Zelensky Initiates ‘Order of Europe’ State Award

President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially initiated the creation of a new, high-level state award – the “Order of Europe” – designed to honor exceptional contributions to Ukraine’s European future and its ongoing defense.

Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk announced on Sunday, June 28, that the president had formally submitted the corresponding draft law to the Ukrainian parliament.

Honoring European integration and security

The proposed “Order of Europe” will serve as a distinguished state honor available to both citizens of Ukraine and foreign nationals. According to the legislative proposal, the award will be granted based on several criteria:

• Outstanding merits in supporting Ukraine’s strategic course toward acquiring full membership in the EU.

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• Significant contributions to assisting Ukraine in strengthening its resilience, defending its state independence, and ensuring the security of Europe as a whole.

• Strengthening international cooperation in the interests of democracy, peace, good neighborliness, and comprehensive, friendly relations between nations.

Lawmakers are expected to consider the draft law, which proposes amendments to Article 7 of the Law “On State Awards of Ukraine,” during one of the upcoming plenary sessions.

The Ukrainian National Pantheon

In a parallel move to solidify national memory, President Zelensky submitted a second piece of legislation (Draft Law No. 15360) on June 28, aimed at establishing the “Ukrainian National Pantheon.”

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Speaker Stefanchuk noted that the document outlines the creation of a nationwide memorial site in the capital, Kyiv, dedicated to honoring the most prominent representatives of the Ukrainian nation.

The initiative is rooted in centuries of Ukrainian state-building traditions. It aims to restore historical justice, preserve national memory, and consolidate society around a shared history while fostering a strong Ukrainian national and civic identity. The parliament is also slated to review this draft law in the near future.

30th Anniversary of the Constitution

These new legislative initiatives were introduced as Ukraine marks the 30th anniversary of its Constitution.

On Sunday, state, military, and security leaders emphasized the nation’s enduring fight to protect the sovereignty and democratic values enshrined in the historic document.

In a celebratory address published on Telegram, President Zelensky highlighted that the Constitution derives its true strength from the Ukrainian people.

“Exactly 30 years ago, the Basic Law of our state was adopted, which is empowered by Ukrainian men and women,” Zelensky wrote. He emphasized that the citizens of Ukraine fill the pages of the Constitution with life “through their example, their deeds, their work, and their struggle for Ukraine – a sovereign, independent, democratic, legal, European, peaceful, and independent nation.”