Every year on the third Saturday of May Ukraine celebrates Europe Day. Today, this day has become especially important for Ukrainians, because our country and the EU are united not only by common values, history and culture. Nowadays, the countries that used to be just neighbours have become real close friends, helpers and, for many, a refuge and salvation from Russian aggression. At the same time, Ukrainian soldiers have become a strong shield for Europeans and the whole civilised world, defending virtually all of Europe from the Kremlin’s aggressive imperial ambitions. Ukrainians are now an example of courage, steadfastness and heroism, as well as unity.
This year the celebration of Europe Day in Ukraine falls on May 21. It is the 20th Europe Day that Ukraine celebrates.
Festive events and flash mobs are traditionally held on this day. Even in recent years, despite strict quarantine restrictions due to the risk of coronavirus infection, Ukrainians have not missed celebrating Europe Day. So far, the large-scale invasion of Russia on our land has made significant adjustments in all spheres of Ukrainians’ lives; however, we celebrate this important holiday for many Ukrainians. Europe Day is a symbol of launching a new successful model of peaceful cooperation between Ukraine and Europe, based on common values and interests.
This year we celebrate Europe Day in a war. It is a special day for us, because in today’s realities, the Ukrainian people heroically defend freedom, history, democracy, culture, human lives and dreams of the whole of progressive Europe from the racist invasion.
Ukraine is a European country, not because it is geographically located in the centre of Europe, but because Ukrainians have long professed the principles of freedom and independence that are inherent in many peoples of civilized nations. Ukraine is not just the centre of Europe, but its very heart.
On the occasion of this holiday, students of TSATU took part in the 2nd annual Europe Day Webquest. They were offered to go on a virtual tour to find out more about European Union and Ukraine’s European perspective. Europe Day in Ukraine is another great opportunity to remind others and reaffirm that Ukrainians are a European nation, to appreciate your own national identity and reflect on the importance of world peace. Glory to Ukraine!
Olena Suprun
Senior teacher of DFL
