Politics
European Unity in Focus: EP President Metsola Receives Prestigious In Veritate Award
Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament was honoured with the “2023 In Veritate Award” for her commendable efforts in integrating Christian and European ideals as reported by COMECE. The award ceremony took place on Friday, September 29 2023 during the XXIII International Krakow Conference. Fr. Barrios Prieto commended Metsola’s commitment to democracy Christian values and advancing European integration as a true inspiration to many. This year’s conference theme focused on “Consequences of the War. What will Europe be like? What will Poland be like?” explicitly exploring “The Role of Christians in the European Integration Process”.
The In Veritate Award serves as a tribute to individuals who have demonstrated skill in harmonizing Christian and European principles. It is named after H.E. Mgr Tadeusz Pieronek, a Polish prelate and one of the founders of the International Krakow Conference.
In her acceptance speech upon receiving the “2023 Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek In Veritate Award” Roberta Metsola emphasized the importance of upholding our values in a world plagued by war crimes and human rights violations. She highlighted how Christian and European values serve as a foundation for shaping a future European Union that includes like-minded democracies such as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and countries, in the Western Balkans.
Metsola emphasized the importance of shared beliefs and interests as well as the responsibility to support them.
“Our Christian and European values anchor us, they will help us prepare for a future European Union in which like-minded democracies such as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and the Western Balkans will be included. We share common beliefs and interests, and it is our responsibility not to let them down”
![2023 In Veritate Award | Speech by EP President Roberta Metsola [PL subtitles]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GPtp3pW0S9g/hqdefault.jpg)
Father Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of COMECE expressed his gratitude to President Metsola and reiterated her commitment to democracy, Christian values and the promotion of European integration as an exemplary model.
The prestigious In Veritate Award was also presented to Reverend Andrzej Boniecki MIC, the Honorary editor-in-chief of the publication “Tygodnik Powszechny.”
A video message from His Excellency Monsignor Janusz Stepnowski, Bishop Delegate of the Polish Episcopate to COMECE and President of the COMECE Commission on Culture and Education conveyed congratulations to both recipients.
Father Barrios Prieto highlighted the significance of this Conference as a platform for dialogue among politics, academia, media, Church representatives and civil society during his opening remarks. He echoed Pope Francis’s aspirations for unity and peace in Europe today while calling for a revival of the European spirit that goes beyond immediate concerns or national boundaries. He emphasized diplomacy that fosters unity rather than exacerbating divisions.
This event was an endeavour by multiple organizations including the Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek Foundation, COMECE (Commission of Bishops Conferences of the European Union) The Robert Schuman Foundation, The European Peoples Party Group, in the European Parliament and its Polish delegation.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to strip 34 traitors of state awards to Ukraine
The document, published on the official website of the Ukrainian president, puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to strip persons considered traitors to Ukraine of state awards, UNIAN reported.
These persons include former civil servants, deputies, heads of the SBU and the Prosecutor General’s Office, prosecutors, artists, as well as Russian political, religious and cultural figures. All of them are deprived of state awards of Ukraine indefinitely.
In addition, ten of them are subject to the maximum package of sanctions – 21 types of measures, including blocking assets, cancellation of licenses and permits, as well as complete cessation of commercial operations.
Key figures on the list:
Alexander Efremov – former first deputy leader of the political party “Party of Regions” and chairman of the corresponding faction. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree.
Renat Kuzmin – former First Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine, holder of the Orders of Merit II-III degree and the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Viktor Medvedchuk – former deputy and close ally of Russia. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, as well as the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Other famous names:
Dmitry Tabachnyk – former Minister of Education and Science (2010-2014).
Mykola Azarov – former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2010-2014), holder of numerous orders and the title of Honored Economist of Ukraine.
Viktor Pshonka – former Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill – head of the Russian Orthodox Church, deprived of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise I degree.
Artists on the list:
The titles of “People’s Artist of Ukraine” and “Honored Artist of Ukraine” have been stripped from a number of popular Russian performers, including Nikolai Baskov, Philip Kirkorov, Ani Lorak, and Taisiya Povaliy.
Context of the decision:
On November 20, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a bill by President Zelensky that allows for the deprivation of state awards from persons who promote Russia, spread propaganda, or commit other actions against Ukraine.
According to the law, persons deprived of state awards lose all rights and privileges associated with them.
Photo: Ani Lorak / Facebook
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On November 7, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, wishing him health, strength and success in his upcoming second presidential term.
“Recognizing the enormous responsibilities of such a leadership position, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, as well as by the strength necessary to maintain harmony and security in your great and God-protected nation,” noted Patr. Bartholomew:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its ancient history and its fundamental commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, remains a constant supporter of all efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. We hope that under your leadership the United States will continue to support the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that resonate deeply in the Orthodox Christian tradition and all faith communities,” the congratulatory letter said.
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