Zelenskyy awards Order of Europe to von der Leyen, calls it irrevocable

What happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the first-ever Order of Europe to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during Statehood Day celebrations in Kyiv on 15 July, according to Ukrainska Pravda English, citing Interfax-Ukraine and European Pravda.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the honour "can never be revoked or taken away," a statement highlighting the symbolic permanence Ukraine ascribes to this new award. He also thanked von der Leyen for her continuous support, noting she has "always believed in us."

The award was established by a Ukrainian parliamentary law adopted on 14 July, introducing the Order of Europe as a new state decoration to recognise outstanding contributions to supporting Ukraine’s strategic course toward full European Union membership. The law allows the award to be given to both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners.

Known from the source

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy awarded the Order of Europe to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 15 July in Kyiv during Statehood Day celebrations.
• Zelenskyy said the award "can never be revoked or taken away."
• The Order of Europe was created by Ukrainian parliamentary law adopted on 14 July as a new state award.
• The award recognises outstanding personal merits supporting Ukraine’s strategic course toward full EU membership.
• Both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners are eligible to receive the Order of Europe.

What remains unclear

Von der Leyen received the award specifically for "outstanding personal merits in supporting Ukraine's strategic course toward full membership in the European Union," as stated in a presidential decree. This signals Kyiv’s intent to publicly honour and strengthen ties with EU figures seen as key allies in Ukraine’s integration ambitions.

What remains unclear: Verify text and status of the presidential decree awarding von der Leyen the Order of Europe. Confirm details and wording of the Ukrainian Parliament’s law introducing the Order of Europe. Confirm exact wording of Zelenskyy’s speech at the ceremony. Ensure correct spelling and titles for all persons mentioned.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.