Living and working in Ispra

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Who we areThe Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the scientific and technical research laboratory of the European Union. It is a Directorate- General of the European Commission, providing scientific advice and technical know-how to support EU policies.

Our Institutes carry out extensive research of direct concern to the European citizens and industry. Our work is split between Framework Programme research in support of Commission policy making, direct support for specific Directorates-General (DGs) and additional income activities in strategic relationships with the scientific and business communities.

The JRC has seven scientific institutes and their respective support services, altogether employing some 2750 staff.

The Institutes are spread over five different countries. Three of the JRC institutes are located at the Ispra site:

• Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen (IPSC);• Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES);• Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP).

The other Institutes are located in:

• Geel - Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM);• Petten - Institute for Energy (IE);• Karlsruhe - Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU);• Seville - Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS).

The JRC headquarters are located in Brussels.

Further information about the JRC can be found on the JRC website: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/jrc

For information on the European Union, see: http://europa.eu

JRC Map

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Where we are 7Living in Italy: First steps

Codice fiscaleBank accountItalian identification documentsRegistering as a residentResidence permit for non-EU citizensItalian language

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AccommodationTemporary JRC accommodationRenting accommodation

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FamilySocial networks and clubsJobs for family members

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Childcare & schoolingJRC childcare facilitiesOccasional daycare Italian nurseries and pre-schoolsEuropean School of Varese

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HealthcareJoint Sickness and Insurance SchemeItalian National Health Service

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TransportJRC bus serviceTrainsAirportsFerriesBicyclesPublic busesPrivate car

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TelecommunicationsMobile phonesFixed telephone line and ADSL

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Sports, culture & leisureSportsCulture SightseeingFood and drinks

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Websites directory 46

CONTENTS

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Where we areThe JRC-Ispra site is situated in the province of Varese in the Lombardy region. The area around JRC-Ispra consists of a number of small towns and villages located very close to each other. JRC staff may choose to settle in any of the nearby towns and avail of a free of charge JRC bus service (see p.32 Transport).

The nearest village to JRC is Ispra. Beautifully set at the foot of the hills with a splendid view on Lake Maggiore, Lombardy region, Ispra has around five thousand inhabitants and is spread across 10 km2.

The main tourist attraction in Ispra is the lake shore equipped with lakeside pedestrian walks stretching from Sass Cavalasc in Ranco to Palude Bozza on the hills of Brebbia.

The municipalities neighbouring Ispra are Brebbia, Travedona Monate, Cadrezzate, Angera and Ranco, all in the province of Varese. On the other side of Lake Maggiore, facing Ispra, are Lesa, Meina and Arona in the province of Novara, and Belgiate and Stresa in the province of Verbania, Piedmont region.

The main and biggest town in the province is Varese (at 20 km, population 82 000), while the nearest big city is Milan (60 km, population 1.3 million).

The lake shore

Lake MaggioreRanco

The centre of Ispra

Angera, the old centre

Borromeo Rock, Angera

Map of Lake Maggiore

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Living in Italy: First steps

Climate

The climate in Italy varies considerably from the North to the South. Ispra is located in the mountainous part of the Varese

province in northwestern Italy, with its many lakes. The climate in this area is known for its cold dry winters and hot, humid

summers. Temperatures vary from a winter minimum of -5 °C to 29 °C and above during the summer. Rainfall is heaviest in May

and lowest during the winter months.

This particular location of Ispra and the weather in the region offers various opportunities for leisure activities ranging from sunbathing at the lake in the summer to skiing in the Italian and Swiss Alps in the winter.

Summer at Lake Monate (left) and Lake Maggiore (right)

Autumn in AngeraSkiing in the Swiss Alps

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SPeople working at the JRC-Ispra site are subject to the Italian

legislation. The following chapter offers a brief introduction to some initial procedures you will face when moving to Italy.

Codice fiscale

The codice fiscale is a tax identification number indispensable for all persons living in Italy. It is necessary for every contract you sign and almost every purchase you make in Italy (e.g. buying a SIM card for your mobile phone, opening a bank account, renting an apartment). Therefore, obtaining a codice fiscale should be among the first things on your to-do list once you arrive in Italy.

Please note that, if you come to Ispra with your family, every family member will also need a codice fiscale.

How to obtain a codice fiscale?

The codice fiscale is issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate. To obtain a codice fiscale EU citizens have to provide a copy of their passport and a valid address in Italy. Non-EU citizens need to provide also a copy of their visa.

Initially you will receive your code printed on an A4 sheet of paper (fully valid), stamped and signed. Later on, you shall receive by mail your codice fiscale in a credit card format.

