Ukraine has already come a long way to the EU. Much has been built on this foundation, negotiations on our membership have already begun, clusters are already being opened, and every such step brings us closer together – Ukraine and the European Union, Ukrainians and all of Europe. Behind every such success of the state stand our citizens, our warriors, and all our people who protect the security and the future of all of Europe. And who, through all their actions every day, bring closer not merely accession, but our affirmation as an integral part of the common European home. And behind every such step also stand our like-minded people from other countries – true friends and allies, tested by time and struggle, who have proven that Ukraine and Europe are one. Ukraine will honor all such individuals with a new state award: the Order of Europe. A symbol of the effectiveness of our joint defense of Europe. Ukraine has fully earned the right to have an order with this very name – earned it through its round-the-clock fight for Europe’s life. And all those who have stood and continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with us in this fight will be honored with this distinction: Ukraine’s Order of Europe. From the address on the occasion of Constitution Day of Ukraine. (5/5)