Maia Sandu receives European Order of Merit in Strasbourg: “Let Moldova move forward on Its European pth!”
President Maia Sandu called on European Union institutions and member states to allow the Republic of Moldova “to move forward on its European path.” She made the appeal on May 19 from the podium of the European Parliament after receiving the European Order of Merit, a distinction recognizing her significant contribution to European integration and the promotion of European values.
The president dedicated the award to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, highlighting their efforts to keep the country on its European path despite crises, external pressure, and threats from Russia.
"Thank you for the honor of the European Order of Merit. Receiving it alongside leaders who shaped this continent and in this institution, built on the idea that Europeans are stronger together, feels overwhelming. But if we measure merit, then this distinction belongs to the people of Moldova. They are the ones who earned it," Maia Sandu said.
According to Maia Sandu, Moldova’s citizens have voted “for Europe again and again,” building their European future over the past three decades and defending it in the streets whenever “democracy was in danger.” Her remarks drew a standing ovation from European lawmakers that lasted nearly a minute.
"The credit belongs to public servants who work tirelessly to align every area of public life with European standards. To journalists who, despite difficulties, helped Moldova earn its place among countries with a free press. To policymakers and engineers who ended our energy dependence on Russia and connected us to Europe in less than four years. To companies that, over the past decade, dramatically shifted toward Europe, so that today two thirds of our trade is with the European Union. To judges and prosecutors who choose courage. To police officers who dismantle networks that destabilize Moldova and threaten neighboring countries. To teachers, doctors, those who stayed, and those living abroad who remain involved in Moldova’s future," Maia Sandu said.
Despite Russia’s brutal war against neighboring Ukraine and the constant challenges it creates, from Kremlin drones violating Moldova’s airspace to attacks on infrastructure and the environment, “Moldovans do not give up,” the president continued.
"We do all this while living next to Russia’s brutal war, while Kremlin missiles and drones violate our airspace, pollute our waters, and damage our energy infrastructure. Moldovans do not give up. That is the achievement", Maia Sandu added.
The European Order of Merit is a new civilian distinction established by the European Parliament to recognize significant contributions to European integration and the promotion of European values. Created in 2024 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the order is the first award of its kind granted by a European Union institution and may honor no more than 20 laureates each year.
The ceremony in Strasbourg brought together 13 of the 20 laureates selected this year, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, and former European Central Bank President Jean Claude Trichet.
A committee of European leaders and former officials selected the laureates. The members included Roberta Metsola, Michel Barnier, José Manuel Barroso, Josep Borrell, and Enrico Letta.
