On November 13, 2014 President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed the Decree 872/2014 "On the Day of Dignity and Freedom", which set an annual celebration on November 21 the Day of Dignity and Freedom.

According to the Decree, that day set for the purpose of adoption in Ukraine  the ideals of freedom and democracy, preserve and deliver to the current and future generations of objective information about the momentous events in Ukraine of the beginning of the XXI century, and giving the honour for patriotism and courage of  the people, who in the autumn 2004 and in November 2013 - February 2014 appeared in defense of democratic values, rights and freedoms of man and citizen, national interests of our country, its European choice.

On November 21, 2013 the former government of Ukraine has decided to stop preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which was held on November 28-29, 2013 at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. In protest against this decision Ukrainian students and young people came to the Independence Square in Kiev. The students` rallies on Maidan has been called Euromaidan.

After forceful dispersal of students` Maidan by special forces, at night from  November 30, 2013 to December 1, 2013 to the Independence Square in Kyiv for supporting the students come tens of thousands of citizens from different cities and towns of Ukraine. That night has became from Europrotest into Eurorevolution - the struggle  of the citizens of Ukraine for human and national dignity.

Looking for the Europe, Ukrainians gave found themselves. The revolution took place not only in the political life of Ukraine, first of all, it took place in the consciousness of the Ukrainians.

"Ukraine – is the  territory of dignity and freedom originated from two revolutions – our Maidan of 2004, which was the Holiday of Freedom, and the Revolution of 2013, the Revolution of Dignity.

"It was a very difficult test for Ukraine, when Ukrainians demonstrated their Europeanisms, dignity, their desire for freedom", - said the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.

 

Embassy of Ukraine

to the Hellenic Republic