United for Peace

Hungarian Medal Parade in Sarajevo

Text: Major Enikő Földházi | Photo: First Lieutenant Barna Koncsek | 13:58 April 12, 2024

The activity of the Hungarian personnel in EUFOR finishing their tour of duty with the mission in April, was recently recognized at a medal parade in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – which contains the Latin phrase “Pro pace unum”, meaning “United for Peace” – was first received by the soldiers serving in EUFOR in 2004.

Addressing the soldiers at the event, Major General Dr. László Sticz, EUFOR Commander and Hungarian Senior National Representative (SNR), underlined that this ceremony not only means that their mission is nearing its end.

“It also means that by finishing your peacekeeping service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you have become worthy of wearing the Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal of the European Union, awarded for participation in Operation Althea. It means that during your time of service in EUFOR, you contributed to maintaining the safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina by standing out and doing your best both as soldiers and persons. However, you were not only serving as EUFOR members during this mission. Metaphorically speaking, you were also the ambassadors of Hungary and the Hungarian Defence Forces when cooperating with the soldiers of other EUFOR nations and the local armed forces, as well as with local and international organizations and while communicating with local residents. Your everyday life was determined by the six guidelines of the EUFOR Hungarian commander’s year: impartiality, unity, credibility, cooperation, integrity and development” – said the major general.

Following the handover of the medals for peacekeeping, Major General Sticz presented coins to Major Péter Solti, Captain Gábor Dobos and Lieutenant Dr. Tünde Hetei to recognize their outstanding service for the EUFOR mission.