On Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, announced the names of the first laureates of the newly established European Order of Merit, a distinction recognising outstanding contributions to European integration and to the promotion and defence of European values.
“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. With the European Order of Merit, we honour those who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped to build it,” President Metsola stated.
The laureates were selected by the Order’s Selection Committee, composed of President Metsola, European Parliament Vice-Presidents Sophie Wilmès and Ewa Kopacz, as well as Michel Barnier, José Manuel Barroso, Josep Borrell and Enrico Letta.
Among those appointed Distinguished Members of the European Order of Merit is Pietro Parolin, Cardinal and Secretary of State of the Holy See.
Commenting on the announcement, the President of COMECE, Mariano Crociata, stated:
“The announcement of the establishment of the European Order of Merit, initiated by the Presidency of the European Parliament on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, has been brought to completion today with the publication of the names of those designated to receive this high honour. To some, this initiative might appear ill-timed, given the tragedies unfolding in these very days and the challenges which, in this context, weigh even more heavily on the European Union.
It should be recognised, however, that the most difficult moments are precisely those in which it is most necessary to recall and
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and COMECE President Mgr. Mariano Crociata during the 2025 Spring Assembly of COMECE. (Photo: Ada Lushi/COMECE)
revitalise the fundamental reasons upon which a reality such as the European Union has been built—namely its values and its path towards ever closer integration.
The designation of the first recipients of the European Order of Merit should therefore be welcomed, in the confidence that it will help to strengthen a shared awareness of the value of the Union and the commitment of all to contribute to its consolidation and to the process of integration, also thanks to the contribution of prominent figures on the European stage whose impact and achievements are evident.”