In anticipation of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the European Parliament has announced the creation of the European Order of Merit – marking the first civil distinction of its kind to be instituted by an EU institution.

This new honour aims to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to European integration and the promotion of shared European values. While nearly all EU member states – except Ireland, which does not maintain a national system of orders – award honours through their respective national orders, the European Union itself has, until now, lacked a comparable symbolic distinction. The European Order of Merit is designed to fill this void, offering recognition at the supranational level.

Nominations to the order may be submitted by the Presidents of the European Parliament, the European Council, and the European Commission, as well as by heads of state or government and speakers of national parliaments from EU member states. Each year, up to 20 laureates may be appointed by a selection committee composed of the President of the European Parliament, two Vice-Presidents, and four eminent European figures.

The inaugural conferral ceremony is expected to take place in 2026.

Read more in the factsheet provided by the EU.