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Operation ALTHEA Medal Eligibility & History Guide

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, Operation ALTHEA remains one of the European Union's most significant and longest-running military operations.

The mission succeeded NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR) and continues to support peace, security and defence reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This guide explains the history of Operation ALTHEA, medal eligibility requirements and the significance of the ALTHEA clasp.

What is Operation ALTHEA? Operation ALTHEA is the European Union Force (EUFOR) mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The operation officially began on 2 December 2004, when responsibility for military peace support operations transferred from NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR) to the European Union. The mission was established under the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), now known as the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Its primary objectives include: Supporting implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Maintaining a safe and secure environment. Assisting defence reform. Supporting capacity-building within Bosnia and Herzegovina's armed forces. Contributing to regional stability in the Western Balkans.

Background to the Mission

The Bosnian War (1992–1995) was one of the most devastating conflicts in Europe since the Second World War.Following the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in December 1995, international military forces were deployed to help maintain stability and support reconstruction.

The progression of these missions was:

IFOR (Implementation Force)

1995–1996

A NATO-led force responsible for implementing the military provisions of the Dayton Agreement.

SFOR (Stabilisation Force)

1996–2004

A NATO-led peace support operation tasked with maintaining security and stability.

EUFOR ALTHEA

2004–Present

The European Union-led successor mission that continues today.

Operation ALTHEA represented the largest military operation undertaken by the European Union at the time of its launch.

Operation ALTHEA Medal Eligibility

The ESDP Medal with ALTHEA clasp is awarded to personnel who complete the required qualifying service with Operation ALTHEA.

Eligibility may include:

  • Military personnel.
  • Police personnel.
  • Approved civilian personnel.
  • Members of participating nations serving under EUFOR ALTHEA.

Qualification criteria are determined by the mission authorities and may vary depending on the role performed and period of service.

Personnel should always refer to official mission guidance regarding entitlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Operation ALTHEA Medal?

he Operation ALTHEA Medal is the European Union ESDP Medal issued with the ALTHEA clasp to recognise qualifying service on EUFOR ALTHEA.

Where did Operation ALTHEA take place?

Operation ALTHEA operates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Who can receive the medal?

Military personnel, police officers and approved civilian personnel serving with the mission may be eligible.

What does the ALTHEA clasp represent?

The clasp identifies service specifically on Operation ALTHEA.

Is Operation ALTHEA still active?

Yes. The mission continues to operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When did Operation ALTHEA begin?

The mission commenced on 2 December 2004.

Map showing EUFOR ALTHEA deployment areas, headquarters and operational sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EUFOR ALTHEA Deployment Areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Operation ALTHEA operates throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina under the command of the European Union Force (EUFOR). Headquartered at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, the mission supports peace, security and stability across the country while assisting the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina with training, capacity-building and defence reform initiatives.

The map above illustrates the operational areas, headquarters location and multinational deployment structure that underpin one of the European Union's longest-running military missions.