On Tuesday, the European Parliament presented the first-ever European Order of Merit to a group of laureates recognised for “significant contribution to EU integration and values,” in a ceremony held within the Parliament’s hemicycle. The new honour, announced and awarded during a formal event in Strasbourg, marks the Parliament’s institutional effort to recognise individuals and organisations seen as advancing European unity and the bloc’s foundational principles.
The European Order of Merit is being launched as a formal award by the European Parliament to single out those whose work has meaningfully supported European integration, democratic values and the Union’s aims. Recipients were honoured at the ceremony with the participation of Members of the European Parliament and parliamentary staff. The European Parliament published images from the event under standard EU copyright for 2026.
Why this matters
The creation and first awarding of the European Order of Merit is notable for several reasons. First, it signals the Parliament’s intent to shape public recognition of what the EU regards as exemplary civic, political or social contributions to European integration. Such an award can help highlight transnational efforts that reinforce cooperation among member states, encourage civic engagement across borders, and elevate causes aligned with EU values such as human rights, rule of law and solidarity.
Second, as a political actor, the Parliament’s choice of laureates may carry symbolic weight domestically and internationally. Awards conferred by EU institutions can confer moral legitimacy and visibility on movements, leaders, NGOs or initiatives, potentially affecting public opinion, policymaking and funding landscapes. For citizens and civil society actors, the Order could offer a platform to amplify projects that foster mobility, social cohesion, cross-border collaboration and pan-European identity.
Details and ceremony
The ceremony, held at the European Parliament, marked the first presentation of the new distinction. The Parliament provided photographic material from the event; aside from the fact of the ceremony and the stated purpose of the award—honouring those who have made significant contributions to EU integration and values—the Parliament’s public release did not list laureates’ names, the selection criteria, the number of recipients, or the process by which they were chosen.
Background and context
The European Parliament has long used resolutions, prizes and awards—such as the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought—to recognise individuals and organisations that align with its political priorities. The introduction of the European Order of Merit appears to expand that practice by creating a formal, presumably recurring, honour tied explicitly to the theme of European integration. Such recognitions are part of the Parliament’s broader toolbox for public diplomacy and civic engagement, complementing legislative and budgetary powers with symbolic initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of shared purpose across the EU.
What we know and what remains unclear
From the Parliament’s brief announcement and photographic release, the essential facts are that the inaugural European Order of Merit was awarded at a ceremony at the European Parliament on Tuesday and that the award honours contributions to EU integration and values. The release did not provide further specifics about laureate identities, eligibility criteria, nomination or selection procedures, whether the award will carry any material benefits or follow-up obligations, or whether the prize will be annual.
Next steps
The European Parliament may publish further details on laureates and the award’s governance in subsequent communications or in parliamentary records. Observers and stakeholders—civil society groups, member state governments and MEPs—will likely watch for those clarifications to understand how the Order will be run, who is eligible, and how it fits into the Parliament’s wider political and civic engagement strategy.
For now, the event underscores the Parliament’s renewed effort to publicly acknowledge and elevate actors who contribute to the EU project, while raising questions about transparency and the criteria that will shape future selections.
Source: Full Press Release
