The European Parliament has announced the first recipients of the new European Order of Merit, a distinction created to recognize personalities who have contributed significantly to European integration and the promotion of the continent’s values. Among the awardees is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.
The announcement was made in the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg by its president, Roberta Metsola, as reported by the institution itself. The new decoration seeks to recognize those who have contributed significantly to European construction or the defense of its values.
Parolin, among the honorable members of the new European distinction
Cardinal Parolin has been included in the category of Honorary Members of the European Order of Merit, alongside various European political and diplomatic personalities.
In this same category are, among others, the former President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, the former Polish Prime Minister and former President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, the former Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva, the former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, the former Irish President Mary Robinson, the President of Moldova Maia Sandu, the former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Javier Solana, the former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, and the former President of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet.
Merkel, Wałęsa, and Zelensky among the distinguished members
The list of awardees also includes a category of Distinguished Members, among whom are the former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the historic leader of the Solidarity trade union and former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, and the current President of Ukraine Volodímir Zelensky.
In addition, other personalities from the cultural, social, and sports fields have been named members of the new European order, including the chef José Andrés, the basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, the lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk, the Luxembourg politician Viviane Reding, and the members of the band U2.
A new distinction created by the European Parliament
The European Order of Merit was created last year by the European Parliament’s Bureau on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, considered the starting point of the European integration process.
It is the first distinction of this type awarded by an institution of the European Union and has a civil character. Each year, up to twenty people may be named who have contributed significantly to European integration or the promotion of the values of the community project.
Official presentation in May in Strasbourg
Following the announcement made in the European Parliament plenary, the awardees will be invited to an official presentation ceremony that will take place during the plenary session scheduled between May 18 and 21 in Strasbourg.