Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, recently revealed the first laureates of the new European Council for Merit, an award created to highlight significant contributions to European unity and the values enshrined in its founding treaties. The initiative was launched in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which marked the beginning of European integration. The awards aim to celebrate individuals who have made notable efforts in strengthening Europe as a whole.

However, the announcement of the laureates has not been received positively, as the timing was deemed less than ideal, suggesting a disconnect with current events and sentiments within Europe. The selection process for the awardees is managed by a commission appointed by the Presidency of the European Parliament, which includes the President and two Vice Presidents. The bureaucratic nature of European institutions is highlighted, raising questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the selection process.

As the new European Council for Merit seeks to recognize individuals who defend European values, there are ongoing discussions about the significance and implications of such awards in the political landscape of Europe. The mixed reactions to the selections, particularly concerning high-profile figures like Merkel and Zelensky, reflect the complexities of political recognition and the broader dialogue about Europe’s future direction amid various challenges.