The European Parliament awarded its European Order of Merit for the first time on Tuesday, honoring former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and former Polish President Lech Walesa among the first laureates.

According to the EU, the award recognizes contributions to European integration or the promotion and defense of the bloc's core values. Merkel, Zelenskyy, and Walesa received the highest of three levels of the honor.

The ceremony took place in Strasbourg, France. Zelenskyy did not attend in person. Other notable figures, including Vatican diplomat Pietro Parolin, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and former European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, received lower levels.

Former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel and members of the rock band U2 were also awarded. The European Parliament stated that 13 of the approximately 20 laureates accepted the honor in person and delivered short speeches.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, announcing the laureates in March, said: "With the European Order of Merit, we honor those who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped build it." She added: "Europe has always been built by people. Bridging divides, breaking barriers, overthrowing dictatorships and overcoming crises for a better future for our continent. This European commitment deserves to be celebrated."

Source: www.dw.com