Europe’s Got Talent: Political Edition
The European Parliament is rolling out the red carpet for what might be the continent’s most exclusive awards ceremony yet – and no, you can’t vote via text message. On May 19th in Strasbourg, the inaugural European Order of Merit will honor 20 people who’ve basically been Europe’s MVPs.
Think of it as the Oscars, but with more former chancellors and fewer tearful acceptance speeches (probably). Thirteen of the twenty laureates are expected to show up, which is actually a pretty solid RSVP rate for politicians.
The guest list reads like a “Who’s Who” of European heavy-hitters. Angela Merkel is coming – presumably she’s cleared her schedule of not running Germany anymore. Lech Wałęsa, the legendary Solidarity leader who helped topple communism, will be there. Even Moldova’s President Maia Sandu is making the trip, which is quite the commute.
The ceremony kicks off at 11:30 AM, and here’s where it gets interesting: each laureate gets to speak after receiving their medal. That’s right, each one. Better grab coffee. The whole thing will be livestreamed for those who can’t make it to Strasbourg or who prefer watching history unfold in their pajamas.
After the main event, there’s a media circus – sorry, “press briefings” – where journalists can grill the winners. Later, some laureates will participate in a panel discussion, because apparently one ceremony wasn’t enough celebrating for the day.
This whole shindig is timed perfectly with the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the 1950 document that basically said, “Hey, maybe we should stop fighting and start cooperating?” Radical stuff.
It’s the first European distinction of its kind granted by an EU institution, which means Parliament is finally getting in on the awards game. Better late than never, right?