival in Italy. In case of a job contract, the contribution will be granted for 60 days. This contribution can cover up to 60.000 people.
  • The MFA is also leading a coordination effort with the network of Ukrainian Consuls in Rome, Milan and Naples to exchange information on Ukrainian unaccompanied children and Ukrainian refugees.
  • The Ministry of Family and Equal Opportunities and the MFA convened a Working Group on Minors, together with the Italian Department for Civil Protection (DCP) and with the participation of UNHCR, UNICEF and IOM, in order to assess needs and coordinate concrete action concerning the specific situation of Ukrainian minors and adoptees.
  • The Italian Civil Protection (DCP), in agreement with the Ministry of Health, has carried out the actions regarding COVID-19 screening (upon entry and up to 48 hours since) and vaccination of refugees, including non-Covid-19 vaccinations and children immunization cycles, according to the rules defined by the Ministry of Health. Medical care is provided at the same conditions as the Italian citizens for a yearly renewable term once temporary protection has been requested, with exemption from sanitary expenses. In the absence of such a request, health care is ensured with the widest possible provision of services in favor of fragile persons, women, children and elderly people.
  • With the Circulars of 3 and 4 March 2022, the Ministry of Health has identified the necessary resources for the execution of diagnostic tests for SARS-cov-2 infection, for the administration of anti-COVID19 vaccines and other routine vaccinations for the population at risk.
  • The Local Authorities have also ensured the required surveillance activities, prevention and prophylaxis vaccination also in relation to other infectious diseases. Particular attention was reserved to the early identification of people with special needs and specific vulnerabilities, for example unaccompanied foreign minors, pregnant women, single-parent families.
  • In the initial period following the announcement of the crisis in Ukraine, Ministry of Health highly recommended the use of the STP code for all health services to the Local Health Authorities, to guarantee health care assistance to all displaced persons from Ukraine and to ensure the registration to the National Health Service for all foreign minors present in the Italian territory, without regard to the regularity of their stay. In Italy, foreign children have always equal access to healthcare at the same level of the Italian citizens. Compulsory and free registration to the S.S.N. is also guaranteed to unaccompanied foreign minors pending the issuance of the residence permit.
  • The Italian Government has implemented the EU Council Decision to introduce temporary protection in accordance with EU Directive 2001/55/EC.
  • Continuing coordinated interventions with UN Agencies on the ground, Italy is financing (with its Migration Fund) a 10 million euro project developed with UNHCR in Moldova, to improve its ability to assist refugees from Ukraine, with a specific focus on the needs of minors and other vulnerable persons.
  • Further projects are being elaborated in Moldova in cooperation with OIM and UNICEF, for a total value of 10 million euros.
  • A daily TV news bulletin in Ukrainian language is aired by the all-news channel of the Italian national broadcasting company (RAI – RaiNews24), in order to provide useful information on the reception provisions and updated information on the ongoing conflict to the Ukrainian refugees and the Ukrainian community in Italy.
  • Ukrainian citizens and other third country nationals coming from Ukraine who enter Italian territory as a consequence of ongoing events, can travel free of charge to reach the first place of destination or reception, within a maximum period of 5 days from their entrance, under the following terms:
    a) on ‘Trenitalia’ company trains that operate Intercity, Eurocity and Regional services throughout Italian territory. Other regional railway companies, which provide transport services on Italian territory, may provide free of charge travel to the same subjects on a voluntary basis;
    b) on the national motorway network;
    c) on maritime transport services for the islands.
  • A Prime Minister Decree issued on 28 March 2022 identified the rules and the groups of beneficiaries (BTPs) who can apply for a temporary protection residence permit. BTPs (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection) are allowed to study, look for a job or receive employment services, access the health care system, be enrolled in the local residence registers and receive welfare services and social protection program.
  • The Prime Minister Decree issued on 28 March 2022 regulates temporary protection status in Italy for people who fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, on the base of the Directive 2001/55/EC. This EC Directive establishes an exceptional provision in case of massive inflows into the European Union (EU) of foreigners who are unable to return to their country and provides Temporary protection to for such displaced persons. Temporary protection allows registration into the National Health System and access to work, education and care and hospitality measures. The 28 March 2022 DPCM also expressly states that the registration to the National Health System, with the choice of the primary doctor or pediatrician, is possible since the submission of the application for temporary protection.
  • Article 9 of the Head of Civil Protection’s Order No. 895 of May 24, 2022, exempts foreigners from Ukraine from paying health insurance premiums. This exemption is granted at the time of registration with the Local Health Unit (ASL) and is valid until the end of the state of emergency. It is designated by the MEF- Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Ministry) with the code X22.
  • BTPs have access to social and labour integration pathways for vulnerable migrants promoted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies.
