“It is a wise and far-sighted decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union this year. I am very pleased at this decision. The Nobel Peace Prize 2012 for the EU is above all a confirmation for the European peace project.
It is also encouragement for all of us, to continue on the path to a united Europe, that is to say, to stick to the ever closer ties on our continent and to develop Europe despite some difficulties and problems which must yet be overcome.
As Europeans, we all have reason to be proud today. I am proud, and I wish for God’s blessing for us on our further path to a united Europe.”
Former European Commission chief Jacques Delors
“Europe carries on despite the crises. It’s not a long calm river, but it is consolidating.
I think all the heads of state and populations will take this award as an encouragement. I am very emotional. The last three decades have been very difficult.”
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle
“That is a fantastic decision which makes me proud and happy. European integration is the most successful project for peace in history.
Freedom and Peace have grown out of the ruins of two devastating world wars and erstwhile enemies became good friends and inseparable partners.
The Nobel Prize is a great incentive at this particular moment in time to solve our own problems, to be an example with our European model of cooperation and to strengthen our European efforts for a peaceful evolution of the world.”
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy
“We are all very proud that the efforts of the EU for keeping the peace in Europe are rewarded.
Europe got through two civil wars in the 20th century and we have established peace thanks to the European Union. So the European Union is the biggest peacemaker in history.”
EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton
“I am delighted at the news that the European Union has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of its work on reconciliation, democracy, promotion of human rights and in enlarging the area of peace and stability across the continent.
In the countries of the EU, historic enemies have become close partners and friends.
I am proud to be part of continuing this work. The creation of the European External Action Service has enabled us to develop a comprehensive approach to better promote Europe’s core values throughout the world.
I will continue to work tirelessly to drive this process forward.”
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the European Union on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The European Union has played a vital role in healing the wounds of history and promoting peace, reconciliation and cooperation across Europe.
It has contributed to the advancement of freedom, democracy and human rights across the continent and beyond.
From the outset, Nato and the European Union have shared common values and helped shape the new Europe. The European Union is a unique and essential partner for Nato. I look forward to strengthening our strategic partnership further, as agreed by our two organisations, to promote peace, stability and security.”
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Twitter, where he has 14,900 followers and rising:
“It is a great honour for the whole of the EU, all 500 million citizens, to be awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.”
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
“This is an important and right decision by the Nobel Prize Committee and a big encouragement for the people in Europe. It comes at the right time for closer togetherness in Europe and it strengthens those powers that are pushing for closer integration in the European Union.
It’s a clear rejection of nationalism and the sole pursuit of national interest. The Nobel Prize Committee deserves respect for this decision.
And all levels of decision making in the European Union must take this high award as incentive to continue with their fullest power the path to closer integration.
In this way the European Union can serve as a role model for other regions for a socially, economically, culturally and politically successful community.”