Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek-Nigerian star of the NBA also known as the ‘Greek Freak’, is among those selected as the first laureates of the newly-established European Order of Merit.
The names of the laureates were revealed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg on Tuesday.
Proposals for appointment originated from Heads of State or government, speakers of national parliaments and Presidents of the EU Institutions.
The highest ranking – that of “Distinguished Member” – was awarded to former German chancellor Angela Merkel, former Polish president Lech Wałęsa and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The category “Honorable Members” includes figures such as Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Jean Claude Trichet, former president of the European Central Bank.
Antetokounmpo is in the rank of “Member of the European Order of Merit”, alongside the rock musician Bono from the Irish band U2, Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk and celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of the NGO “ World Central Kitchen”.
The laureates will be invited to an official conferral ceremony to take place during the 18-21 May plenary session in Strasbourg.
Last year, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the European Parliament’s Bureau decided to establish the first European distinction of its kind granted by an EU institution; a civilian distinction to honor the achievements of individuals who have made a significant contribution to European integration or to the promotion and defense 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 honor those who did not simply believe in Europe, but who helped build it,” Metsola said when announcing the first laureates.
The laureates announced were selected by the Selection Committee of the Order composed of President Metsola, EP Vice-Presidents Sophie Wilmès and Ewa Kopacz, and Michel Barnier, José Manuel Barroso, Josep Borrell and Enrico Letta.
source: europaparliament
