European Union medals recognise military, civilian and peacekeeping service on missions conducted under the European Union's security and defence framework. Since the early 1990s, the European Union has undertaken operations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and international waters, awarding medals to eligible personnel who have contributed to these missions.

This guide explains the history of European Union medals, how they are awarded and the major operations for which they have been issued.

The first European Union-related awards emerged during the conflicts that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia. The European Community Monitor Mission (ECMM), established in 1991, marked the beginning of the European Union's involvement in international monitoring and peace-support operations.

As the EU's role expanded, medals were introduced to recognise service on operations conducted under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), later renamed the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Today, European Union medals are awarded for military operations, observer missions, peacekeeping deployments, maritime security operations and military training missions.

European Union medals are commonly available in both full-size and miniature formats. Full-size medals are worn on formal occasions where authorised, while miniature medals are typically worn with mess dress and evening dress.

Browse our full range of European Union medals, including full-size and miniature versions, replacement medals and medal mounting services.