The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola yesterday announced the first recipients of the European Order of Merit, including the leading Greek basketball player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose name was a Greek government proposal that passed unanimously by the special committee created.

In a post, the prime minister said: “Giannis Antetokounmpo, following a proposal by the government, was unanimously selected as one of the 20 personalities for the European Order of Merit, an award presented by the European Parliament. Giannis, one of Europe’s most influential global personalities, embodies our common values: human dignity, equality and social inclusion. Congratulations, Giannis.”

In his Letter to the President of the European Parliament, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “Giannis Antetokounbo is one of Europe’s most influential global figures, whose life story, public leadership and commitment to humanitarian ideals embody the core values of the European Union: Human dignity, equality, social inclusion, multiculturalism and opportunity.”

Up to 20 honorees will be appointed to the Order each year. The announcement was made on Tuesday and the official award ceremony will take place during the plenary session of 18-21 May in Strasbourg.

It is recalled that, in view of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the Bureau of the European Parliament decided to establish the first European distinction of this kind to be awarded by an EU institution in order to honour the achievements of personalities who have made a significant contribution to European integration and European values.