Published 2026-03-13
Summary: Former German chancellor Angela Merkel is slated to be among the first laureates of the European Order of Merit, an honor created by the European Parliament to recognize individuals who have helped build Europe. Merkel is noted for her open-door migration policy, a feature highlighted in relation to the award.
What We Know
- The European Parliament has announced first laureates of the European Order of Merit, with Angela Merkel among them.
- Other named initial laureates include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former Polish president Lech Wałęsa, according to reports citing the Parliament’s announcements.
- The award is described as the European Parliament’s honor to “honour those who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped build it.”
- Merkel’s association with an open-door migration policy is highlighted in discussions about her contributions to Europe.
- The award is referred to in multiple sources as the European Order of Merit as established by the European Parliament.
What’s Still Unclear
- Exact date of the formal announcement by President Metsola beyond reported press coverage.
- Whether Bono or other figures appear among the first laureates, as some sources speculate.
- The precise wording of the laureate announcements and the official ceremony details (locations, dates, format).
- Any additional laureates beyond Zelensky, Merkel, and Wałęsa confirmed by official Parliament communications.
Context
The European Parliament has created a new honor—the European Order of Merit—to recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to Europe. While initial reporting focuses on figures from politics and public service, such honors typically aim to reflect diverse areas of European integration, policy, and values. Merkel’s leadership during migration debates is a notable part of the public discourse surrounding her candidacy.
Why It Matters
The recognition highlights ongoing debates about Europe’s identity, unity, and policy approaches to migration and security. It also marks a symbolic moment for European Parliament’s role in celebrating leaders who shaped European progress, potentially influencing public memory and policy narratives.
What to Watch Next
- Official Parliament communications confirming the complete list of laureates and the dates of any award ceremony.
- Details about the criteria used to select laureates and the selection process.
- Any formal statements from the laureates regarding the award and what it signifies for Europe’s future.
FAQ
Q: Who are the first laureates of the European Order of Merit?
A: Reports indicate Angela Merkel, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Lech Wałęsa are among the first laureates, per announcements from the European Parliament and related coverage; official confirmation should come from Parliament communications.
Q: What is the European Order of Merit?
A: It is an honor created by the European Parliament to recognize individuals who helped build Europe, described as recognizing those who did more than believe in Europe.
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Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: Former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel will be among the first laureates to receive the European Order of Merit, created by the European Parliament to “honour those who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped build it.”
Sources
- President Metsola announces first laureates of the European Order of Merit
- Zelensky, Merkel, Walesa first laureates of European Order of Merit – MSN
- Angela Merkel, Volodymyr Zelensky and Lech Wałęsa, first recipients of …
- EU Parliament Honors Merkel, Walesa, and Selenskyj with Prestigious …
- Zelenskyy, Merkel and Bono get top EU prize – POLITICO