National Order of Merit (Romania)

The National Order of Merit () is an order which is part of the National System of Decorations of Romania. A medal of merit also exists, but does not confer membership in the order.
History.
The current order continues a tradition going back well over a century.
Composition of the order.
The National Order of Merit is awarded in five grades in civil and military divisions, as well as a wartime division. It may be awarded to Romanians, foreign citizens, and military units. Its number is limited to 7,500 members. Members of the order are referred to as Knights of the Order for Merit, regardless of grade. Awards to foreigners, awards to military units, and awards in the wartime division are not figured in the total number under the order's limits. Awards are limited by grade and division as follows: 
Criteria.
The National Order of merit recognizes important civil or military services rendered to Romania. Qualifying important services may include: