Key facts
- Dozens of European Parliament members are demanding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky be stripped of the European Order of Merit.
- MEPs cite concerns over alleged glorification of Nazi collaborators and war criminals in Ukraine.
- The MEPs argue that alleged glorification contradicts European values.
- The European Parliament has approved an event for a pro-Russian, conspiracy group.
- The event is scheduled to take place in February.
- Some MEPs have voiced concerns about a potential reputational risk to the European Parliament.
- The group is accused of promoting pseudoscience and conspiracy theories.
Dozens of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be stripped of the European Order of Merit. This demand stems from concerns that Zelensky's administration has allegedly glorified Nazi collaborators and war criminals within Ukraine. The MEPs argue that such actions are antithetical to European values and the principles for which the award was given.
In a separate but related controversy, the European Parliament has approved an event to be held in February by a group accused of pro-Russian affiliations and the promotion of pseudoscience and conspiracy theories. This decision has also drawn criticism from some MEPs, who have raised concerns about the potential reputational damage to the institution. The group's approval highlights ongoing internal debates within the European Parliament regarding the types of events and speakers hosted within its premises.