For example, someone who has worked for the benefit of society or stimulated, encouraged and/or assisted others for a considerable period of time is eligible. Someone who has carried out one or more remarkable achievements or work of outstanding value that have a special value to society can also be honoured.

The emphasis in appointments to the Order of Orange-Nassau is on the special nature of the merits for others. Examples include indispensable volunteers who work unselfishly with young people or have unselflishly solved social problems. In short: these are special, individual merits that are marked in society due to their character.

Someone who has special achievements in his/her work can also be honoured. However, such ‘outstanding or exceptional services in the working environment’ must exceed what might normally be expected of a person in that position. This refers to personal dedication, vision and qualities. Furthermore, the merits must have a greater importance than only for the business, organisation or institute where the candidate works. Society must benefit.

There are different criteria for members of parliament, defined in article 14 of the Rules of Procedure. The assessment of their work already takes place through elections for the representative bodies. This prevents the work of members of controlling bodies with direct electoral mandate being subject of assessment by the controlling bodies themselves. The full text of the Rules of Procedure is in that section of this website.