On 15 May, General Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM, has participated in the flag-raising ceremony that was held on the occasion of Europe Day celebration at the Odesa Regional State Administration. That day representatives of diplomatic core, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local authorities, and hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the important date and raise the flags of the European Union and Ukraine.

Congratulating Ukrainian people on Europe Day, the Head of Mission highlighted that Ukraine is already building its European future through concrete actions. At the same time Head of EUBAM underlined Ukraine’s willingness to strengthen multilateralism, peace, sustainable development, free and fair trade, human rights, and democracy.

“Today’s event is not just well-established tradition, it is not just a flag raising ceremony, this is a chance for Ukrainian people to join European family in celebrating our shared values. This EU flag here stands as a confirmation of Ukrainian aspirations towards the European future.  And as those flags are waving side by side – European Union and Ukraine are standing shoulder by shoulder in mutual understanding and solidarity.”