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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Becomes First Recipient of Ukraine's New Order of Europe
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has become the first recipient of Ukraine's newly established Order of Europe.
The announcement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during ceremonies marking the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the anniversary of the Christianization of Kyivan Rus on July 15, according to RBC-Ukraine.
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According to the outlet, the Order of Europe is a new Ukrainian state decoration established to recognize Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals for supporting Ukraine's European integration, strengthening international cooperation, and contributing to the country's independence and security.
Zelenskyy signed the decree introducing the award after Ukraine's parliament approved the corresponding legislation a day earlier.
Von der Leyen became the inaugural recipient of the distinction during her visit to Kyiv.
“This is an award that no one will be able to revoke or strip away, because Ukraine's word is unwavering,” Zelenskyy said while presenting the decoration.
Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv earlier on July 15 for her 11th visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. She described the visit as taking place at “a special moment,” saying Ukraine had gained “strong military momentum” that is changing the situation on the ground.
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She said she would unveil new initiatives to integrate the defense industries of Ukraine and the European Union in order to expand and accelerate joint production. The visit also includes discussions on Ukraine's European Union accession process and preparations for the coming winter.
The presentation of the award comes less than a month after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honor, previously awarded to Zelenskyy.
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