2012 Nobel Peace Prize

2012 Nobel Peace Prize

The 2012 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union (EU) for its contributions to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy, and human rights in Europe. The decision was announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee on October 12, 2012, and the prize was formally presented on December 10, 2012, in Oslo, Norway.

Background

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, in 1895. The Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."

The European Union is a political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. It has its origins in the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC) formed by six countries in 1951 and 1958, respectively. The EU has grown to encompass 27 member states and has played a significant role in promoting stability and cooperation in Europe.

Reasons for the Award

The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted several reasons for awarding the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union:

• **Peace and Reconciliation**: The EU has been instrumental in transforming Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace. The reconciliation between France and Germany after World War II is one of the EU's most significant achievements.

• **Democracy and Human Rights**: The EU has been a driving force in the promotion of democracy and human rights in Europe. The enlargement of the EU has helped to stabilize former communist countries in Eastern Europe by encouraging democratic reforms and respect for human rights.

• **Economic Stability**: The EU has contributed to economic stability and prosperity in Europe, which has been a foundation for peace and cooperation among its member states.

Criticism and Controversy

The decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union was met with mixed reactions. Some critics argued that the EU was facing significant challenges at the time, including the European debt crisis, and questioned whether it was appropriate to award the prize to a political entity rather than an individual or a specific peace initiative.

Supporters of the decision emphasized the EU's long-term contributions to peace and stability in Europe, noting that the prize was a recognition of its historical achievements rather than its current challenges.

Acceptance

The prize was accepted on behalf of the European Union by the Presidents of the three main EU institutions: Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council; José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission; and Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. In their acceptance speeches, they emphasized the EU's commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights.

Also see

• Nobel Peace Prize
• European Union
• Norwegian Nobel Committee
• European debt crisis
• History of the European Union