The new distinction was established last year on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. This French politician, after World War II, gave direction towards the founding of European cooperation with his famous declaration.
From now on, the European Parliament intends to award the order each year to a maximum of twenty individuals who the institution considers to have played a special role in Europe.
Walesa, Merkel, and Zelensky
The highest distinction within the order goes this year to three political leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Polish President Lech Wałęsa are named eminent members of the European Order of Merit.
Promotion
Wałęsa is also mentioned in the announcement as a co-founder of the Polish trade union Solidarnosc and as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together with Merkel and Zelensky, he forms the first group of recipients of the highest rank within the new European distinction.
The European Order of Merit consists of three levels. Besides the category of eminent member, the order also includes the ranks of honorary member and member of the order. Among the honorary members are Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, and Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland. Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, is also mentioned in this category.
Athletes and Artists
In the category of member of the order are among others the African immigrant Giannis Antetokounmpo, basketball player from Greece, José Andrés, founder of the NGO World Central Kitchen, and the four members of the Irish rock band U2.
Other names also appear on the first list of laureates. For example, the Ukrainian human rights advocate Oleksandra Matviichuk is included as a member of the order. Additionally, Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, also receives a place among the members.
The laureates receive a badge, a ribbon, and a certificate during a ceremony in May. This distinction is awarded during a plenary session of the European Parliament, where the first European Order of Merit is officially conferred.