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How EU Medal Qualification Works
Unlike British campaign medals, there is no single qualification rule that applies to all European Union medals. Each mission establishes its own eligibility criteria based on the nature of the operation, its duration and the roles performed by participating personnel.
In most cases, eligibility is determined by a combination of:
Qualifying Service Period
Personnel are normally required to complete a minimum period of service within the mission area. This may be measured as:
- Continuous service (for example, 21 consecutive days).
- Cumulative service (for example, 30 days accumulated over multiple deployments).
- Completion of a designated operational tour.
The qualifying period varies between missions.
Service Within the Operational Area
Most EU medals require personnel to serve within an officially designated theatre of operations. Service outside the approved mission area may not count towards qualification unless specifically authorised by the mission commander.
Eligible Organisations
European Union medals may be awarded to personnel serving with:
- Armed Forces
- Police Services
- Civilian Missions
- International Observers
- Mission Headquarters Staff
- Supporting Organisations approved by the European Union
Eligibility depends upon the specific mission and role performed.
Operational Participation
Some operations require direct participation in mission activities, while others recognise service in support, planning, command or administrative roles. The exact requirements are determined by the mission authorities.
Mission-Specific Rules
Each operation publishes its own medal regulations and qualification criteria. As a result, personnel who qualify for one EU mission medal may not necessarily qualify for another, even if the deployments occurred during the same period.
Individul Medal Eligibility
Operation ALTHEA Medal Eligibility
The Operation ALTHEA Medal is awarded to eligible personnel who have served with EUFOR ALTHEA, the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Launched in December 2004 read more....
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Operation ARTEMIS Eligibility
TheOperation ARTEMIS Medal was awarded to eligible personnel who served onOperation ARTEMIS, the European Union-led military mission deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the Ituri conflict in 2003 read more....
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