Press release
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Nobel Peace Prize
EU gets timely wake-up call
Commenting on the award of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms, who is attending the ceremony in Oslo, said:
"Today's award is a timely wake-up call both for Europe's citizens but, particularly, for Europe's political leaders. Although the EU is undergoing a deep period of crisis, it is not synonymous with crisis and remains a unique project for peace and unity. The EU is far from perfect, neither internally nor towards the outside, and we should take the Nobel Committee's decision as a challenge and encouragement to continue the European project and overcome national borders and limitations. The award is a call to action to respond to the crises facing Europe and the wider world."
Greens/EFA co-president Dany Cohn-Bendit, added:
"It is right for the EU to celebrate this award but it must take this peace mission seriously and push to ensure the EU gains a seat on the UN Security Council as a peaceful power. The award of the Nobel Peace Price should also serve as a mission for the EU and its member states to take responsibility for social peace and justice in the countries hit by the crisis."
