"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."
Greens/EFA Co-President Rebecca Harms will be attending the award ceremony in Oslo and can be contacted for questions or comments on +49 171 53 25 721.