On the occasion of Europe Day on 9 May, the Ukrainian flag was raised at the Triumphal Arch in the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels.
The raising of the flag is a strong symbolic signal in support of the Ukrainian people on Europe Day, which is the anniversary of the historic 1950 Schuman Declaration and the annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe.
“9 May is the day we put the spotlight on peace and unity in the European Union. On this symbolic day and place, in Brussels – the capital of Belgium and the EU – we hoist the Ukrainian flag,” said Mathieu Michel, State Secretary for the Buildings Agency.
Important buildings and monuments in other capitals of EU Member States, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, will also take on the Ukrainian colours. “It is a joint action by several EU countries and expresses our support for the Ukrainian people affected by the war,” Michel added.
“9 May is an opportunity to highlight EU’s peace and unity. On this symbolic day, in Brussels, we raise the Ukrainian flag. Common to different EU countries, this action expresses our support for the Ukrainian people.”
Usually, the European flag is raised at the Triumphal Arch at the Army Museum in the Cinquantenaire Park on 9 May, said General Director of the War Heritage Institute, Michel Jaupart.
“Today, however, the Ukrainian flag is flying in the Cinquantenaire Park: a clear signal of solidarity and support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, both from Belgium and from the entire Union,” he added.
“The Ukrainian flag flies in all European capitals on this Europe Day. A sign of unity and solidarity with Ukraine” tweeted Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
