Friday’s ceremony was attended by representatives of the European Commission as well as the European Parliament, the diplomatic corps and several Ukrainians, many of whom wore traditional dress.
ADVERTISEMENTA 30-metre long Ukrainian flag has been unfurled outside the European Commission building in Brussels to mark the country’s State Flag Day.
The ceremony on Friday was attended by representatives of Commission as well as the European Parliament, the diplomatic corps and several Ukrainians, many of whom were wearing traditional dress.
European Parliament Vice-President Sophie Wilmès said that she was pleased to « once again express the steadfast support of the European Parliament for Ukraine. »
« I want to dedicate this ceremony to the greatest courage that Ukrainians show every day, starting from 2022. I want to tell them that the European Parliament will support them side by side for as long as needed, » she said.
The EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton said the Commission condemns the « ongoing missile and drone attacks by Russia aimed at civilian populations. »
« By signing the Joint Security Commitment between the EU and Ukraine in June, we sent a very strong signal of support for Ukraine as well as a very clear signal to Russia, » he added.
As Friday turned into Saturday, Ukraine was still ever-present in the Belgian capital.
August 24 sees Ukraine mark Independence Day, the day it declared itself a sovereign nation from the Soviet Union.
The Station Europe visitors centre was illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark the day, as was the European Commission building.
« The Ukrainian flag is a symbol of freedom and resistance against aggression, » the Commission said in a post on X.
« Europe will be at Ukraine’s side for every single day of the war, and for every single day thereafter. »
