The National Order of Merit () is an order which is part of the National System of Decorations of Romania. A medal of merit also exists, but does not confer membership in the order.

History The current order continues a tradition going back well over a century.

Composition of the order The National Order of Merit is awarded in five grades in civil and military divisions, as well as a wartime division. It may be awarded to Romanians, foreign citizens, and military units. Its number is limited to 7,500 members. Members of the order are referred to as Knights of the Order for Merit, regardless of grade. Awards to foreigners, awards to military units, and awards in the wartime division are not figured in the total number under the order's limits. Awards are limited by grade and division as follows: Grand Cross, 150 civilian and 50 military Grand Officer, 300 civilian and 100 military Commander, 675 civilian and 225 military Officer, 1,500 civilian and 500 military Knight, 3,000 civilian and 1,000 military

Criteria The National Order of merit recognizes important civil or military services rendered to Romania. Qualifying important services may include: Safeguarding the independence, sovereignty, territorial unity and integrity of the Romanian State Developing the national economy Accomplishments in the fields of science, art, or culture Contribution to the development of relationships between Romania and other countries or international organizations Meritorious military service organizing and managing military operations Deeds committed on the battlefield or during military conflicts

Notable recipients Historical form Moses Gaster (1856–1939), "For Merit" National Order of the first class (1891)

Current form Nineta Bărbulescu Marek BelkaFor Merit National Order recipients (Decretul 488/2013) Valentina ButnaruPresedintele Romaniei. Decretul 567 din 1 decembrie 2000 (Decretul 567/2000) Matilda Caragiu Marioțeanu Ion Caramitru Franz, Duke of Bavaria Mircea Hava Keith Hitchins Ion Jinga Mark A. Meyer Mihnea Motoc Raymond T. Odierno Mircea Răceanu Prince Radu of Romania Stoian Stelian Iancu Țucărman Tomáš Kopták, Slovakia Martin Drobňák, Slovakia

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