Belgian Gold Medal Order of the Crown

The Gold Medal of the Order of the Crown is a Belgian distinction often identified by the motto found on the reverse: "Arbeid en Vooruitgang / Travail et Progrès". This medal is an official tribute to long and loyal service and achievements in the socio-economic field.

Conditions for awarding

The award is strictly regulated and depends on your career:

• Years of service:For employees in the private sector, the Gold Medal is generally awarded after a professional career of 35 years.
• Accumulation: An important condition is that the candidate must already hold one of the five special first-class decorations (such as the First Class Labour Decoration), which is usually obtained after 30 years of service.
• Impeccable conduct: The distinction is awarded only to persons with an impeccable service record. Disciplinary sanctions can significantly delay the award (for example, by 6 to 36 months, depending on the severity).

Characteristics of the medal

• Design: A gilded round medal. The obverse displays the royal crown; the reverse features the monogram of King Leopold II and the bilingual motto "Labour and Progress".
• Ribbon: The ribbon is solid dark red (amaranth).
• Hierarchy: Within the National Orders, the Gold Medal ranks above the Silver Medal, but below the Golden Palms in the Order of the Crown.