All new staff, who do not already have one, will have their codice fiscale prepared by the JRC Ispra Human Resources.For your family members living with you, the JRC Ispra Welcome Desk can assist you in the procedure for obtaining their codice fiscale.

While the only officially valid document is the one issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate, you can generate your fiscal code

Codice fiscale in a credit card format

online through various websites. It should be taken into account that on certain occasions, the online-generated code might not fully correspond to the official one due to name spelling or other considerations.

You can find more information about the Agenzia delle Entrate services at www.agenziaentrate.gov.it.

Bank account

Among the first things you will have to do after moving to Italy is to open a bank account (conto corrente) with one of the Italian banks in order to receive your salary.

The banks will require your codice fiscale and a valid identification document (passport). It is advisable to contact the bank beforehand and arrange for an appointment.

Various online banks also allow customers to open accounts via Internet without being physically present at the bank’s office. This way, you could open your Italian bank account even from abroad.

The Italian post office also offers the possibility to open a bank account with their banking division, BancoPosta.

Italian identification documents

EU citizens are allowed to stay in an EU Member State for a period of up to 90 days without the need to register with the national authorities (as a tourist, student or other), according to the Community Directive 2004/38 CE. People, who plan to stay longer than three months, should register with the local Italian authorities at the chosen place of residence within 90 days of their arrival in the country.

European Commission employees and their families, if nationals of one of the 27 EU member states, are NOT obliged to register with the national authorities in order to stay in Italy on condition that they immediately request the Special Identity Card (SIC).

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SSpecial ID card

The Special Identity Card (SIC) permits the holder to reside in Italy once the 90-day period has expired without registering

as a resident. This card is issued on demand by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and has to be requested within

30 days of entry into service in Italy. The relevant JRC service will take care of these procedures upon request of staff members.

The card is available for Officials, Temporary Agents and Contractual Agents and their families, who are EU citizens. Grantholders, trainees and seconded national experts cannot request the SIC.

Non-EU nationals can also request the special ID card on condition that they have obtained, prior to their arrival, a visa valid for a long term stay. The Special ID card cannot be issued on the basis of a tourist visa or any similar visas.

Registering as a resident

All temporary non-Italian staff (grantholders, trainees and seconded national experts) should register as a resident at their comune to legitimately reside in Italy.

To register as a resident you should apply at the municipality of the comune where you are living by filling up a form and by providing your ID document, work contract, codice fiscale and any other documents which may be required (e.g. birth certificate, apartment rental contract).

Once registered, you can request the Italian identity card which is very helpful for making big purchases, e.g. car.

Residence permit for non-EU citizens

Temporary staff members who are not nationals of an EU Member State will need a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

The Welcome Desk at JRC Ispra will assist you in the above mentioned procedures.

Italian ID card

Italian language

In general, you can get along in English or French in most touristic areas of Italy. At least some basic knowledge of Italian is necessary for most daily activities such as buying groceries, communicating with your bank, installing a telephone line and getting to know the locals. This is especially valid in the region surrounding Ispra.

Therefore, if you do not speak Italian, consider taking classes before arriving or once in Italy.

JRC Ispra organises free Italian courses for officials, temporary and contractual agents, grantholders and seconded national experts. Trainees are offered Italian language courses (beginners only) in an open rolling group.

Trainees, external staff, as well as JRC staff family members, who are not eligible for the JRC classes, have various options for studying Italian:

• language courses organised by the local authorities;• private language schools in the area;• Italian course online;• private teacher;• Italian classes organised by the Club Europeo in the- Club House - for more information, please visit www.clubeuropeo.it

In the meantime, knowing some basic words and phrases may be of use.

Grazie Dov’è?

Per favore ...

Parla italiano?

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Italian EnglishSì YesNo NoPer favore Please

Grazie Thank youGrazie tante/mille Thank you very muchPrego/Non c’è di che You are welcomeMi dispiace/Scusa/Scusi Sorry (formal, informal)Non capisco/Non ho capito I don’t understandBuona fortuna Good luckQuanti? How many?Quanto? How much?Io sono I amAndiamo Let’s goChe cos’è questo? What is this?Dov’è? Where is this?Come? What?Come ti chiami? What is your name?Mi chiamo … My name is ...Piacere/ Molto lieto Nice to meet youCome sta?/Come stai? How are you?

