The European Commission raised the Ukrainian flag at its headquarters in Brussels on Friday, Aug. 21, ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day on Monday, Aug. 24.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen published a video of the flag-raising ceremony on X.
“As we prepare to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day, we raise the Ukrainian flag in Brussels. So it can fly proudly at the heart of our Union, where it belongs,” von der Leyen stated. “Ukraine will reclaim its security. Its freedom. And it will take its rightful place in our Union.”
International gestures of support are planned across Europe to mark the occasion.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower will be illuminated in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag at 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 24, according to Le Parisien.
The illumination will be preceded by a ceremony at the Trocadéro esplanade, featuring speeches by Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire and Ukrainian Ambassador to France Vadym Omelchenko. Following the speeches, the Ukrainian children’s choir “Zernyatko” is scheduled to perform.
In addition, musicians from the British Royal Marines Band and the Exemplary Band of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded a joint performance of the Ukrainian march “Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow” to mark the anniversary.
Diplomatic gatherings and military aid
The international events coincide with diplomatic meetings scheduled in Kyiv. Around 10 foreign leaders are expected to arrive in the Ukrainian capital on Monday to mark the country’s 35th Independence Day.
The itinerary includes a hybrid meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries coordinating support for Ukraine. The meeting will be co-chaired by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who will participate via video link.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska and European Council President António Costa are also expected to attend the gathering in Kyiv. Costa’s visit follows the recent opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine.
On Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Kyiv expects “distinguished guests” for the Independence Day events and anticipated the announcement of new bilateral aid packages from international partners.