Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Maia Sandu and Oleksandra Matviichuk among first laureates of the European Order of Merit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Moldovan president Maia Sandu and Ukrainian Human Rights Lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk hit the list of first laureates of the European Order of Merit, newly established by the European Parliament.

European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, revealed the names of the first laureates on 10 March. The European Order of Merit recognises significant contributions to European integration and the promotion and defence of European values. Proposals for appointment originated from Heads of State or government, speakers of national parliaments and Presidents of the EU Institutions.

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

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Polish President and Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa, was appointed Distinguished Member of the European Order of Merit.

Maia Sandu was appointed Honourable Member of the European Order of Merit, joining nine other laureates.

Human Rights Lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk was appointed a Member of the European Order of Merit, joining a total of nine other laureates.

The laureates will be invited to an official conferral ceremony to take place during the 18-21 May plenary session in Strasbourg.

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