Sto bene I am fineCosì così So soParla italiano? Do you speak Italian?Parli inglese? Do you speak English?Parlo/non parlo I speak/ don’t speakCapisce?/ Capisci? Do you understand?(Non) capisco I (don’t) understandLo so /Non lo so I know/ I don’t knowVa bene! OKD’accordo/Certamente Sure/ fine

Basic vocabulary Greetings

Italian EnglishCiao/ Salve Hi/HelloBuongiorno Good morning/afternoonBuona sera Good eveningBuona notte Good nightArrivederci GoodbyeArrivederLa Goodbye (formal)Ciao Bye (informal)A più tardi See you laterA presto/A dopo See you soonA domani See you tomorrow

Italian English0 zero zero1 uno one2 due two3 tre three4 quattro four5 cinque five6 sei six7 sette seven8 otto eight9 nove nine10 dieci ten20 venti twenty30 trenta thirty40 quaranta fourty50 cinquanta fifty100 cento hundred1000 mille thousand1 000 000 milione million

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ACCOMMODATION

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NThere are a number of towns and villages in the area which newcomers might choose to live in, such as: Ispra, Brebbia, Ranco, Angera, Taino, Cadrezzate, Osmate, Travedona Monate, Besozzo, Monvalle. Or, those who prefer the life in a bigger town may go for Varese (20 km from JRC Ispra) or Milan (60 km from JRC Ispra).

Temporary JRC accommodation

Newcomers have the possibility to rent a furnished appartment near the JRC Ispra site for a period of a maximum of six months until they find housing privately.

The JRC Ispra appartments, referred to as Foresteria, are located in a park within five minutes walk from the Ispra site main entrance. The type of appartment is determined by the number of occupants, and the rent is calculated on the basis of the employee’s salary.

Renting accommodation

There is a quite a dynamic market for rental accommodation in this area of Italy. In order to get an idea about the actual prices on the market, you may want to visit some of the Italian real estate search engines.

Rental contracts

The main rental contract in Italy is the 4+4, i.e. a four-year lease renewable for another four years. It is also referred to as a free-market lease (4+4 a canone libero). Its basic advantage is that the initial price remains unchanged for the first four years and can be prolonged for another four years.

The rent-controlled lease (3+2 a canone calmierato) is a three-year contract which applies the rent conditions established by the unions in the respective urban area. The advantage of this type of contract is the lower rental price, which is valid

JRC Foresteria buildings

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for the first three years of the lease.

The short-term lease (affitto transitorio) is a contract of minimum 18 months. Except for its shorter duration, it has

the same features as the free-market lease (4+4 contract).

All leases should be written and registered by the landlord or by the estate agency. A registration fee is paid each year and is equally split between the tenant and the landlord.

Deposit

When signing a rental contract you will be required to leave a deposit which usually corresponds to three months’ rent. However, it may be possible though, to negotiate a lower deposit but normally no less than one month rent.

Related expenses

Expenses related to the cleaning of the building, lift, water, electricity for the common areas, the porter’s salary, etc., are referred to as condominium expenses, or spese condominiali. They are often included in the rent price.

Real estate agencies

You may also use the services of a real estate agency. The price they usually charge is equal to one month’s rent +20% VAT.

Please bear in mind that the housing availability in the area surrounding the JRC Ispra are smaller compared with the big cities and finding the appropriate appartment may take some time. Always make sure you visit the place and check all aspects before making any payments or signing contracts.

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Family

The area surrounding JRC Ispra is very calm, green and offers many activities for children which makes it especially

attractive for families. Moreover, the JRC has its own childcare facilities situated next to the centre.

Staff members may also receive various family allowances, depending on their situation.

Nearly half of the people working at JRC Ispra are in non-permanent positions and many of them are non-Italian. Very often JRC staff and their families do not speak Italian when they arrive in Ispra. If this is your case, you may be interested in joining some of the groups and associations which help newcomers and their family/partners make friends outside of the JRC.

Social networks and clubs

European Club Ispra

The club, based in the Club House near the JRC Ispra site, organises various recreational and cultural activities for JRC staff and family members, including language courses, sports classes, activities for kids and tourist trips. For more information, vist: www.clubeuropeo.it

Benvenuto club

An English-speaking club based in Varese. www.benvenutovarese.org

Varese francofolie

An informal group of French-speakers who live in the province of Varese: http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/

Parents Association

Association of the parents of the children attending the European School of Varese: www.agsev.it

Jobs for family members

In case you come with family members who wish to work in Italy they may check the job announcements online on employment platforms or recruitment companies.

Finding a job in the area usually requires a good command of Italian. It is therefore advisable to consider taking Italian classes.

At the same time, being a native speaker of one of the most popular foreign languages (English, French, Spanish or German), may be an advantage when applying for certain positions targeted at foreign customers/markets.

If this is the case, try searching with a keyword madrelingua (mother tongue) followed by your language (inglese for English, francese for French, tedesco for German, etc.).

