Officials were told to wear suits so President Zelensky’s military look can take center stage
Officials pose for a photo during the EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev, Ukraine, February 2, 2023 © Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
In preparation for the EU-Ukraine “summit” in Kiev that began on Thursday, the Brussels bureaucracy sent out a memo instructing travelers to avoid wearing anything that could distract from the green-and-camouflage ensemble favored by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
Sent by the European Commission’s Secretariat General last week, the note mandated “usual business attire” and said anything “green, khaki or too bright” should be avoided, according to Politico. The outlet described the instructions as an “apparent attempt to reserve the military look for the hosts,” and Zelensky in particular.
There was no official explanation to that effect, but unnamed “EU diplomats” who spoke to Politico said it was “in line with expectations” to “stay consistent with the political message.”
The note also mentioned that members of protocol will “intervene when necessary” during any photo ops, to make sure the pictures support the message the EU wishes to convey.
That message is that Brussels supports the government in Kiev – though not quite so much that it’s willing to grant it fast-track membership and any privileges it might confer.
Zelensky formally filed the candidacy application last February, just days after the conflict with Russia escalated. The EU granted Ukraine candidate status in June, starting the clock on a process that usually takes years and even decades.
“I believe that Ukraine deserves to start negotiations on EU membership this year,” Zelensky told EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday.
So far, the EU has agreed to fast-track the receipt of Ukraine’s application. The bloc has also funded the Kiev government with billions of euros in grants and loans, and even stood up a program to train Ukrainian troops in several member states. However, Brussels has been unwilling to set aside its normal criteria for membership, which Kiev is currently unable to meet.
