Lagun Onari acknowledges the merits of individuals or legal entities that, while not actually being Basque, have made major contributions to the good of the Basque Country, which have contributed to its economic promotion or the dissemination of Basque history and culture abroad.

Lagun Onari may also be awarded to any individuals or legal entities enjoying deserved prestige in social, cultural, economic or political terms or deserving of acknowledgement as being as friends of the Basques, by displaying the virtues and values held in high consideration by the Basque people throughout history.

Awards

• José Ignacio Sánchez Galán (Decree 216/2011, October 18)

• State of Nevada (Decre 183/2010, July 6)

• United Mexican States (Decree 562/2009, de October 20)

• Argentine Republic (Decree 200/2006, October 17)

• Idaho State (Decree 166/2005, July 12)

• Vaclav Havel (Decree 281/2001, November 13)
  President of the Republic Checa.

• Francesco Cossiga (Decree 8/2001, January 23)
  President of the Republic Italian (June 1985-92).

• William A. Douglas(Decree 351/1999, October 19)

• Eduardo Tagle (Decree 6/1998, August 27)
  President of the Republic of Chile.

• Julio Sanguinetti (Decree 3/1997, October 24)
  President of the Republic of Uruguay.