Maia Sandu has been honored with another European award, the “Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi” distinction, which was presented to her in Brussels. According to the press service of the presidential administration in Chisinau, the award is given to leaders and personalities who promote unity, democracy, and shared values across the continent.
Previous recipients of the award include Angela Merkel, Jean-Claude Juncker, Klaus Iohannis, and Donald Tusk. The Moldovan President dedicated the award to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, highlighting their courage and resilience in the face of challenges.
”This award is not about me but about the people of Moldova, who choose democracy, work for a just society, and have shown the world that our place is in the European family,” the President stated.
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“Maia Sandu courageously pursues the political path of integrating Moldova into the democratic family of European states. She fulfills her high mandate with dignified simplicity and contributes to the peaceful development of the continent. Despite the difficult situation threatening her country, she is leading it firmly toward European Union membership for a secure political and economic future,” said Prince Nikolaus von Liechtenstein, President of the Coudenhove-Kalergi European Society, who presented the award.
The distinction symbolizes recognition of Moldova’s efforts to align with European values and contribute to the unity and stability of the community. It reflects the country’s transformation into a reliable partner for the EU, confirming progress in democratic reforms and Moldova’s commitment to becoming part of the European Union, the Presidential press service noted.
The award does not include a financial prize.
It is worth recalling that on December 2, the Moldovan presidency announced that Maia Sandu had become the laureate of the 2025 Reinhard Mohn Prize, awarded by the Bertelsmann Foundation every two years. The President will receive the distinction ”for her exemplary commitment to defending and promoting democracy” along with a €100,000 prize, which she plans to donate to the development of her hometown, Risipeni, in the Falesti district.