Kyiv honors EU chief with newly created Order of Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the newly established Order of Europe, recognizing her contribution to Ukraine's European integration and support for the country's sovereignty.

The award was conferred under a presidential decree published on the official website of the Ukrainian president.

According to the decree, von der Leyen was honored, among other reasons, "for her outstanding personal contribution to supporting Ukraine's strategic course toward full membership in the European Union."

The decree also cites her significant role in strengthening Ukraine's resilience in defending its independence and contributing to the security of Europe as a whole, as well as her efforts to promote international cooperation in the interests of democracy, peace, good-neighborly relations, and comprehensive friendship between nations.

The award comes shortly after Ukraine formally introduced the Order of Europe as a new state decoration. On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada adopted legislation establishing the honor.

Under the new law, the Order of Europe may be awarded to both Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals for outstanding personal contributions to advancing Ukraine's strategic goal of achieving full membership in the European Union.

By Vafa Guliyeva