The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided on October 12th 2012 to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2012 to the European Union for its contribution over six decades to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. Innumerate reactions and congratulations for this award came up immediately after the announcement in support of what has been a great project for peace and stability in Europe.

In announcing the award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 to the European Union, the Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted the work carried out by the European Union in the reconciliation of peoples in Europe. During the inter-war period this recognition had been made personally to people who had contributed to peace between France and Germany. After World War Two this peace finally became a reality driven by the European project.

The award responds to the work carried out by the European Union on behalf of the fraternity between the nations and somehow amounts to the "peace congress" to which Alfred Nobel meant as criteria for peace in his will made in 1895. Despite the economic difficulties currently undergone by EU members, the goal for peace and fraternity continues to drive EU's work. It is precisely this objective which bases the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a common objective which has contributed to a radical transformation of Europe.

The presidents of the European Commission and the Council, José Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy, declared immediately after the announcement, the tremendous honour it is for the European Union to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This award, they highlighted, is the better and stronger recognition of the deeper political motivations behind the European Union which is a unique effort by ever more European countries to overcome wars and divisions and shape together a peaceful and prosperous continent.