The Order itself corresponds to the Dannebrog Order's Knight's Cross of the 1st degree and since 1955 it has only been awarded approx. 200 people, including a limited number of foreigners.

The Order of Merit of the Republic of Austria is the most important and distinguished state recognition granted in Austria. It was established by the National Council by law in 1952 and is divided into various degrees. The order is assigned by the Federal President. Only a few Danes have received this award.

The Order of various degrees can be awarded for special merit in all areas, especially in the political, economic, cultural, intellectual or voluntary fields. Persons assigned to the order have the right to wear the same, but, as is also the case in Denmark, the order is not owned.

The handing over of the insignia to the DTL Director was carried out by the Austrian Ambassador to Denmark. Dr. Maria Rotheiser-Scotti at a private ceremony at the Ambassador's residence on January 29. Here the ambassador stated, inter alia:

“Austria greatly appreciates your valuable support and your willingness to reach out, bridge and strengthen the relations between our two countries that can foster our cooperation. Not only in terms of creating efficient transport and logistics systems, but also the kind of relationships between people that are so crucial to ever-greater and lasting cooperation that can strengthen the interrelationships between the Republic of Austria and the Kingdom of Denmark."

"I am both honored, happy and proud of the attention that has been given to me from Austria and happy to be able to contribute to the promotion of Danish-Austrian relations," Erik Østergaard said at the ceremony.

Erik Østergaard is already the holder of the Dannebrog Order's Knight's Cross of 1st degree.