Structure of the Order
The Order of the European Lion does not maintain a traditional membership. Individuals upon whom a distinction is conferred are not regarded as members, but as bearers of an honour bestowed upon them on the basis of their merits, societal significance, or their particular role within the ceremonial framework of the Order. The distinction constitutes a recognition of dignity, not an admission to an association.
Decision‑making authority within the Order rests exclusively with the Chapter, which is responsible for assessing nominations, establishing protocol guidelines and granting distinctions. The Chapter safeguards the dignity, traditions and integrity of the Order and serves as its highest ceremonial‑administrative body.
Chapter Hierarchy
The Chapter of the Order of the European Lion consists of various dignitaries, including:
• Grand Master of the Order The highest authority within the Order, responsible for ceremonial leadership, the preservation of traditions and the final confirmation
of all distinctions.
• Chancellor of the Order Responsible for the administrative and protocol management of the Order, as well as for preparing and implementing the decisions of the Chapter.
• Master of Ceremonies Supervisor of all ceremonies, rituals and protocol acts, ensuring the dignified conduct of the Order’s ceremonial proceedings.
The Chapter may be supported by advisors or honorary officials from different European countries, whose expertise may be consulted when deemed appropriate.
The Great Book of the Order
The Great Book of the Order constitutes the official and ceremonial archive of the Order of the European Lion. It records all decisions, conferrals, protocol acts and solemn registrations of the Order in a careful and dignified manner. The Great Book is regarded as the highest document of the Order and preserves the historical continuity of its ceremonial heritage.
Every distinction granted by the Chapter is, after confirmation, entered into the Great Book under a unique ceremonial number. The entry includes the date of conferral, the nature of the distinction and the formal confirmation by the Chapter. In this way, the honour is officially and irrevocably established within the tradition of the Order.
The Great Book is administered by the Chancellery and consulted exclusively by the Chapter. In accordance with privacy legislation and out of respect for the dignity of the decorated persons, the Great Book is not made public. It is an internal ceremonial document safeguarding the integrity, history and dignity of the Order.
The Chapter ensures that the Great Book is maintained with the utmost care and that each entry complies with the protocol guidelines that characterise the Order. The Great Book is therefore not merely an archive, but a living symbol of the honour and tradition embodied by the Order of the European Lion.
Revocation and Withdrawal of Distinctions
The Order of the European Lion reserves the right to withdraw a distinction if a decorated person commits acts or finds themselves in circumstances that may seriously harm the dignity, reputation or integrity of the Order.
Revocation may occur when:
• the decorated person becomes involved in serious scandal
• criminal convictions are present
• the person engages in behaviour incompatible with the values and ceremonial heritage of the Order
• the Chapter judges that continuation of the distinction is no longer appropriate
A decision to revoke is taken exclusively by the Chapter and, once confirmed, is entered into the Great Book.
The person concerned is notified in writing.
Revocation results in the loss of all rights to wear, use or refer to the distinction, as well as any ceremonial‑symbolic association with the Order.
Inter‑Order Cooperation
Within the international system of distinctions, civil and military orders have traditionally played an essential role in expressing honour, dignity and mutual respect. The Order of the European Lion maintains protocol relations with civil, cultural, humanitarian and military orders that uphold its values and ideals.
In this context, the Order may enter into cooperative arrangements aimed at promoting societal dedication, cultural development, humanitarian engagement and, where appropriate, the recognition of military merit within a civil‑ceremonial framework.
These relations may include mutual recognition, the exchange of honorary titles, participation in joint ceremonies and the establishment of structural partnerships.
The Order of the European Lion strives to form a dignified network of allied orders, in which mutual connection, discipline and shared ideals are central. In this way, the tradition of honour, dignity and cooperation is continued in a solemn and contemporary manner.
