Greek basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been awarded the European Order of Merit, one of the distinctions granted by the European Parliament to individuals recognized for their influence and contribution to promoting European values.
The announcement was shared by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who revealed in a post on social media that Antetokounmpo was unanimously selected as one of 20 personalities to receive the honor, following a proposal submitted by the Greek government.
According to the prime minister, the NBA star and leading figure in Greek basketball represents core values such as human dignity, equality and social inclusion, while also standing out as one of the most influential European personalities on the global stage. Mitsotakis publicly congratulated Antetokounmpo for the recognition.
Recognition from the European Parliament
The names of the first recipients of the European Order of Merit were announced in Strasbourg by Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to European integration and the promotion and defense of European values.
“Europe has always been built by people — people who bridged divides, broke barriers, overturned dictatorships and overcame crises for a better future for our continent,” Metsola said, explaining the purpose of the distinction. “With the European Order of Merit, we honor those who not only believed in Europe but actively helped build it.”
Selection and Ceremony
The recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of Metsola and senior European figures, including vice presidents of the European Parliament and former European and international leaders. Nominations were submitted by heads of state or government, presidents of national parliaments and leaders of European Union institutions.
Those honored will be invited to an official award ceremony scheduled to take place during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg between May 18 and May 21.
The European Order of Merit includes three levels of distinction — Member, Honorary Member and Distinguished Member — reflecting increasing levels of prestige for individuals recognized for their contribution to Europe and its shared principles.
