The ceremony took place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. According to the Parliament, twenty laureates were honored. Thirteen of them received the award in person and gave a short speech.
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said earlier that Europe was built by people who bridged divides, overcame barriers, and helped endure crises. According to her, the award is intended for people who have helped build Europe.
Building
“Europe was not handed to us on a silver platter. It was built, treaty by treaty, crisis by crisis, by people who chose solidarity over division and cooperation over self-interest. With the Order of Merit, we honor those who, from all walks of life, chose to build Europe – those who led in difficult times and advanced our Union.
Promotion
Because Europe will only continue to exist as long as each generation chooses to defend it,” said President Metsola at the opening of the ceremony.
Merkel and Walesa
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first laureates of the new distinction; he was not personally present at the ceremony in Strasbourg.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also among the first group of honored individuals. She received one of the highest distinctions within the new European Order of Merit.
Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa was also honored. He is among the group of laureates who received the highest distinction.
Others as well
Moldovan President Maia Sandu also received an award during the first presentation of the European Order of Merit. Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, was also among the laureates. Former President of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet was honored with a lower distinction within the new order. Former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel was also named as a recipient of the prize.
Honorary Members
Other honorary members of the Order include Valdas Adamkus, former President of Lithuania; Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland and former Chairman of the Finnish Parliament; and Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland. José Andrés, chef and founder of the NGO “World Central Kitchen”; Giánnis Antetokoúnmpo, basketball champion; and Bono, together with The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr, collectively known as U2, were appointed members of the Order.