Wednesday, May 20Wednesday, May 20The first European Order of Merit (*Europäischer Verdienstorden*) was awarded on 19 May 2026 in Strasbourg to 20 laureates for their contributions to European integration and EU values. The ceremony took place at the European Parliament, marking the inaugural presentation of the honor.
Among the recipients were former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, and former Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek for their roles in advancing European unity . Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, also received the award during the ceremony, though her acceptance speech was interrupted by a former Romanian politician .
Other notable awardees included former Irish President Mary Robinson and the band U2, recognized for promoting European values, though U2 did not attend the ceremony . Thirteen of the 20 laureates were present at the event, where they addressed the European Parliament .
The award was established by the European Parliament to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to EU integration and shared values . Polish right-wing MEPs from the Law and Justice (PiS) party boycotted the ceremony, staging a protest outside the plenary hall .
Erstmalige Verleihung: Ex-Kanzlerin Merkel erhält „Europäischen Verdienstorden In Straßburg ist Ex-Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkmal der erstmalig vergebene „Europäische Verdienstorden verliehen worden. 19 weitere Personen, darunter Wolodymyr Selenskyj, wurden ausgezeichnet.
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The award ceremony for the first recipients of the European Order of Merit takes place in Strasbourg Brussels – The first recipients of the European Order of Merit were honoured today (19 May) at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, for their contribution to European integration and EU values at a ceremony at the European Parliament. Thirteen of the twenty recipients of the European Order of Merit attended the ceremony in the chamber, addressing […]
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Press release - First laureates honoured with the European Order of Merit On Tuesday, the first laureates of the European Order of Merit were honoured for their significant contribution to EU integration and values in a ceremony at the European Parliament. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
european parlament · 1 day ago