On the 28^th November 2024, ahead of the rotation of the XXXVI Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), 80 Polish Police Officers serving for the first time under the EULEX FPU received the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal, awarded by EU High Representative.

The ceremony was hosted by the Head of Mission of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, at the EULEX Centre Mitrovica, and it saw the participation of the Kosovo Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of Poland, Wiesław Szczepański, and of the First Deputy Commander of the Polish Police, General Roman Kuster and other distinguished guests.

In particular, the event was attended by a prominent delegation from Poland - including the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs Member of Polish Parliament, Maria Janyska, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Special Services Committee Member of Polish Parliament, Kazimierz Plocke, the Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs Member of Polish Parliament, Zbigniew Sosnowski, the Chairperson of the Polish-Balkan Parliamentary Group Member of Polish Parliament, Tomasz Głogowski, the Member of the Parliamentary Special Services Committee, Marek Biernacki and the Consul of the Republic of Poland for North Macedonia and Kosovo, Justyna Bracka - alongside the Deputy Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Brigadier General Cahit Irican.

At the beginning of ceremony, one minute of silence was observed to mourn and honour the memory of Polish Police Officer Sergeant Mateusz Biernacki who lost his life in Poland in the line of duty on the 23 th November.

Addressing the medal recipients, the Head of Mission of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano recalled that the CSDP service medal is a testament to their resilience and unwavering dedication, stressing the importance of their role as active contributors to peace, stability, and accountability in Kosovo.

“Your visible presence on the ground has brought reassurance and hope to the people of Kosovo. You should all take immense pride in the vital role you have played in fostering stability and instilling confidence in Kosovo’s communities,” stated Barbano, adding: “Your dedication exemplifies the core values of the European Union: justice, equity, and unity.”

The Kosovo Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, thanked the FPU Polish Officers for their fair and dedicated support to rule of law, security, peace, and stability in Kosovo, and recalled Kosovo’s commitment towards democratic values pointing out that: “Our path and goal is towards European integration,” confirming that this is something that Kosovo is working on continuously.

Highlighting how all men and women who wear uniforms to advance everyone’s security enjoy the highest gratitude from the people they serve, he concluded: “Wherever your future might find you, you will always be on our minds, therefore do keep Kosovo on your minds and hearts too.”

The ceremony continued with remarks delivered by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of Poland, Wiesław Szczepański, who highlighted the importance of Poland’s contribution to EULEX, and expressed his appreciation for the crucial role played by the Polish Police Officers of the EULEX FPU in providing active support to their local counterparts in contributing to the maintenance of stability and public order.

“You have taken on a demanding task that not everyone could embrace. At the start of this journey, you underwent a rigorous recruitment process for the police contingent, which tested your endurance and resilience. This was followed by intensive training, leading you to this noble service beyond our national borders,” Szczepański said, praising the medal recipients for their perseverance, and for setting an exemplary standard with their conduct.

The First Deputy Commander of the Polish Police, General Roman Kuster, recalled how the 25-year long support of the Polish Police is: “A strong sign that we are protecting security not only in Poland but also in Kosovo.”

Acknowledging the positive influence of the FPU on the feeling of security among Kosovo citizens, Kuster concluded thanking the Polish Officers for their service.

The FPU Commander, Major Krzysztof Kosiński, closed the ceremony praising the Polish Officers for their professionalism and commitment, recognizing the difficulty of serving abroad, far from their families and loved ones.