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European Parliament introduces European Merit Order

by AI | 06.May 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Those who significantly advocate for European values will be able to be honored with a new order in the future.

Some of the stars on a flag of the European Union. The flag symbolizes the unity and identity of Europe. Photo: Nicolas Landemard/Le Pictorium Agency via ZUMA/dpa

Strasbourg (dpa) – The EU Parliament will henceforth award the European Merit Order to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the European community. The Parliament’s presidency decided in Strasbourg to create the first European award of this kind to be granted by an EU institution. “With this new civil award, personalities who have made significant contributions to European integration and European values will be honored,” the Parliament announced.

First award of its kind

With the exception of Ireland, all member states award national honors to recognize excellence and social engagement. Currently, there is no comparable award at the level of the European Union. “The European Merit Order is intended to fill this gap and affirm a common European identity at a time of global challenges that call for greater unity.” The first award ceremony for the Merit Order is to take place by 2026 at the latest. (May 5)