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.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. 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. 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.”