Full Breakdown
Ukraine Introduces the “Order of Europe” to Honor Contributions to EU Integration and Defense
6/29/2026, 9:54:21 PM
Legislative Initiative
On 28 June 2024 President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted draft law No. 15359 to the Verkhovna Rada, amending Article 7 of the Law “On State Awards of Ukraine.” The bill creates the “Order of Europe,” a high-level state honor for Ukrainian citizens and foreigners who advance Ukraine’s EU accession, bolster national resilience, or support European security. Parliament will debate the proposal in an upcoming plenary session.
Background
The proposal was announced on the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Constitution, a milestone noted by state, military and security leaders. Zelensky linked the constitutional framework to Ukraine’s ongoing pursuit of sovereignty, democracy and EU integration.
Key Figures
President Zelensky authored the draft and promoted the award. Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk announced the submission on Facebook and confirmed parliamentary consideration. The full Verkhovna Rada will decide the award’s legal framework.
Award Criteria
The draft lists three grounds for conferral: (1) notable support for Ukraine’s strategic course toward EU accession; (2) significant contributions to national resilience, independence and European security; (3) promotion of international cooperation that advances democracy, peace, good neighborliness and friendly relations. The law also mentions parallel initiatives, such as the Ukrainian National Pantheon and a monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa in Kyiv.
Significance
By institutionalising recognition of contributions to EU integration and defence, the Order of Europe signals Kyiv’s diplomatic priorities and may reinforce international backing for Ukraine’s European trajectory.
Official Statements
President Zelensky said the Constitution derives its strength from the Ukrainian people and that citizens embody its values through their actions and struggle for a sovereign, independent, democratic, European nation. Speaker Stefanchuk confirmed the draft’s submission and noted that parliamentary deliberation will follow soon.
Gaps
The draft does not define the medal’s design, the selection committee composition, or the timeline for awarding recipients; these points await clarification in the legislative process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Exactly 30 years ago, the Basic Law of our state was adopted, which is empowered by Ukrainian men and women,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
- “through their example, their deeds, their work, and their struggle for Ukraine – a sovereign, independent, democratic, legal, European, peaceful, and independent nation.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
- “Honoring European integration and security The proposed “Order of Europe” will serve as a distinguished state honor available to both citizens of Ukraine and foreign nationals.” — Draft law text
- “According to the legislative proposal, the award will be granted based on several criteria: Outstanding merits in supporting Ukraine’s strategic course toward acquiring full membership in the EU.” — Draft law text
Next Steps
Parliament will debate the amendment in an upcoming session. If passed, the Order of Europe could be awarded for the first time later in 2024, possibly alongside the Ukrainian National Pantheon legislation.
