Ukraine’s Independence Day marked with EU Solidarity

The European Commission marked Ukraine’s Independence Day by raising the Ukrainian flag in front of the Berlaymont building and illuminating the headquarters in Ukraine’s national colours. The gesture was a show of solidarity as the country continues to face the consequences of Russia’s war.

Since the start of the conflict, the European Union has committed €168.9 billion in political, financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine. This includes a €4.05 billion disbursement ahead of Independence Day, as well as up to €50 billion under the Ukraine Facility to support recovery, reconstruction, and EU accession efforts. Military support amounts to €59.6 billion, including equipment deliveries and training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The EU has also allocated €1.1 billion in humanitarian aid programmes and provided temporary protection for more than four million displaced Ukrainians across member states.

Measures have also focused on accountability. Over the past year, the EU adopted four new sanctions packages against Russia. On 9 May, Europe Day, the Lviv Statement was signed by an international coalition of states, expressing support for establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine within the Council of Europe.

EU officials emphasised that the ultimate goal remains a comprehensive and sustainable peace for Ukraine, based on respect for its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term security.