The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (or Order Zasługi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej in Polish) is an order of merit of Poland created in 1974, awarded to persons who have rendered great service to the country. It is granted to foreigners or Poles resident abroad. As such it is sometimes referred to as a traditional “diplomatic order“.
The order was established by an act of 10 April 1974, as the Order of Merit of the Polish People’s Republic. It was awarded in five classes: Grand Cordon of the Order, Commandery with Star, Commandery, Gold Badge of the Order, and Silver Badge of the Order. It was awarded by the Polish Council of State.
Under the 1992 act, the order is awarded to foreigners or Poles resident abroad for distinguished contributions to international cooperation or cooperation between Poland and other countries. It is awarded by the President of Poland.
From 1974 to 1991 the Order was awarded in the following classes:
- st class – Grand Cordon of the Order of Merit of the People’s Republic of Poland
- 2nd class – Commandery with Star of the Order of Merit of the People’s Republic of Poland
- 3rd class – Commandery of the Order of Merit of the People’s Republic of Poland
- 4th class – Gold Badge of the Order of Merit of the People’s Republic of Poland
- 5th class – Silver Badge of the Order of Merit of the People’s Republic of Poland
Since 1992 the Order is awarded in the following classes:
- 1st class – Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- 2nd class – Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- 3rd class – Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- 4th class – Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- 5th class – Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland Design
After the fall of communism in Poland in 1989, it was decided to retain the order, with necessary changes. The insignia was changed to the present ones by a presidential decree of 16 April 1991. The abbreviation “PRL” was changed to “RP,” the Eagle was given a crown in accordance with Poland’s new coat of arms, the date “1974” was removed from the reverse, and the color of the ribbon was changed from light cobalt blue to dark cobalt.
