Former anti-communist leader Lech Walesa awarded European Order of Merit

Former Polish president and anti-communist icon Lech Wałęsa was among the first recipients of the newly established European Order of Merit, receiving the EU’s highest distinction during a ceremony held in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

The honour, introduced by the European Parliament last year, recognises individuals who have made major contributions to European integration, democracy, and shared European values. Wałęsa was one of 20 inaugural recipients recognised during the event.

Wałęsa rose to international prominence during the 1980s as leader of the Solidarity (Solidarność) trade union movement, which became a powerful symbol of resistance against communist rule in Poland and across Eastern Europe. The movement played a central role in the eventual collapse of Soviet communism and the democratic transition of the region. In 1983, Wałęsa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in advancing workers’ rights and democracy.

In 1989, he successfully negotiated the introduction of Poland’s first free elections, which effectively marked the end of communist rule in the country. Throughout that period, he enjoyed strong support from fellow Pole Pope John Paul II, whose backing became an important moral force behind Poland’s pro-democracy movement. Wałęsa later became Poland’s first democratically elected president in 1990, serving until 1995.

Wałęsa also maintained close ties with Malta’s own pro-democracy circles during the 1980s and was supportive of Malta’s eventual accession to the European Union in 2004. His message of democratic reform and European integration resonated strongly across smaller European states emerging into a new political era after the Cold War.

Speaking during Tuesday’s ceremony, Wałęsa said:

“I sincerely thank you for this great honour. But I accept it as recognition of the victorious fight of Solidarity, which I led.” He added that he remained committed to “the success of the EU and the post-Solidarity generation.”

Reflecting on the Cold War years, Wałęsa described the bipolar world order dominated by the Soviet Union and the United States as “very dangerous for the world.” He also warned against a potential Russian victory in Ukraine, stressing that Europe “must do everything to prevent this.”

Among the other recipients present at the ceremony were former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also named a Distinguished Member of the European Order of Merit but did not attend the event.

The awards were presented jointly by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.