On Europe Day, the European Union flag was raised in a ceremony outside the Verkhovna Rada
11 May 2026, 10:35
On Europe Day, May 9, the flag of the European Union was solemnly raised on Constitution Square in front of the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Ukraine celebrates this holiday together with other member states of the European Union. This symbolises unity, shared values and history, as well as the unwavering commitment of our state to the path of European integration.
At the beginning of the solemn ceremony, Ruslan Stefanchuk congratulated those present on Europe Day and stressed that the Ukrainian Parliament is doing everything possible to adopt the necessary reforms as quickly as possible and secure Ukraine’s membership in the European Union.
“This day reminds us all that the war continues. Europe, whose eastern outpost is Ukraine, today needs strength and unity. Beyond our eastern borders lies a civilisational abyss, and we can confront this evil only together, by supporting one another.
For us, this is far more than a solemn ceremony. It is a confirmation of our unity with the European family and of the unwavering nature of our course. The Parliament is doing everything necessary to ensure that Ukraine completes the path of reforms as quickly as possible and becomes a full member of the European Union.”
“I am grateful to Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, representatives of the European Parliament, ambassadors of EU member states and candidate countries, Members of Parliament of Ukraine, and everyone who joined us today,” noted Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The ceremony gained special significance through the participation in the flag-raising of individuals whose stories have become symbols of the pain, resilience, and steadfastness of the Ukrainian people. This honorary mission was carried out by Liliia Averianova, mother of fallen serviceman Andrii 'Juice' Pilshchykov, and Roman Oleksiv, an 11-year-old boy who survived the russian missile strike on Vinnytsia.
Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, who took part in the ceremony, congratulated Ukrainians on Europe Day and stated:
“This flag, which has just been raised by two extraordinary people, symbolises freedom, dignity, and peace. But the stories of Romchyk and Liliia also embody what we value most in Ukraine and in Ukrainians — more than any political slogan. He lost his mother, she lost her son, yet neither of them gave up.”
Katarína Mathernová highlighted the strength of Ukrainian civil society, independent media, and open public dialogue, even under the difficult conditions of war. She also stressed that despite the war, Ukraine continues to move forward, and that the international presence in Kyiv is a conscious choice to stand alongside Ukraine despite pressure and threats from russia.
In conclusion, the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine stated that Ukraine and Europe have grown even closer.
The solemn ceremony in front of the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was attended by Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Members of Parliament, as well as Maximilian Schroeder, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ukraine, ambassadors of European Union member states and candidate countries.
In Ukraine, Europe Day is celebrated annually on May 9 (pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 266/2023 of May 8, 2023). On this day in 1950, representatives of European countries signed the Schuman Declaration, which marked the beginning of the creation of the European Union.
This day serves as an important reminder that Ukraine is part of the European space and shares common history and values that form the basis for further cooperation and accession to the European Union.