EU Receives 2012 Nobel Peace Prize

The European Union (EU) received the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize on Monday in recognition of over six decades’ contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. 

The EU ambassador to Tanzania Mr Filiberto Sebregondi said yesterday in the city that the prize shows that the EU is at the forefront of international efforts to preserve and develop the fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms giving as an example the recently adopted Action Plan on Human Rights.

He said that the Action Plan engages the EU to step up efforts to promote freedom of expression, opinion, assembly and association, the fight against all forms of discrimination and support to human right defenders.

“It is a great honour for me to witness and celebrate the award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 to the EU. The European citizens at large are very proud of this recognition,” said Mr Sebregondi.

The Nobel Prize Committee presented the prize in Oslo, Norway. Three presidents of the European Commission, of the Council of ministers and the European Parliament Mr Jose Barroso, Mr Van Rompuy and Mr Martin Schulz attended the awarding ceremony.

He said that the committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU based on Europe’s historical record after World War II. Six decades ago, Europe was just recovering from the two world wars into which it had dragged Africa, America, and the rest of the world.He said that the European Union construction during the 55 years from its inception by six countries; represents the most successful peace project the world has witnessed in modern times.

José Manuel Barroso responds after the European Union won the Nobel peace prize, saying it had ‘been awarded to all 500 million EU citizens’. Photograph: Thierry Tronnel/Corbis

It could be taken as an example by the other part of the world where war still ravages the societies.

“Besides, the EU have provided a formidable inspiration for countries living without freedom or in high risk of destabilization,” he said.

He said that the commission has formally accepted the prize money on behalf of the European Union and states that the approximately Euro930, 000 will be allocated to children affected by war that are most in need. Mr Sebregondi said that the Nobel Peace Prize consists of an amount of SEK 8 million, a medal and a diploma.