Mary Robinson and U2 recognised in the first ever European Order of Merit

The European Order of Merit honours individuals who have contributed to European unity, democracy and values. There is strong Irish representation in the inaugural edition, with Mary Robinson and U2 named among the first 20 laureates.

Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson was appointed Honourable Member of the Order of Merit for her work championing human rights, equality and justice, driving landmark reforms in Ireland, and advocating for vulnerable communities worldwide.

Photo: ©AFP

Bono, together with The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr, known collectively as U2 were appointed as Members of the European Order of Merit for their role in shaping contemporary European culture through music, for their advocacy for humanity and justice. 

They were also commended for using music to lead and projecting a distinctly European voice rooted in peace, freedom, human dignity and solidarity, and championing these values through sustained civic and political engagement. Photo: ©Olaf Heine

What is the European Order of Merit?

The European Order of Merit was launched on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration - the starting point of European unity.

All EU countries, except Ireland, award distinctions in national orders. However, there was no similar distinction at European Union level. The European Order of Merit aims to fill this gap, reaffirming a shared European identity at a time when global challenges call for stronger unity.

This is the first official European distinction of its kind, recognising extraordinary actions by individuals who have contributed to European unity, democracy, and values.

At a time of global uncertainty, the European Order of Merit honours those who defend peace, democracy, and human dignity.

“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 build it”, said President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

How are the laureates selected?

The laureates announced were selected by the Selection Committee of the Order 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.

Proposals for appointment came from Heads of State or government, speakers of national parliaments and Presidents of the EU institutions.

The European Order of Merit consists of three levels of increasing distinction: Member of the Order, Honourable Member of the Order, Distinguished Member of the Order.

Distinguished Members of the European Order of Merit:

• Angela Merkel, Former Federal Chancellor of Germany
• Lech Wałęsa, former leader of Solidarność and former President of the Republic of Poland
• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
   

Honourable Members of the European Order of Merit:

• Valdas Adamkus, Former President of Lithuania
• Jerzy Buzek, Former Prime Minister of Poland and former President of the European Parliament
• Aníbal Cavaco Silva, Former President and Prime Minister of Portugal
• Sauli Niinistö, Former President of Finland and former Speaker of the Parliament of Finland
• Pietro Parolin, Cardinale and Secretary of State of the Holy See
• Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova
• Javier Solana y de Madariaga, former EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy
• Wolfgang Schüssel, Former Federal Chancellor of Austria
• Jean Claude Trichet, Former President of the European Central Bank

Members of the European Order of Merit:

• José Andrés, Chef and founder of the NGO “World Central Kitchen”
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Basketball player
• Marc Gjidara, Lawyer and scholar
• Sandra Lejniece, Physician, scientist and academic leader
• Oleksandra Matviichuk, Human Rights Lawyer
• Viviane Reding, Former Vice-President of the European Commission, former Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg, former Member of the European Parliament
• Paul David Hewson, known as Bono, David Howell Evans, Adam Charles Clayton and Laurence Joseph Mullen Jr, Musicians and Members of the U2 band
   

The official conferral ceremony will take place during the 18-21 May plenary session in Strasbourg. Laureates will receive a badge, a ribbon bar, and a certificate signed by the President of the European Parliament.

Fact sheet about the European Order of Merit

Briefing: Orders of Merit in different EU countries

Learn more about the European Order of Merit  

Press release: President Metsola announces first laureates of the European Order of Merit