EU wins 2012 Nobel Peace Prize: "This prize is for all EU citizens"

The European Union has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for helping to "transform most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace". Announcing its decision on 12 October, the Nobel Peace Prize committee stated: "The union and its forerunners have for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe."

"This Nobel Peace Prize is for all EU citizens," commented EP president Martin Schulz. "The European Union has reunified the continent through peaceful means and brought arch enemies together. Despite challenging economic conditions, the European Union is a magnet for stability, prosperity and democracy."

Mr Schulz announced that the European Parliament would be represented at the awards ceremony in Oslo along with the other EU institutions to accept the prize on behalf of the Union's 500 million citizens.

"It is a great honour that the EU has been awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize. This Nobel Peace Prize is for all EU citizens.  We in the European Parliament are deeply touched.  The European Union has reunified the continent through peaceful means and brought arch enemies together.  This historic act of reunification has been rightfully recognised.

The values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights are absolutely fundamental to the European Union.  These fundamental values underpin all of the European Union's activities both internally and in our external policies.  Several nations are freely negotiating accession to the European Union, a sign that despite challenging economic conditions, the European Union is a magnet for stability, prosperity and democracy.

The EU's principles and values of reconciliation can serve as an inspiration to other regions in the world.  From the Balkans to the Caucasus, the EU serves as a beacon for democracy and reconciliation.

On behalf of the European Parliament, we, together with the other EU institutions, look forward to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo," the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz said.

The Labour Party in a statement said that it is proud of its share over the last 8 years since Malta joined the European Union, and that it participated in every area and institution of a special EU in the European Parliament with the work of Labour MEPs for Maltese citizens and Gozo.

"This award gives new dynamism to the European countries to continue to work towards the future that unites us, even in Europe," PL spokesperson for European Affairs and Youth Dr. Luciano Busuttil said.