THE EUROPEAN SECURITY & DEFENCE POLICY SERVICE MEDAL

Obverse: Twelve stars around the circumference of the medal.

Reverse: The words "PRO PACE UNUM".

Size: 35mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 35mm wide. Dark blue with a wide gold stripe in the centre. A clasp is worn on the medal ribbon denoting the area of service.

Suspension: The ribbon is threaded through a 12mm diameter ring, which passes through a loop fixed to the top of the piece. The ring will move forwards and backwards.

This medal is circular in form and silver in colour. The European Union (EU) awards the ESDP service medal for 30 days' continuous service on a designated EU-led crisis management operation. The medal is always awarded with a bar identifying the operation being recognized.

Since 1996, the New Zealand Defence Force has provided personnel to serve on various peace support missions in Bosnia. Between 1996 and 2004, these missions were NATO led and personnel qualified for the NATO medal, but from 2 December 2004 the European Union took over leadership of the European Union Force (EUFOR) which supports the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Personnel who served with the European Union Force since that date may qualify for the ESDP Service Medal.

As at 19 May 2006, 28 New Zealand Defence Force personnel have completed the 30 days' qualifying service with EUFOR required for the award of the ESDP Service Medal.

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