On July 14th, at the Parkovy Exhibition and Convention Center, the Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce welcomed guests on the occasion of Bastille Day – one of the most important dates in the history of France.
Bastille Day annually commemorates a key event of the French Revolution and marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. This day has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom and equality, as well as the inception of European values, forming the basis of European identity and shared heritage.
For 9 years now, Ukraine has been fighting for its right to freedom, democracy, equality before the law, the right to security and peace on its land, the right to live by European principles, and to share European values. In this struggle, not only the future of Ukraine is at stake, but also the right to exist for these principles, and thus European culture and way of life. The joint Franco-Ukrainian celebration of the anniversary of the birth of democratic values here in Kyiv is a very symbolic and significant expression of solidarity with Ukraine in its fight.
The event gathered more than 700 guests, including government officials, foreign diplomats, members of the Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, their partners and clients, public figures, and representatives of the media. They all came together on this important day of national unity and liberation to express their support for Ukraine, its democratic choice, as well as its dignified and proud path to victory.
From the stage, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine, Étienne de Poncins, and the President of CCIFU, Bertrand Barré, addressed the audience, emphasizing the need to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and highlighting the importance of establishing democracy and freedom worldwide. Traditionally, during the event, the national anthems of Ukraine and France were played as a sign of solidarity between the countries.
"During these more than 500 days when Ukraine has been facing this large-scale aggression, the French Embassy team and the French community have remained in Ukraine to provide their support and express their solidarity with the Ukrainian people facing this onslaught. We will continue to do so in the future," said Ambassador Étienne de Poncins in his speech to the guests.
Each guest also had the opportunity to make a charitable donation for the purchase of a vacuum wound therapy device for a hospital in Poltava. As a result of the evening, 30,000 UAH was collected. All funds will be transferred to the "SpunBond" Charitable Fund.
This year, the event was supported by twelve partners, including Ukrsibbank, Limagrain, Credit Agricole, Schneider Electric, Технобуд, Stellantis, Arzinger, AGROKMR, TECH TREND, FM Logistic, Verallia, Auchan, Lactalis, Carlsberg, Monaco, Lol&Pop.
The event took place in a
secure location-shelter on the -1st floor of the Parkovy Convention and Exhibition Center, as well as in the preceding open location. The hall is certified as the simplest shelter and has an area of 1000 sq.m.