There are also a number of international firms in the region, such as:

Whirlpool Europe (Comerio)

Husqvarna (Biandronno)

AgustaWestland (Samarate and Vergiate)

Sanofi Aventis (Origgio)

As an alternative to working in the province of Varese, job seekers may consider Milan, at 60 km from Ispra. Being not only a big city, but northern Italy’s commercial and industrial centre, Milan has a much larger and diversified job offering.

For more information on the family allowances, please consult Annex VII of the Staff Regulations of officials and the conditions of employment of other servants of the European Communities.

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CHILDCARE & SCHOOLING

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JRC Ispra has its own nursery (Crèche) and afterschool daycare (Garderie) for children of staff employed under a full-time contract of at least six months.

The JRC Crèche, inaugurated in 2009, offers vast child-friendly spaces and is furnished in vivid colours. It has a total capacity of 88 places and admits children from 4 months to 4 years old.

The Garderie has a total capacity of 45 places. It admits children from September of the calendar year in which their fourth birthday falls, to the age of 11 or until they finish 5th elementary class.

The fees for the JRC childcare facilities are calculated on the basis of the family’s net income.

Admission

Children are admitted into both the Crèche and the Garderie according to specific criteria related to:- whether there is only one parent having custody of the child;- whether both parents are employed by the JRC, etc.

Please bear in mind that due to the limited number of places, sometimes children may be placed on a waiting list before they can be admitted.

JRC Crèche

JRC Garderie

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GOccasional daycare (Halte-Garderie)

The Halte-Garderie is an occasional day care service for children from 6 months to 4 years. It allows you to leave your

child at the JRC nursery for a maximum of 12 hours/week. The occasional day care service is reserved for children of staff

working at the JRC Ispra (officials, temporary agents, contractual agents, grantholders, trainees, visiting scientists, national experts

on secondment) and where one of the parents is not employed.

The occasional day care service is open during the school year.

During the summer, “Eurolandia” camps are organised for children aged four to eleven and many activities are organised around different themes.

Italian nurseries and pre-schools

If your child cannot be admitted into the JRC nursery, there are a number of childcare facilities run by either public or private operators.

Public nurseries

Applications should be addressed to the “Ufficio Scuola” which can be found in the Town Hall. It is common practice to complete an application form for more than one nursery in your local area.

Private nurseries

Applications should be addressed directly to the nursery. All children are accepted subject to availability and everybody pays the same fees. Note that the fees are slightly higher compared to public nurseries.

European School of Varese

The European School of Varese is an official educational establishment controlled jointly by the governments of the Member States of the European Union. It is legally recognised as a public institution. The mission of the European Schools is to provide a multilingual and multicultural education for nursery, primary and secondary level pupils.

The secondary school course in the European School of Varese is validated by the European Baccalaureate examinations at the end of the seventh class. The certificate awarded is fully recognised in all the countries of the European Union, as well as in a number of other countries. Those awarded the certificate have the same rights and benefits as other holders of school-leaving certificates in their countries, including the same right as nationals with equivalent qualifications to seek admission to any university or institution of higher education in the European Union.

Staff members of the JRC can enrol their children (> 4 years) at the European School in Varese which has five language sections: Dutch, English, French, German and Italian.

In case there is no language section corresponding to the children’s mother tongue, pupils are enrolled in one of the existing language sections. They will be offered learning support in the language of the section in which they enrol, as well as extra classes in their mother tongue.

Pupils are entitled to free enrolment if one of the parents has a contract of a minimum duration of one year with the JRC.

You can find more information on the European Schools of Varese at www.scuolaeuropeadivarese.it

A Parents Association (www.agsev.it) has been established and is actively involved in the daily functioning of the school.

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HEALTHCARE

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The Italian healthcare system provides inexpensive or even free treatment to people registered with it. Finding a doctor is usually easy during the week. On non working days this might prove more difficult. On weekends or holidays one may refer to the the around the clock medical service (Guarda Medica) or, for urgent cases, to the emergency service (Pronto soccorso).

For urgent matters during work hours, the JRC Medical Service can also be of help.

The JRC Medical Service offers the JRC Ispra Staff various medical examinations, including the compulsory annual medical check-up.

The single emergency number 112 is now operational for the region of Lombardy.

On the premises of the JRC Ispra site, the emergency number is 9999

JRC Ispra medical Service

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Health Insurance

Like in any other country, you must have some form of insurance when residing in Italy. The coverage of the European

Health Card is limited and only a very short-term solution.

