National Order of Merit (Romania)

The National Order of Merit (Ordinul Național Pentru 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, ROU Order For Merit 2000 GCross BAR.svg 150 civilian and ROU_Order_For_Merit_2000-war-ribbon_GCross_BAR.svg 50 military
 * Grand Officer, ROU Order For Merit 2000 GOfficer BAR.svg 300 civilian and ROU Order For Merit 2000-war-ribbon GOfficer BAR.svg 100 military
 * Commander, ROU Order For Merit 2000 Comm BAR.svg 675 civilian and ROU Order For Merit 2000-war-ribbon Comm BAR.svg 225 military
 * Officer, ROU Order For Merit 2000 Officer BAR.svg 1,500 civilian and ROU Order For Merit 2000-war-ribbon Officer BAR.svg 500 military
 * Knight, ROU Order For Merit 2000 Knight BAR.svg 3,000 civilian and ROU Order For Merit 2000-war-ribbon Knight BAR.svg 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

Historical form

 * Moses Gaster (1856–1939), "For Merit" National Order of the first class (1891)

Current form

 * Nineta Barbulescu
 * Marek Belka
 * Valentina Butnaru
 * 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
 * Iancu Țucărman