The European Union (EU) established this medal on 1 January 2003 to
provide recognition to those who serve in EU-led crisis management
operations. Awarded to military and civilian personnel who have served 30
consecutive days either in the area of operations of a designated EU-led
crisis management operations or in an EU HQ in designated positions in
direct support of such operations. The medal is always awarded with a bar
to denote the mission for which it has been awarded.