JRC staff members are covered either by the Community scheme, Joint Sickness and Insurance Scheme (JSIS), the Italian or another health insurance scheme depending on the type and duration of their contract.

Family members may, under certain circumstances, be covered by the Community scheme.

Different categories of JRC personnel

Officials, temporary agents and contract agents with contracts of one year are automatically included in the JSIS.

Grantholders have Italian contracts and should therefore register with the Italian National Health Service.

Contract agents with contracts of less than one year may opt for either the national social security system of their choice, or the Joint Sickness and Insurance Scheme (JSIS).

Trainees may use the European Health Card. In case they would like a more comprehensive coverage, they may select a private insurance scheme in addition.

Joint Sickness and Insurance Scheme (JSIS)

The Joint Sickness and Insurance Scheme (JSIS) provides coverage for sickness, accidents and occupational diseases. The JSIS monthly contribution is paid directly from the employee’s salary.

Dependent family members may also be included on condition that certain criteria are met. Please note that there is no accident or occupational diseases cover for family members. Therefore you may wish to take out private insurance.

Italian healthcare system

Healthcare in Italy is organised in a mixed public-private system. Public healthcare, the National Health Service, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is administered by the local health authorities and provides low-cost services to all citizens registered with it, including inpatient treatment, visits to family doctors and paediatricians and other specialists. It also covers part of the cost of drugs and medicines, outpatient treatment and dental treatment. Emergency health assistance is provided to all EU and non-EU visitors.

The National Health Service is available for citizens registered with it. In order to register for the local health service (Azienda Sanitaria Locale, ASL) you have to be a resident in Italy and you should have an Italian work contract. This way you will have the possibility to opt for either the public or the private system, depending on the your circumstances. Also, you will be able to choose a doctor

or paediatrician (for children) in Italy. You will receive an ASL card giving access to the National Health Service which will allow you to pay only a small fee for medical visits and other services.

General practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians

Under the Italian National Health Service(SSN), medical visits which take place at the surgery are free-of-charge and the surgery opening times can vary. Usually it is not necessary to have an appointment. For urgent cases, the GP/paediatrician can make a home visit.

Specialists

If you need to see a specialist, your GP will give you a referral (impegnativa) to be presented at your visit to a specialist. It is always necessary to book an appointment for specialist medical examination in advance. Should you require an immediate examination, your visit will be treated as a private one and you will be charged the full amount. You will usually be required to pay at the cashier (cassa) before the treatment/examination.

Italian health card

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Drugs and medicines

You can buy prescription drugs only if prescribed by a doctor. If prescribed by the GP, drugs are generally partly paid by the

health insurance if you are registered with the Italian National Health Service. Over-the-counter drugs are paid in full by the

patient. Drugs or medicines are sold only in chemists/pharmacies (farmacia).

For prescription drugs taken on a regular basis, please enquire about the generic name of the medicine as brands vary from country to country.

Chemists

Chemists (farmacia) are normally open from 8.30 – 12.30 and from 15.30 - 19.30 and there is at least one pharmacy open at night and on Sundays in the area. The address of the nearest pharmacy open around the clock is usually indicated on the door of all pharmacies in the same area.

Hospitals and private clinics

Surgery and hospitalisation provided within the framework of the public healthcare services are completely free of charge for everyone, regardless of income. Should you need hospitalisation, your GP should give you a referral.

Private clinics, on the other hand, charge for their services but usually have much shorter waiting lists for specialised treatment.

The nearest public hospitals (in blue) and private clinics (in green) in the area of Ispra are:

Ospedale C. OndoliVia Bordini 921021 Angera (VA)Tel. (+39) 0331 961111;

(+39) 0331 961222; Fax:(+39) 0331 931888

Ospedale Circolo Causa Pia LuviniVia Luvini 121033 Cittiglio (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 602448;

(+39) 0332 607111

Ospedale Luino ConfalonieriVia Carlo Forlanini 6, 21016 Luino (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 539111

Croce Rossa ItalianaCentralino Comitato ProvincialeVia Dunant Jean Henry 221100 Varese (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 813163

Ospedale Di Circolo E Fondazione Macchi - Ospedale Filippo Del PonteVia Ponte Filippo 1921100 Varese (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 299111

Azienda OspedalieraOspedale Di Circolo Di Busto Arsizio CentralinoPiazzale Solaro Prof. Giuseppe21052 Busto Arsizio (VA)Tel. (+39) 033 9111

Azienda OspedalieraVia Pastori 421013 Gallarate (VA)Tel. (+39) 0331 751111www.ospedaledigallarate.it

