Crossword Genius

Very upright European indeed no longer negative? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

developed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'indeed no longer negative?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'very upright european' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'very' could be 'v' (common abbreviation) and 'v' is located in the answer.
'european' could be 'e' (abbreviation e.g. EU) and 'e' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'deloped' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for developed that I've seen before include "Like film suitable for viewing" , "complex perhaps" , "Grew, progressed, evolved" , "mature" , "Caught" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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