Former president Mary Robinson and the band U2 are set to be among the first 20 recipients of the European Order of Merit.
The honour recognises individuals who have made a major contribution to European integration or to promoting European values such as peace, democracy and human dignity, reports RTE.
The announcement was made by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during a plenary session in Strasbourg.
She said Europe has always been shaped by people who bridged divides, removed barriers, overthrew dictatorships and overcame crises, adding that in a time of global uncertainty such dedication should be recognised, reports RTE.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and chef and founder of the NGO World Central Kitchen, Jose Andres, will also receive the award.
The first group of laureates will receive certificates during a ceremony held as part of a European Parliament sitting in May, reports RTE.
They were selected by a committee that included former European commissioners Josep Borrell, Michel Barnier and Jose Manuel Barroso, following nominations from the presidents of European institutions and EU heads of state or government.
The final list features individuals from areas including civil society, the arts, academia and politics, reports RTE.
The European Order of Merit was created to mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the moment widely regarded as the starting point of European unity.
The award aims to encourage future generations by highlighting civic courage and dedication to European ideals, reports RTE.
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