EU – ESDP Medal with ALTHEA Clasp

The European Union Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) Medal with ALTHEA clasp was awarded for service on Operation ALTHEA, the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Operation ALTHEA commenced on 2 December 2004, when the European Union assumed responsibility from NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR). The operation was established to support the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, maintain a safe and secure environment and assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in its continued development following the conflicts of the 1990s.

As one of the European Union's largest and longest-running military operations, ALTHEA has played a significant role in peacekeeping, security sector reform and military capacity-building throughout the Western Balkans.

Personnel serving with EUFOR ALTHEA have supported stability operations, training programmes and defence reform initiatives while helping maintain peace and security across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Medal Qualification

The medal is awarded to personnel who complete the required qualifying period of service on Operation ALTHEA. Further details of eligibility criteria for this medal can be found here.

The ALTHEA clasp identifies participation specifically in the Bosnia and Herzegovina mission.

Historical Significance

Operation ALTHEA represented a major milestone in the development of the European Union's security and defence capabilities. The mission demonstrated the EU's ability to conduct large-scale peace support operations while building upon the achievements of previous NATO-led efforts in the region.

Today, Operation ALTHEA remains one of the most recognised European Union military missions.

Medal Specification

• Full Size Medal
• Includes ALTHEA Clasp
• European Union Issue
• Awarded for Service in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Suitable for Court Mounting
• Compatible with Official Medal Mounting Services

What is the ALTHEA Medal?

The ALTHEA Medal is a European Union award presented to personnel who completed qualifying service on Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What was Operation ALTHEA?

Operation ALTHEA is the European Union military mission that succeeded NATO's SFOR peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2004.

Is the ALTHEA Medal still awarded?

Operation ALTHEA remains active, and the medal continues to recognise qualifying service on the mission.

What does the ALTHEA clasp represent?

The clasp identifies service specifically on Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For details of all EU Medals, visit our guide here.