On 15 April 2021 EUFOR Camp Butmir was proud to hold an International Medal Parade. 70 Service personnel from 11 different nations received their “Common Security and Defence Policy Medal Operation Althea”, bearing the name of the EU Operation Althea.
First awarded in 2004 to every International member who serves with EUFOR and inscribed with the Latin phrase “Pro pace unum”, meaning “United for peace”.
The medals assigned by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrel Fontelles and has to be worn the whole day after it is received.
At the formal ceremony Commander of EUFOR, Major General Alexander Platzer, thanked all attending for their effort and dedication and the service they have provided in supporting local authorities to deliver a safe and secure environment throughout BiH.
COM EUFOR awarded the medals along with EUFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Ernő Baráth, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Colonel Baris Konak.
Also in attendance to witness the parade were NATO Brigadier General Eric Folkestad, Commander of the Operations Command of the AFBiH Major General Radovan Ilić and a number of Ambassadors and Defense Attachés from troop contributing nations on parade today.
The European Union is currently running 17 CSDP Missions and Operations, the Military Operation Althea being the first one.
The European Union Force Operation Althea are executing the United Nations Security Council mandate for Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2004. Currently it is UNSCR 2549 which was adopted by the Security Council on the 5thNovember 2020. There are 19 different nations serving for EUFOR Operation Althea.