  • Presidents of Regions have been nominated as Delegated Commissioners at the local level to manage the emergency and are responsible to organise local protection and assistance services, along with Prefectures and Municipalities, promoting also the engagement of the Third Sector, associations and NGOs.
  • A national web platform, run by the Italian Civil Protection, has been implemented where individuals, companies and associations can provide goods, services and accommodation.
  • The Italian legal framework protects any minor in Italy, regardless of condition and status, with primary consideration for the best interest of the child.
  • As a general principle, children fleeing from the war in Ukraine have been enrolled in schools, and integration services have been organised: extra-Italian courses after/during ordinary school hours, intercultural mediation services and other extra-school measures. Information services and specific guidelines have been adopted as regards school integration and enrollment in the national education system.
  • From the beginning of the emergency, the General Directorate for Immigration and Integration Policies of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies has ensured the census and monitoring of unaccompanied children from Ukraine arrived in Italy through the National Information System for Unaccompanied Minors (SIM).
  • A Special Commissioner has been appointed by Ordinance of Italian Civil Protection No. 876 of 13 March 2022, in order to coordinate assistance procedures for unaccompanied minors (UAMs). An Unaccompanied Minor Action Plan has been adopted with an operational addendum, aiming at providing guidelines to ensure effective cooperation between all relevant institutional authorities involved for the protection and assistance of unaccompanied minors who fled from Ukraine, arrived in Italy or found themselves within the national territory. According to Law Decree n. 21/2022, from February 2022, the Special Commissioner reimburses the Municipalities that are hosting BTPs Ukrainian unaccompanied minors within authorized facilities for minors (up to 100 EUR per capita per-diem lump-sum cost) or within families that have the custody of the same children (up to 20 EUR per capita per diem).
  • By Ordinance of the Italian Civil Protection No. 881 of 29 March 2022, reception centers and facilities for UAMs have been extended to this group of minors by increasing available places up to an extra 25%. The plan identifies the specific hospitality/accommodation facilities/measures available, guardianship and how to access the reception centers for beneficiaries of international or other forms of protection.
  • By a provision set forth in Paragraph 669 of Law No. 197 of 29 December 2022, the state of emergency, initially declared until 31 December 2022, was extended to 3 March 2023, and by Decree Law No. 198 of 29 December 2022, the activities of the Special Commissioner were extended until that date.
  • As for labour market integration, BTPs holders of professional qualifications in medical professions, nurses or experienced in personal care jobs have been automatically recognised and are authorized to work in Italy in a private or public hospital or other socio-medical facilities.

 

  • Right after the start of the Russian aggression, Italy contributed 1 million euros to ICRC first aid activities in Ukraine.
  • On February 27 2022, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the transfer of 110 million euros to support the general budget of the Ukrainian government. This amount has been at the disposal of the Ukrainian Treasury since February 28 2022.
  • Italy contributed 25.5 million euros in response to the humanitarian appeals launched by the United Nations system and the International Red Cross Movement, in order to support humanitarian activities in favor of both vulnerable people in Ukraine and refugees in neighboring countries.
  • The Italian Cooperation has allocated 14 million euros to support the humanitarian initiatives carried out by Italian Civil Society Organizations (OSCs) in response to the Ukrainian crisis. In addition, 650.000 euros were devoted to a project implemented by the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in order to strengthen the capacities of the Sighetu Marmatiei hospital, located on the Romanian-Ukranian border.
  • Italy is also financing (through its Fondo di Premialità – Fund to reward cooperation in the field of readmissions) a 3 million Euro initiative with UNHCR in Ukraine to assist local authorities in protecting IDPs.
  • Italy has also supported the Ukrainian initiative “Grain from Ukraine”, aimed at mitigating the consequences that the war has had on global food security, by contributing 2 million Euros to the World Food Programme (WFP).
  • A coordination mechanism, chaired by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been set up with the Civil Society Organizations active in supporting the Ukrainian people.
  • On 13 December 2022, Italy has pledged a new contribution of 10 million Euros for 2023, which will support activities aimed at reinforcing infrastructure resilience.
  • The Italian Agency of Development Cooperation (AICS) has finalized a contract to purchase and deliver to Ukraine 52 electric generators, for a total value of 660.000 Euros.
  • Italy has assured assistance to Ukraine in upgrading of road infrastructures, by sending materials, and is evaluating the possibility of cooperation in the field of railway infrastructures. Italy is assuring the reception capacity of agriculture products from Ukraine through the Ports of Venice, Trieste and Ravenna.
