| People with merits of a very exceptional nature for society are eligible for the Order of the Netherlands Lion. These achievements are individual, exceptional achievements or efforts of a very exceptional nature or achievements on the basis of exceptional talents. This involves entirely individual brilliance, which has however also proved exceptionally valuable for society. Keywords are 'unique' and 'exceptional achievements demanding a great deal of respect'. Someone may be eligible for an honour if he or she has carried a responsibility or shown a competence that is considerably greater than society might expect from him or her. For example, people who have been exceptionally deserving for society in their working environment, who have been exceptionally deserving with regard to employment through their management talents, or who have saved companies from decline.
In addition, people who have carried out work in an excellent manner that very greatly benefits society can also be honoured. This is particularly true if the social appreciation for this work has not been expressed in any other way. This involves people with special talents and people who have made achievements with a social character, such as ground-breaking (academic) work.
Furthermore, a person may be eligible if he or she has made a very exceptional achievement, either alone or with others, whether commissioned or not. People who are appointed to the Order of the Netherlands Lion in this context have distinguished themselves through an exceptional artistic achievement, unique sport achievements, exceptional academic (research) achievements, exceptional technical innovation or exceptionally innovative enterprise. |
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Karel Appel, Commander in the
Order of the Netherlands Lion
photo ANP
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