On October 17th, EUAM Iraq held a Medal Parade ceremony to give thanks to the Mission’s members for their dedicated service in the context of the European Union led crisis management operations.

The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal is an international military decoration awarded to individuals, both military and civilian, who have served in a CSDP mission such as the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq).

Since the 1990s, the European Union has taken a greater role in military and civilian missions both in Europe and abroad in order to contribute to conflict prevention, and the strengthening of international security. Currently, there are experts deployed to 14 EU civil and military missions and 3 military operations, including EUAM Iraq.

In his speech, EUAM Iraq’s Head of Mission Christoph Buik recognised the complexities of working for a mission and thanked his team for their dedication.

- I am fully aware of the limits of what we can accomplish in such a challenging context. Nonetheless, I am convinced that our achievements, however small, can make a valuable contribution to the long-term goal of a better, peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

EUAM Iraq’s Press and Public Information Officer Helen Saarniit, who gave a speech on behalf of the mission members, focused on both the joys the mission offers as well as the sacrifices that experts make in order to be here, underlining the privilege that this possibility provides.

- The challenging work environment offers ample possibilities for professional growth. [Mission members] also feel that it is an enormous privilege to be here – to be present in a country in post-conflict transition and contribute to this historic process.

The ceremony also offered the possibility to reflect on the pivotal role and commitment of EU Member States as well as the support of Australia, Canada and Norway, in the framework of CSDP missions.

A total of 27 police officers and civilian staff from 15 Member States were awarded a medal, all of them having engaged in a variety of difficult and important activities that contribute to effective implementation of EUAM Iraq’s mandate.

The medal’s obverse includes a circle of twelve five-pointed stars around the outside edge. The reverse contains the Latin phrase, Pro Pace Unum, meaning ‘United for Peace’.

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Speech by the Head of Mission Christoph Buik

Speech by the Press and Public Information Officer Helen Saarniit