Order of the White Double Cross

The Order of the White Double Cross (Slovak: Rad Bieleho dvojkríža) is the highest state decoration of the Slovak Republic.

The Order was instituted on 1 March 1994 after Slovakia became independent on 1 January 1993. It continues the Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion, which was created in 1922 as an award for foreigners.

The Order of the White Double Cross is conferred only upon foreign citizens, with the sole exception of the current President of Slovakia, who is awarded the Order by the National Council for the duration of their term of office upon inauguration.

According to the Order's statute, it is awarded:

"for the comprehensive development of relations between the state, whose citizens they are and the Slovak Republic";

"for the empowerment of the Slovak Republic’s position in international relations";

"for meeting the foreign policy priorities of Slovakia";

"for otherwise outstanding achievement in the benefit of the Slovak Republic"; or

"for the outstanding spread of good reputation of Slovakia abroad."