  • The Ministry of Health is overseeing the collection of health/sanitary goods (through the Health National Service) to be shipped by Italy’s Civil Protection via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) to locations in Ukraine’s bordering countries. It has also set up a daily assessment of hospital bed capacity in different settings such as ICU, oncology, pediatrics and neonatology, dialysis, and burn centres to make them available through the EUCPM.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is facilitating twinning agreements and other understandings among Italian and Ukrainian municipalities with the aim of: (i) putting forward tangible projects for the reconstruction of key infrastructures and high-valuable cultural sites and institutions, according to the needs and priorities highlighted by the Ukrainian Authorities; (ii) providing support and capacity building to local administrations in Ukraine in their effort to converge toward EU standards; (iii) strengthening people-to-people contacts, with a view to facilitating family reunifications between Ukrainian diaspora in Italy and their relatives in the homeland.
  • Italy is also providing in-kind assistance to relieve the humanitarian situation of Ukrainian people.
    • Italian Cooperation donated almost 5 tons of healthcare material to the Italian Red Cross for subsequent delivery to the Ukrainian sister organization.
    • Italian Civil Protection has since February coordinated and facilitated the shipment of equipment and goods to Ukraine and neighboring countries to respond to their growing needs. The goods were donated by public entities (regions, Ministries) as well as by private actors. The following are examples of the goods donated: emergency camps supplies, tents, tensile structure, camp beds, sleeping bed, field kitchens, ambulances, firefighter vehicles, medicines, kits for cultural heritage protection, etc.
    • Italian Cooperation organized a humanitarian donation with a total cargo of about 20 tons of humanitarian goods from UNHRD Brindisi (mostly shelter items – such as tents, blankets, generators, tent heaters, lamps – and hygiene kits), which reached Niemce (Poland) on 11 and 14 March 2022.
    • Italian Cooperation has donated to the Moldovan authorities almost 20 tons of humanitarian items, sent from UNHRD Brindisi and delivered on 14 and 18 March 2022.
    • Italian Cooperation has donated 6 tons of humanitarian goods for the activities of the Italian OSC “CUAMM – Medici con l’Africa” in Ukraine, sent from UNHRD Brindisi to Ukraine via Romania (arrived in Siret on 9 June 2022);
    • Italian Cooperation organized the transport of 15 tons of humanitarian goods (of which 9 were donated by the Italian Cooperation and over 6 tons by the Foundation “Francesca Rava”). The shipments arrived in Romania on 18 and 21 June 2022, and were later transferred to Ukraine.
    • Italian Cooperation has donated 9 tons of humanitarian goods for the activities of the Italian OSC “CUAMM – Medici con l’Africa” in Ukraine, sent from UNHRD Brindisi to Ukraine (arrived in Chernivtsi on 29 November 2022);
  • The Civil Protection Department is also coordinating MEDEVAC operations (medical evacuations), transporting patients to Italian health institutions.
  • Italian companies in the energy sector continue to donate electrical material to support energy infrastructure resilience in Ukraine. So far, the confirmed donations have been from Total Energies S.p.A., Chiesi Farmaceutica S.p.A., ENI S.p.A., Terna S.p.A. and SNAM S.p.A. The Presidency of the Council of Ministers is working with TERNA S.p.A. to organize a new important donation of energy and electrical equipment, which sees the involvement of 20 Italian companies. A first batch of materials has been accepted by Ukraine. The Civil Protection Department is coordinating the donation and the shipment.
  • Thanks to a 17 million USD contribution, in 2021 Italy ranked within the 10 main donors to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). For 2022, Italy has provided 17.5 million USD to the CERF, maintaining its position among the top 10 donors. The funds will be used to respond to the Ukraine emergency and to other humanitarian crises. For 2023, Italy has already pledged a contribution of 15 million Euros to the CERF.
  • In line with G7 commitments, Italy provided a 200 million Euro loan at privileged conditions to Ukraine’s budget and specifically to pay wages of employees in the education sector.
  • In the EU framework, Italy strongly and constantly supported the decision of the Commission to provide a first short-term relief package of 9 billion Euros in 2022, and actively supported the decision to provide a second MFA+ (Macro-financial Assistance+) short-term relief package, of 18 billion Euros, in 2023, to support Ukraine’s short-term financial needs. First instalment of the second MFA+ of 3 billion Euros has been recently disbursed.
  • The “Decreto-Legge Aiuti ter” foresees the participation of Italy to the new EU emergency macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, through the underwriting of a financial guarantee by the Ministry of Finance for a total amount of 700 million Euros for 2022.
  • Italy has adopted a strategy to gradually replace the current 29 billion bcm yearly gas supply from Russia by increasing supplies (via both pipelines and LNG) from existing sources.
  •   In the period January-November 2022 the reduction of the gas from Russia was of 52% compared to the same period of 2021.
  • We act in synergy with major national players to relaunch national gas production, maximize the capacity of existing re-gasifier plants and strengthen critical infrastructures, including through an additional 10 bcm from new offshore re-gasifier capacity.
