29 April 2026, Embassy of the French Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany: Katja Meier who served as Saxony’s State Minister of Justice, Democracy, European Affairs and Gender Equality between 20 December 2019 and 19 December 2024 was honoured with the Légion d’honneur.
Meier was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron for her role as Saxony’s Minister for European Affairs, in which she ensured that the Free State of Saxony established a regional partnership with Occitania. Saxony was the last German federal state that did not yet hold such a relationship with a French region. “This outstanding recognition acknowledges her remarkable commitment to Franco-German cooperation, especially at the local level – precisely where it directly affects citizens,” said French Ambassador François Delattre during the accolade’s bestowal.
On her side, Katja Meier, remarked that “European politics are team work”. In his heartfelt address, French Ambassador François Delattre praised the numerous ideas and initiatives of recent years, the highlight of which was undoubtedly the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Dresden in May 2024.
Having already become the first woman to serve as Minister of Justice in Saxony, Katja Meier is now also the first Saxon to receive the French knighthood. After leaving her ministerial post in the latest cabinet reshuffle in Saxony, Meier, rejoined the Saxon State Assembly as a parliamentarian. She is married to Josefine Paul, former Minister of Family Affairs of North-Rhine Westphalia.
For further information
Katja Meier on European Affairs: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2022/02/06/building-bridges-in-europe/
