The highest distinction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria was officially presented by Minister Nickolay Mladenov in the presence of the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, the Deputy Prime Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov and Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Traycho Traykov.

Many guests were present at the ceremony – friends, colleagues and partners of Mr. Giessen and Oranje Fonds. Members of the Board and the team of Oranje Fonds, representatives of the Cooperating Netherlands Foundations for Central and Eastern Europe, business organisations and media were among the guests. Mrs. Zaaijer represented the Prince of Oranje and Princess Maxima, patrons of Foundation Oranje Fonds.

The Golden Laurel Twig is an appreciation of the work of Ronald van der Giessen and Oranje Fonds in Bulgaria as a partner to Tulip Foundation in a long-term targeted policy to support the activities of civil organisations in the social sphere.