On 16 December 2025, the Head of Mission of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Giovanni Pietro Barbano, presided over the official Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal ceremony for the gendarmes belonging to the sixth deployment of the EULEX Reserve Formed Police Unit.

The ceremony was held at the EULEX Compound in Pristina, in the presence of the Commander of the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) Colonel Pawel Grajek – leading an EUROGENFOR Delegation - and it was attended by Ambassadors of the EUROGENDFOR contributing States, and representatives of Kosovo authorities and International Organizations.

EUROGENDFOR Colonel Pawel Grajek addressed the medal recipients pointing out that their performance reflects the core values of the European Gendarmerie Force and the strength of the national gendarmes forces they represent, praising them for having demonstrated readiness and resolve through their commitment and dedication.

In his opening remarks, the Head of EULEX recognized the outstanding service and professional contribution given by the RFPU Officers provided by five participating forces French Gendarmerie Nationale, the Italian Arma dei Carabinieri, the Dutch Koninklijke Marechaussee, the Polish Żandarmeria Wojskowa and the Portuguese Guarda Nacional Republicana: a tangible example of the coherence of the EU’s integrated approach to security and rule of law.

Barbano also commended the RFPU’s exemplary work and close cooperation with Kosovo’s institutions and international partners, which supported the Mission in fulfilling its mandate of contributing to the safety and security for all communities.

The EU’s CSDP medal is awarded by the EU High Representative to all deserving women and men serving in different CSDP missions.