Gavirate Emergencies

Tel. (+39) 0332 746444

Ispra Medical HouseVia Marconi 5721027 Ispra (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 780881Fax: 0332 784959info@medical-house.it

Centro Diagnostico Terapeutico Gaetano e Piera BorghiVia Petrarca 3321020 Brebbia (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 770205info@fondazionegaetanopieraborghi.itwww.fondazionegaetanopieraborghi.it

Casa di cura privata VILLA PREZIOSAVia Bellorini, 4821014 Laveno Mombello (VA)Tel. (+39) 0332 667373www.villapreziosa.it

Casa di Cura

La QuieteVia Dante, 2021100 VareseTel. (+39) 0332 806400www.laquiete.it

Public hospitals

Private clinics

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TDue to its location in the countryside, the Ispra site is not well connected with public transport systems, but there are a number of ways to get around. However, everyday life (shopping and leisure activities) might be difficult without a private car.

JRC Bus service

JRC Ispra provides for its staff a daily bus service to most of the towns and villages in the area. Buses are organised to the JRC in the morning (between 7.00 and 8.30) and from the JRC in the afternoon (after 17.15).

The service is free of charge, except for the bus line to Milan, and covers the following routes:

Comerio - VareseBodio Lomnago - VareseSesto Calende - OleggioVergiate - Busto ArsizioGemonio - VoltorreLaveno - LuinoLainate - Milan (payable)

For work-related travel, staff members can use the JRC shuttle service for transport to and from the local airports and railways.

JRC Ispra Buses

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Timetables and fares of the train connections in the area are accessible at the websites of the Italian state owned company

Trenitalia, www.ferroviedellostato.it or the regional railway transport operator Ferrovie Nord, www.lenord.it.

Airports

The closest airports to JRC Ispra are Milano Malpensa, at approximately 30 km, and Milano Linate, at around 95 km.

Other airports which may be of use, although they are further away, are Orio al Serio (Bergamo), Turin, Genoa all in Northern Italy, and Lugano (Agno) in Southern Switzerland.

Ferries

If you would like to cross the Lake Maggiore to admire the picturesque surroundings, ferries offer just what you need.

Ispra, Ranco and Angera are connected with a ferry which you can take to visit other places around the lake, all the way to Switzerland.

For more information on the timetables and fares visit:www.navigazionelaghi.it

Bicycles

Bicycles offer an easy and environmentally friendly option for private transport. Since the JRC Ispra site is spread across 160 ha, many people choose the bicycle as their means to get to and around the site.

Also, you can rent a bicycle (if you do not have one) in most of the bigger towns in Italy, which are part of the bicycle sharing project Bici in città (Bicycles in the city).

In Varese, the public bicycle sharing service is organised under the project Gimme Bike.

Public buses

Buses in the province of Varese are operated by two main companies:- SILA: for information on timetables and fares visit www.sila.it - Autolinee Varesine: for information on timetables and fares visit www.ctpi.it

Private car

In Italy, it is possible to drive a car which carries a foreign number plate and which has successfully passed in your own country the compulsory test of motor vehicles required by the Ministry of Transport (collaudo). In Italy, these tests are carried out after four years for new cars. After the first test, the collaudo has to be taken every two years.

In order to undergo the collaudo in Italy, foreign cars must be imported.

Also, according to the Italian law, you would be expected to register your foreign car with the Italian competent authorities within one year.

In order to register a car in Italy, the EU standards for safety have to be met.

Electric bikes at JRC Ispra Gimme Bike project in Varese

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Buying a car

If you want to buy a car in Italy you have to be registered as a resident.

Dealers selling new cars in Italy usually handle all the necessary paperwork on the buyer’s behalf, the cost being included in the final price of the vehicle.

Buying a second-hand car is more complex than buying a new vehicle, as the procedure of ownership transfer (passaggio di proprietà) involves more administration on the part of the purchaser. It is advisable to have someone who speaks Italian sufficiently well to help you understand the documents.

The transfer of ownership must be registered in the public registry (Pubblico Registro Automobilistico, PRA) of the Italian automobile club ACI within 60 days. The same time limit applies for updating the car’s registration certificate.

Car insurance

All motor vehicles in Italy must have insurance (assicurazione) for at least third-party liability.

Once you have registered your car in Italy, any foreign car insurance becomes invalid and you must take an Italian insurance policy.

Driving licence

Driving licences issued by EU Member States are automatically recognised in Italy. Holders of EU driving licences do not have to change them even after registering as residents in Italy.

On the other hand, by requesting a formal recognition of your driving licence - adeguamento or tagliando di riconoscimento – you can ask the Italian authorities for a duplicate if it gets stolen or lost. To obtain the official recognition, you will need to pass a medical examination in Italy.

