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What does the Latin motto on the back mean?

The phrase Pro Pace Unum means United for Peace in English. This motto was chosen to show that many different countries work as one team. It highlights the main goal of these missions which is keeping the world safe.

What colors are used on the ribbon?

The ribbon uses the same colors as the flag of the European Union. It is bright blue with a wide yellow stripe running down the center. These colors help people identify the medal as a symbol of European cooperation.

What kind of missions does this medal recognize?

This medal is given to people who help in many different types of missions. These include stopping pirates at sea, keeping the peace on land, and helping protect people during crises. The program started in 2001 and has helped thousands of troops serve in places like Africa and the Balkans.

Can police officers get this medal too?

Yes, police officers can earn this award just like military troops. The medal is for anyone working under an official European Union mission. As long as they serve for at least thirty days, they are eligible to receive it.

What do the clasps on the ribbon show?

The metal clasps are small labels that show the name of a specific mission. For example, a soldier might wear a clasp that says ALTHEA for work in Bosnia. Another might say ATALANTA for a mission that fought pirates near Somalia.

What does the Latin motto on the back mean?

The phrase Pro Pace Unum means United for Peace in English. This motto was chosen to show that many different countries work as one team. It highlights the main goal of these missions which is keeping the world safe.

What colors are used on the ribbon?

The ribbon uses the same colors as the flag of the European Union. It is bright blue with a wide yellow stripe running down the center. These colors help people identify the medal as a symbol of European cooperation.

What kind of missions does this medal recognize?

This medal is given to people who help in many different types of missions. These include stopping pirates at sea, keeping the peace on land, and helping protect people during crises. The program started in 2001 and has helped thousands of troops serve in places like Africa and the Balkans.

Can police officers get this medal too?

Yes, police officers can earn this award just like military troops. The medal is for anyone working under an official European Union mission. As long as they serve for at least thirty days, they are eligible to receive it.

What do the clasps on the ribbon show?

The metal clasps are small labels that show the name of a specific mission. For example, a soldier might wear a clasp that says ALTHEA for work in Bosnia. Another might say ATALANTA for a mission that fought pirates near Somalia.

Home Library Other AlliedEuropean Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal

Service medal

European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal

A coalition medal presented to allied European and partner troops serving in joint crisis and peacekeeping missions.

Other Allied Established 2001 All servicesPrecedence: Worn among international organization and multinational alliance medals.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for thirty days of service in European Union military or police crisis operations.

Eligibility

Military personnel, police officers, and civilian staff serving under European Union mission control.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn among international organization and multinational alliance medals.

European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal, Service medal, Other Allied medal

History

In 2001, the European Union created the European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal, now called the CSDP medal. European leaders created it to recognize military personnel and police officers from member states and partner nations who volunteer together on overseas security missions.

The medal shows the circle of twelve European stars on the front and the Latin phrase 'Pro Pace Unum', which means 'United for Peace', on the back. The ribbon is EU blue with a central yellow band. Specific operations are marked with metal clasps such as 'ALTHEA' in Bosnia or 'ATALANTA' off the coast of Somalia.

This award represents modern European allied cooperation. It has been awarded to thousands of international troops protecting maritime shipping from pirates, training local peacekeepers in Africa, and monitoring borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Operation AtalantaOperation AltheaWar in Chad

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Erik Sandahl, including Multinational Force and Observers Medal, United Nations Emergency Force Medal, European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal, NATO Medal for the Former Yugoslavia, shown against a light Other Allied flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Multinational Force and Observers Medal United Nations Emergency Force Medal European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal+1

Erik Sandahl

Who Was Colonel Erik Sandahl?

A Swedish officer who dedicated his career to international peacekeeping and stability operations across the Balkans and the Middle East.

Other Allied1990-1995

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Sources

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