CNMI members have made 150 positions available at their companies for Ukrainians fleeing from their country, who will be hired at various production sites across Italy. They will be offered fixed-term contracts, allowing them to return to Ukraine once the situation there will hopefully be stabilised. “Europe is in the midst of a serious political and humanitarian crisis. As an institution and as individuals, we all feel the need to give a practical contribution to help people directly,” said CNMI President Carlo Capasa. “Thanks to the efforts, sensitivity and generosity of our affiliates, we are able to activate a project that brings some hope, building a bridge towards a peaceful, collaborative and inclusive future. In our culture, work is a tool for personal improvement, and I’m therefore truly grateful to our affiliates for having committed so quickly and effectively to allow this project to get off the ground,” he added.

CNMI will collaborate with Italy’s regional and municipal authorities and the mayors of the towns indicated by its members, providing information on the number of jobs available locally, in order to connect with any refugees who are interested in the opportunity. To receive the final go-ahead, the project is awaiting publication of the interpretative notes to the ministerial decree of March 28, containing provisions relating to residency permits for refugees. The project is expected to be completed in the next few weeks, and follows the pro-Ukraine fund-raising effort by CNMI affiliates, part of the UN’s global initiative to help refugees, that raised €4.5 million.