The Bureau of the European Parliament („Bureau“) has decided to introduce a European Order of Merit. The occasion is the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which, according to the Parliament, „laid the foundations for European unity.“ Until now, there has been no Order of Merit at the EU level. All 27 member states, except Ireland, have an Order of Merit, which is awarded to citizens for their achievements. Now the EU is also getting an Order of Merit. Parliament President Roberta Metsola (EPP) said: „This Order celebrates those who lead with courage, act with conviction and believe, like Robert Schuman, that peace, democracy and dignity are not just ideals, but actions.“