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Mobile phones

Mobile phone operators in Italy provide many options for both prepaid (ricaricabile) and subscription plans (abbonamento).

Pre-paid

In case you are not familiar with the market and/or do not know Italian well, it might be a good start to get a prepaid SIM mobile plan (ricaricabile). This way you could switch to a different package or operator at a later stage if needed, when you have chosen the offer which suits your needs. Normally, you should be able to keep the same number after the transfer.

Monthly subscription

Beware that calls in the pre-paid tariffs tend to be more expensive compared to subscription solutions. So some may find subscription plans a better option than a pre-paid scheme.

With a subscription plan, abbonamento, the mobile operators usually offer packages comprising free call time, SMS and Internet access within certain limits wth a fixed monthly payment.

Most of the time, the package may also include a mobile phone either free of charge or with a minimal price.

Beware, however, that such subscription plans usually entail a 12 or 24-month contract.

Fixed telephone line and ADSL

Almost everywhere in Italy, the fixed line has been deployed by Telecom Italia and is either operated by the state company, or leased by private operators.

An important aspect to be taken into account when choosing a service provider are services coverage and functioning in your area. This is especially relevant if you do not live in a big town or city, as service quality varies from one place to another.

It might be a good idea to enquire with your neighbours about the best performing operators in the area.

Things to keep in mind if you rent a JRC apartment

The JRC flats, known as Foresteria, are not equipped with a fixed telephone line, Internet network or TV sets. It is therefore up to the tenants to arrange access to these services, if they so wish. Foresteria provides only short-term accommodation for a maximum of six months. Should you wish to have a long-term contract with an Internet provider, it is advisable to ensure that the operator will be able to transfer the services to your new address after moving out of the Foresteria. Sometimes, service providers do the transfer free of charge subject to certain conditions, but the process might not be immediate.

Alternatively, you can buy a mobile Internet key to use while you live in the Foresteria and acquire a fixed line when you move to your permanent accommodation.

It is also good to know that there is a free Wi-Fi hotspot at the JRC Club House open to all JRC personnel and residents of the Foresteria.

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SPORTS, CULTURE& LEISURE

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EThe location of JRC Ispra offers many opportunities for sports and other leisure, especially outdoor activities. The nearby beaches allow for a pleasant break near the lake, be it for a snack or for a swim. As regards winter sports, the French, Italian or Swiss Alps can be easily reached in only a couple of hours drive from Ispra.

JRC Sports Clubs

There are a number of sports, culture and leisure clubs coordinated by the JRC staff.

JRC sports clubs include: badminton, basketball, volleyball, martial arts & yoga, cricket, cycling, diving, football, floorball, frisbee, dance, bridge, golf, pétanque, ski, swimming, tennis & table tennis, shooting,

mountain hiking and others.

Sports activities in the area

Besides JRC clubs, there are many other swimming and sports centres in Ispra and the surroundings.

The geographical location of the site, the proximity of the Alps and the lakes offer various possibilities for mountain hiking, sailing, cycling, as well as paragliding, rafting, canoeing and surfing for adrenaline-lovers.

Skiing

Thanks to the proximity to the Alps, skiing is a very popular sport among JRC staff and their families. During the winter, the JRC Ski Club regularly organises trips to the nearby resorts.

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ECulture

Those who have a preference for culture, arts and crafts may join any of the JRC culture and leisure clubs ranging from

history to choir singing to photography, cinema and theatre.

Cultural Committee

Various cultural events and activities open to JRC staff and their families are organised by the JRC Cultural Committee. Its calendar includes visits to concerts, ballet and opera performances at La Scala in Milan, Arena di Verona and other establishments in northern Italy.

The Cultural Committee also runs a library, discoteca (for CDs) and videoteca where subscribed members can rent books, CDs and DVDs.

Theatres

La Scala

The world renowned Scala, recognised as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world, is located in the very heart of Milan.

The Varese theatre

Established in 2002, the Varese Theatre hosts many concerts and theatre plays.

Cinema

The cinemas in the area are located in Castelletto Ticino, Gavirate, Travedona and Varese.

One should bear in mind that in Italy, movies are usually dubbed in Italian. It is normally pointed out explicitly if the film is in its original version.

Original version movies can be seen in the cinema Multisala Impero in Varese, as well as in Castelleto Ticino.

La Scala

Sightseeing

Information about tourism options in the province of Varese may be found at the Tourist Information and Assistance Office in Varese.

Santa Caterina del Sasso

At only 9 km from Ispra, this beautiful monastery was built in 1195 on the rocks offering a magnificent view over the Lake Maggiore.

