President Metsola announces first laureates of the European Order of Merit

The names of the first laureates of the European Order of Merit, who have made significant contributions to European integration were announced today in Strasbourg.

European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, today revealed the names of the first laureates of the newly established European Order of Merit, a recognition of significant contributions to European integration and the promotion and defence of European values.

“Europe has always been built by people. Bridging divides, breaking barriers, overthrowing dictatorships and overcoming crises for a better future for our continent. This European commitment deserves to be celebrated. With the European Order of Merit, we honour those who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped build it”, President Metsola said when announcing the first laureates.

The laureates announced were selected by the Selection Committee of the Order composed of President Metsola, EP Vice-Presidents Sophie Wilmès and Ewa Kopacz, and Michel Barnier, José Manuel Barroso, Josep Borrell and Enrico Letta. Proposals for appointment originated from Heads of State or government, speakers of national parliaments and Presidents of the EU Institutions.

Angela Merkel, Former Federal Chancellor of Germany

Lech Wałęsa, former lader of Solidarnosc and former President of the Republic of Poland

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

have been appointed Distinguished Member of the European Order of Merit.

Valdas Adamkus, Former President of Lithuania

Jerzy Buzek, Former Prime Minister of Poland and former President of the European Parliament

Aníbal Cavaco Silva, Former President and Prime Minister of Portugal

Sauli Niinistö, Former President of Finland and former Speaker of the Parliament of Finland

Pietro Parolin, Cardinale and Secretary of State of the Holy See

Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova

Javier Solana y de Madariaga, former EU’s High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy

Wolfgang Schüssel, Former Federal Chancellor of Austria

Jean Claude Trichet, Former President of the European Central Bank

have been appointed Honourable Member of the European Order of Merit.

José Andrés, Chef and founder of the NGO “World Central Kitchen”

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Basketball player

Marc Gjidara, Lawyer and scholar

Sandra Lejniece, Physician, scientist and academic leader

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Human Rights Lawyer

Viviane Reding, Former Vice-President of the European Commission, former Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg, former Member of the European Parliament

Paul David Hewson, known as Bono, David Howell Evans, Adam Charles Clayton and Laurence Joseph Mullen Jr, Musicians and Members of the U2 band

have been appointed Member of the European Order of Merit.

Last year, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the European Parliament’s Bureau decided to establish the first European distinction of its kind granted by an EU institution; a civilian distinction to honour the achievements of individuals who have made a significant contribution to European integration or to the promotion and defence of European values. Up to 20 laureates may be appointed to the Order each year.

Next steps

Following Tuesday’s announcement, the laureates will be invited to an official conferral ceremony to take place during the 18-21 May plenary session in Strasbourg.