Lech Wałęsa has been appointed Distinguished Member of the European Order of Merit and Jerzy Buzek has been appointed Honourable Member of the European Order of Merit.

People need to know that the EU offers security, jobs, and prosperity. And people need to believe in Europe—and Europe has always been strong when it has been able to imagine a better future—and to build it together in solidarity. So let’s dream big and act responsibly

said former Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek at the conferral ceremony.

The Bureau of the European Parliament honours the achievements of individuals who have made a significant contribution to European integration or to the promotion and defence of the values enshrined in the Treaties.

Former President Lech Wałęsa accepted the Order as a recognition of the Solidarity movement’s victorious struggle.

I want the EU and the ‘post-Solidarity’ generation to succeed

emphasised Lech Wałęsa in his address.

The European Order of Merit was launched by the Bureau of the European Parliament on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

Proposals for appointment are made by the Members States’ heads of state and government, speakers of the national parliaments, and presidents of key EU institutions.

The Order has three levels of distinction:

• Distinguished Member of the Order;
• Honourable Member of the Order;
• Member of the Order.