Zelenskyy awards Order of Europe to von der Leyen, saying it cannot be revoked
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15 July, 15:19
Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Ursula von der Leyen’s social media
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the Order of Europe to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during Statehood Day celebrations in Kyiv on 15 July, stressing that this award "can never be revoked or taken away".
Source: European Pravda, citing Interfax-Ukraine
Quote from Zelenskyy: "It is a great honour to present Ursula today with the first Ukrainian Order of Europe... Dear Ursula, this is an award that no one will ever be able to cancel or take away. Because Ukraine's word is firm."
He thanked von der Leyen for "always believing in us".
Background:
- According to a presidential decree, von der Leyen was awarded, in particular, "for outstanding personal merits in supporting Ukraine's strategic course toward full membership in the European Union".
- On 14 July, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted a law introducing a new state award – the Order of Europe.
- Under the law, the Order of Europe will be awarded to Ukrainian citizens and foreigners for outstanding personal contributions to supporting Ukraine's strategic course toward full EU membership.
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