It’s a beautiful day for U2.
STRASBOURG — The European Parliament on Tuesday honored a host of political heavyweights from across the continent — and Irish rock band U2.
The European Order of Merit, handed out for the first time this year to recognize people who have contributed to EU values, has three ascending ranks: Member of the Order, Honourable Member of the Order, and Distinguished Member of the Order.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa received the top distinction.
Among those awarded the second-highest honor were Moldovan President Maia Sandu, the Vatican’s Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö.
Among those recognised in the Member of the Order category are Greek basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo; José Andrés, founder of the NGO World Central Kitchen; and the four members of U2.
Bono, known for his anti-poverty activism and philanthropy, has long expressed support for the EU, even waving the bloc’s flag at concerts. In a 2018 speech, he warned the union was under attack and called for it to be defended.
Merkel, who served as chancellor from 2005 to 2021, was praised for her steady leadership, especially during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term. But her legacy has come under renewed scrutiny in recent years over Germany’s increased dependence on Russian gas during her tenure, with criticism mounting particularly since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
When Parliament President Roberta Metsola mentioned Merkel was being honored, it drew a loud chorus of boos.
Martin Schirdewan, the co-chair of The Left group in the Parliament, said of the decision to honor Merkel: “Rewarding the hand that imposed social cuts, deepened inequality, and exported austerity from Germany to Greece is not really the best choice for an award.”
Recipients of the prize will receive a badge, ribbon and certificate signed by Metsola at a ceremony in May.