Santa Caterina del Sasso

Borromean Islands (Isole Borromee)

The Borromean Islands are a group of three small islands and two islets in the Italian part of Lago Maggiore. Together totalling just 20 ha in area, they are a major local tourist attraction for their picturesque setting. With their ornate palaces and gardens, Isola Bella and Isola Madre are the most famous of the Borromean Islands.

The islands can be reached by the boats operated by the company Navigazione Lago Maggiore.

Borromean Islands

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EComo

At aproximately 50 km from Ispra, the Lake of

Como is considered one of the most beautiful

lakes in Italy. It is the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake

Maggiore, and a popular tourist attraction boasting many artistic and cultural sites, villas and palaces.

Milan

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is the biggest industrial city in Italy and one of world’s fashion capitals. Milan attracts business people, designers, artists, photographers and models. Tourists, on the other hand, are charmed by the contrast of modern and neoclassical architecture of the city.

Lake Como

Sightseeing in Milan

Food and drinks

Some of the typical dishes of the region include risotto, fish from the lakes, salumi (cold cuts), and polenta. The trademark products of the Varese province are different types of cheese, venison (deer meat), wine and honey, often prepared in true artisan style according to age old traditions.

The Italian aperitif, or aperitivo (pre-meal drink with appetisers), is particularly popular in the north of Italy. The traditional evening aperitivo is served from 6 to 9 p.m. One gets a variety of accompanying appetizers for which a small supplement to the drinks’ price might be charged. In some bars and restaurants, the aperitivo appetizers can constitute a rather abundant buffet and eventually replace the main meal.

For fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese or fish, one may try the local markets held once a week in almost all of the towns and villages in the area.

Aperitivo by the lake Weekly market: Angera

Piedmont wines: Barolo

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Web directory

Useful information for newcomers

Ispra Wikihttp://ispra.pbworks.com/

Agenzia delle Entratewww.agenziaentrate.gov.it

Foreign residents in Italywww.poliziadistato.it

Italian health servicewww.asl.varese.it

Ispra municipalitywww.comune.ispra.va.it

Codice fiscale online www.codicefiscale.com

Social networks and clubsEuropean Club Ispra www.clubeuropeo.itEnglish-speaking women’s club in Varese www.benvenutovarese.orgGroup of French speakers in Varese http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/varesefrancofolie/

SchoolingEuropean School of Varesewww.scuolaeuropeadivarese.itParents Association www.agsev.itEuropean Schoolswww.eursc.org

Transport

Italian road traffic authoritieswww.trasportiatp.it

Trenitaliawww.ferroviedellostato.it

Italian Automobile Clubwww.aci.it

North Railway Stationwww.lenord.it

Italian bike sharing projectwww.bicincitta.com

Malpensa and Linate airportswww.sea-aeroportimilano.it

Bus company SILAwww.sila.it

Airport Orio al Serio (Bergamo)www.sacbo.it

Autolinee Varesine www.ctpi.it

Turin Airportwww.aeroportoditorino.it

Airpullman (airport shuttle) www.airpullman.com

Genoa Airportwww.airport.genova.it

Ferries in Lake Maggiorewww.navigazionelaghi.it

Lugano Airport (CH)www.lugano-airport.ch

Culture & Leisure

La Scala in Milanwww.teatroallascala.orgVarese Theatrewww.teatrodivarese.itOriginal Version Movies in Varese www.multisalaimpero.com

Tourism

Varese Tourist Officewww.vareselandoftourism.it

Borromean Islandswww.borromeoturismo.it

Lake Maggiorewww.illagomaggiore.com

Santa Caterina del Sasso www.provincia.va.it/santacaterina

Lake Como www.lagodicomo.comwww.comolake.comwww.lakecomo.it

Milanwww.turismo.milano.it www.aboutmilan.comwww.comune.milano.ithttp://ciaomilano.it

European Communities Staff Regulationshttp://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/toc100_en.pdf

For more information concerning your arrival in Italy, you may contact

the JRC Ispra Welcome Desk:

Tel. +39 0332 78 6464e-mail: jrc-welcomedesk@ec.europa.eu

Disclaimer: These pages contain information on companies or people that offer certain services. The information has been taken from public sources. If you decide to make use of these services, you should note that the European Commission does not pay for any of the services and that they are at your own expense. The quality or reliability of these services has not been checked by the European Commission. Therefore, neither the European Commission, nor any person acting on it behalf, can be held responsible for the services offered.

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The mission of the Joint Research Centre is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of European Union policies. As a service of the European Commission, the Joint Research Centre functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national.

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