  • Levels of gas reserves in Italy are among the highest in the EU. Italy has a stock capacity exceeding 20% of its annual consumption, both in commercial storage and public strategic reserve.
  • Italy strongly sustained the adoption of the REPowerEU plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels, and actively supported the emergency measures proposed by the EU to secure Europe’s energy supply.
  • The Italian Government was instrumental in the adoption of a cap mechanism on the price of gas in Europe, which will shield European households and businesses from price spikes.
  • Italy was also among the main sponsors of the EU Energy Purchase Platform, the new voluntary coordination mechanism, bringing together the Commission and the Member States, that will support the purchase of gas and hydrogen for the Union, and which is also open for Ukraine and Moldova.
  • Our diversification strategy is a common asset for the overall EU energy security.
  • The creation of the Southern Gas Corridor/TAP, from the Caspian Sea to Italy, has proven to be a far-sighted endeavor, given that it is the only energy project added in Europe in the last decade that does not rely on Russia, and has the potential to redouble its capacity in the mid-term.
  • The EU’s energy diversification also benefits from Italy’s pivotal role in the Mediterranean at large, including in the Levantine Basin as a founding member of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum [EMGF]. Now more than ever, Italy’s inclusive and cooperative approach will be instrumental to further unlock the Region’s energy potential, in order to increase our common energy security.
  • Italy has participated to two releases of oil stocks decided by all the members of the International Energy Agency, to quell the high prices of crude oil and prevent any supply gaps. The first release at the beginning of March, for 60 million barrels and the second in April for additional 120 million barrels. In both occasions, Italy has released the sixth largest amount of reserves among participating countries.
  • As for assistance to Kyiv in the energy domain Italy, through its Transmission System Operator (TSO), has supported from the very beginning the Ukrainian Government’s request to synchronize its power grid to the European power grid, after its disconnection from the Russian one.
  • Italy remains committed, both at a multilateral and EU level and with our partners and energy suppliers, to a substantial clean energy transition, which we view as the only solution to achieve lasting energy security and strategic autonomy.
  • After the Russian aggression, the Italian Ministry for Universities and Research has urged higher education institutions to grant scholarships and adopt other initiatives to support Ukrainian students. A special fund of 500.000 euros has been set up to assist Ukrainian students in Italian higher education institutions and Ukrainian researchers and professors participating in projects in our universities and research centers. The Italian Parliament has subsequently raised the sum to one million Euros, expanding the criteria for eligibility. In order to allocate these resources, the Ministry for Universities and Research has published a public notice. This was followedby 42 applications for funding.  
  • Italy has set up an antenna of the Embassy in Lviv, an Italian lecturer works in that office with the task of collaborating with local universities and supporting their educational activity.
  • A section entirely dedicated to the Ukrainian emergency (https://www.istruzione.it/emergenza-educativa-ucraina/) has been published on the Italian Education Ministry website.
  • After the administrative assessment by the Commission established at the Ministry of Universities and Research, the list of the beneficiaries of the Fund has been published on the institutional website (https://www.mur.gov.it/sites/default/files/2022-12/Decreto%20Direttoriale%20n.%20463%20del%2017-11-2022.pdf).  There are 32 Universities and Research Institutions hosting Ukrainian nationality students, visiting professors and PhD students.
  • The total allocated support of the Project is EUR 731.234,96. The payment is in progress.
  • In order to support educational continuity, the Ministry of Education has allocated an initial sum of 1.000.000 Euros, to be assigned to educational institutions for the inclusion of Ukrainian students in Italian Schools. Educational inclusion of Ukrainian students is ensured through the Regional School Offices of the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the local authorities (Regions, Prefectures, Civil Protection, Local Authorities, Health Services). Moreover, there is a constant coordination with the EU Council and Member States to give a coordinated response to the requests of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education conveyed also bilaterally at political level. 
  • A special regulation has been adopted so that Ukrainian students enrolled in the Italian Education System have not been obliged to take the first and second cycle final exams at the end of the academic year. At the same time, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Embassy, the Ministry of Education has organized dedicated locations in Milan, Rome and Naples, where Ukrainian students have taken the online exams to have access to Ukrainian Universities.
  • The Ministry of Culture of Italy has adopted a 2.000.000 euro program to support Ukrainian artists, offering them residencies and related activities. In addition, the Ministry of Culture is collaborating with Ukrainian authorities and international partners in order to safeguard endangered Ukrainian cultural heritage.
  • The Ministry of Culture of Italy has purchased and delivered, through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), ad hoc emergency material for the protection, conservation and transport of Ukrainian cultural heritage at risk.
  • The Ministry of Culture is enhancing cooperation between the Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Ukrainian relevant authorities with a view to provide further assistance in the protection of heritage at risk and to include Ukrainian cultural heritage in the Italian databases so it can be monitored and safeguarded against illicit trafficking.