At the ceremony, we were honored with the presence of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk. In addition, the multi-talented singer Marlene performed the well-known Ukrainian song “Oy u Luz Chervona Kalyna” in Ukrainian, English, French, German and Lithuanian.

Tree/shrub planting is a symbolic act used by many countries to represent their national identity, heritage, cultural values and longevity. Despite Russia’s aggressive war, Ukraine continues to move towards European integration, demonstrating its determination to pursue closer ties with the EU and its values. Ukraine’s commitment to the European course was recognized by the European Commission, which recommended the start of accession negotiations.

The viburnum, kindly donated by Lithuanian Professor Remigius Daubaras from Vytautas the Great University Botanical Garden, will become a symbol of our five-year mandate in the European Parliament, celebrating the organization’s contribution to regional peace, democracy and prosperity. It will also symbolize Ukraine’s growth and development on the path to EU accession, demonstrating its aspirations and progress towards compliance with EU policies and values, as well as our strong support for its EU membership.