George Pitsilis, the director of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue in Greece, was awarded the distinction of Knight of the National Order of Merit of the French Republic by the French ambassador to Greece, Laurence Auer. The honor recognizes his significant role in enhancing administrative reform and fostering Greek-French collaboration. Ambassador Auer described Pitsilis as a 'connecting link' between Greece and France, bridging the gap between public and private sectors as well as national and European administration.

In his acceptance remarks, Pitsilis emphasized that the award signifies 'recognition of a common path, a collective effort, and a stable relationship of trust between Greece and France.' He noted that it reflects the work of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and their ongoing effort towards transparency, effectiveness, and strengthening international tax cooperation. The collaboration between the AADE and the French tax administration was highlighted as a key aspect of this ongoing relationship, showcasing how the two nations are working together on fiscal matters.

This recognition is not only a personal achievement for Pitsilis but also underscores the importance of international partnerships in the domain of public administration. The initiative fosters deeper ties between Greece and France, enhancing administrative practices and mutual trust, which is crucial for the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in both countries' governance and public finance systems.