Top European Parliament Honor to Be Awarded for First Time
The award elevates Merkel to Distinguished Member status and revives debate over her crisis management and controversial legacy.
- On Tuesday, the European Parliament will present its inaugural European Order of Merit in Strasbourg to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, recognizing her "significant contributions to European integration" and defense of democratic values.
- Merkel was elevated to the highest category of Distinguished Member alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Polish President Lech Walesa, forming a symbolic trio linking democratic resistance, European unity, and political endurance.
- Yet, the ceremony will reignite debate over her legacy; critics argue she underestimated Vladimir Putin's geopolitical ambitions by prioritizing economic stability through reliance on Russian gas and deepening ties with China.
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated the award honors those "who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped build it," defending consensus politics during a period of continental instability.
- The ceremony reflects Europe's attempt to define leadership for the 21st century, signaling continuity with multilateralism even as the continent shifts toward a security-driven posture in an increasingly hostile world.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Today, the European Parliament awards the "European Order of Merit" for the first time in Strasbourg.
Top European Parliament honor to be awarded for first time
Germany's Angela Merkel and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among the first laureates of the European Order of Merit. They and other winners will be awarded the honor at a ceremony in the French city of Strasbourg.
"Simply Pathetic" – Ex-Generals Disassemble Merkel's Putin Policy Before EU Order Awarding Violently
The European Parliament honours Angela Merkel with the highest EU Order of Merit. Two ex-generals from Finland and Estonia strongly criticise this.
Angela Merkel is honoured by the European Parliament with the European Order of Merit. However, former top military officers from Finland and the Baltic States accuse the former Chancellor of fatal mistakes in Russia's policy.
An award such as the Federal Cross of Merit will also be presented in Brussels in the future: the EU Parliament establishes the first European League of Orders. The highest award for "deserving members" will be awarded, among other things, to Chancellor Merkel.
On the eve of the final negotiations on a stricter return policy for deported asylum seekers, former German Chancellor Merkel is receiving an honorary award for her European service. Meanwhile, over the course of 10 years, the EU has radically turned away from Merkel's welcoming policy for refugees. Why is this the case, and do the new rules offer a solution?
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