2012 Nobel Peace Prize

Award October 2012 September 2020 20px The 2012 Nobel Peace Prize European Union Norwegian Nobel Committee 1901 https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2012/ Flag of Europe.svg "for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe." 12 October 2012 (announcement by Thorbjørn Jagland) 10 December 2012 (ceremony) Oslo, Norway 8 million SEK ($1.2M, €0.9M) 2011 Nobel Peace Prize 2013 The 2012 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union (EU) (founded in 1958) "for over six decades [having] contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe" by a unanimous decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The decision highlighted the reconciliation of France and Germany, stating that "over a seventy-year period, Germany and France had fought three wars. Today war between Germany and France is unthinkable. This shows how, through well-aimed efforts and by building up mutual confidence, historical enemies can become close partners." The decision also highlighted the EU's contribution to the "introduction of democracy" in Greece, Spain and Portugal, the advancing of democracy and human rights in Turkey, the strengthening of democracy in Eastern Europe following the Revolutions of 1989 and overcoming of "the division between East and West" and ethnically based national conflicts, and finally the EU's contribution to the "process of reconciliation in the Balkans".https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2012/press.html The Nobel Peace Prize for 2012 The Norwegian Nobel Committee 12 October 2012 Nominations 200px|thumb|right|The medal and the certificate exposed at the Council of the European Union For the 2012 award the Nobel Committee received 231 valid nominations, compared to the record 247 candidates in 2011.http://nobelpeaceprize.org/en_GB/nomination_committee/nominations-2012/ Nominations for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Norwegian Nobel Committee 4 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121001211041/http://nobelpeaceprize.org/en_GB/nomination_committee/nominations-2012/ 1 October 2012 dead 43 of the nominations were organisations, while the remaining 188 were individuals, either alone, together with others or together with organisations.Manning nominert til fredsprisen Manning nominated for the Peace Prize Laila Ø Bakken Gunnar Myklebust http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/nobels_fredspris/1.8012673 NRK no 27 February 2012 4 October 2012 Norwegian Nobel Committee members Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee were appointed by the Norwegian Parliament to roughly reflect the party makeup of that body. The committee had the following membership in 2012: Thorbjørn Jagland (chair), Kaci Kullmann Five (deputy chair), Inger-Marie Ytterhorn, Berit Reiss-Andersen, and Gunnar Stålsett (member during Ågot Valle's sick leave). Announcement The award was announced on 12 October 2012. The Nobel citation referred to the strict demands the European Union placed on all would-be members, gave special mention to Greece, Spain, and Portugal—all of which joined in the 1980s after dictatorships ended—and referred to the countries in Eastern Europe that embraced it after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Official reactions European Union The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said that the award recognised the European Union as the "biggest peacemaker in history".http://m.euractiv.com/details.php?aid=515374 EurActiv M.euractiv 12 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130509061059/http://m.euractiv.com/details.php?aid=515374 9 May 2013 dead The President of the European Parliament, German social democrat Martin Schulz, said he was "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."http://www.europarl.europa.eu/the-president/en/press/press_release_speeches/press_release/2012/2012-october/press_release-2012-october-12.html European Parliament/The President:Schulz on Nobel Peace Prize:This prize is for all EU citizens Europarl.europa.eu 12 October 2012 He said that "from the Balkans to the Caucasus, the EU serves as a beacon for democracy and reconciliation."Rfe/Rl https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-wins-nobel-peace-prize/24737266.html EU Awarded Nobel Peace Prize Rferl 3 October 2012 13 October 2012 The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, called the award "a very important message to Europe that the European Union is something very precious, that we should cherish it for the good of Europeans and for the good of the entire world."http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/president/news/archives/2012/10/20121012_1_en.htm President José Manuel Barroso – Nobel Peace Prize 2012 for the European Union Ec.europa 12 October 2012 The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said she was "delighted" at the news, adding that "in the countries of the EU, historic enemies have become close partners and friends. I am proud to be part of continuing this work." European Union members and candidates Founding members Belgium – The Prime Minister of Belgium, Elio Di Rupo, said that "this choice shows that the European project continues to inspire the world today. The European Union was originally the dream of people and politicians in search of peace and prosperity for all citizens. It has become a strong symbol of cooperation and progress. Europe, a continent that was torn by terrible wars, thanks to the European Union is an example for the world of peaceful dialogue and conflict prevention."http://www.7sur7.be/7s7/fr/1505/Monde/article/detail/1515891/2012/10/12/Fier-Di-Rupo-rappelle-que-la-Belgique-fut-fondatrice-de-l-UE.dhtml "Fier", Di Rupo rappelle que la Belgique fut fondatrice de l'UE 7SUR7.be 28 September 2012 13 October 2012 France – The President of France, François Hollande, said the prize was an "immense honour", adding that "through this award, every European can feel pride, that of being a member of a union which has been able to make peace between peoples who for a long time clashed, and to build a community founded on values of democracy, liberty and solidarity."http://en.europeonline-magazine.eu/extra-hollande-prize-commits-eu-to-pursue-more-united-europe_243105.html EXTRA: Hollande: Prize commits EU to pursue "more united" Europe Europe Online Magazine 12 October 2012 Former President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing said that "it is right that this extraordinary effort that has been accomplished by the Europeans and their leaders to establish a lasting peace on their continent—historically ravaged by war—is rewarded and honored." thumb|Helmut Kohl, who together with François Mitterrand is regarded as the main architect of the Maastricht Treaty that established the European Union in 1993, said the award was "a wise and far-sighted decision" that "is above all a confirmation for the European peace project." Germany – The President of Germany, Joachim Gauck, called the award "a great encouragement in difficult times" and said the EU is "a unique project of peace and freedom".Gauck gratuliert EU zu Nobelpreis, Die Welt The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, called the award a wonderful decision that "honours the idea of European integration".http://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/Webs/BK/De/Mediathek/Videos/videos.html?id=598360 Bundeskanzlerin | Videos de Bundeskanzlerin.de 2012-10-12 May 2020 InternetArchiveBot yes The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Guido Westerwelle, called the award "a fantastic decision which makes me proud and happy. European integration is the most successful project for peace in history."https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nobel-peace-eu-reaction-idUSBRE89B1BA20121012 Reaction as EU wins Peace Prize 12 October 2012 Reuters 13 October 2012 Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl called the award "a wise and far-sighted decision" that "is above all a confirmation for the European peace project. 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." Italy – The Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Monti, hailed the decision and said that the European Union's "formula of (using) integration to stop war and guarantee peace and practised for decades is the subject of study and admiration in other parts of the world."http://www.gazzettadelsud.it/news/english/17273/Monti-hails-Nobel-Peace-Prize-for-EU.html Monti hails Nobel Peace Prize for EU GazzettaDelSud 12 October 2012 14 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170814190401/http://www.gazzettadelsud.it/news/english/17273/Monti-hails-Nobel-Peace-Prize-for-EU.html dead Luxembourg – The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, called the award a "good decision", stating that the EU from its inception was a peacemaker in Europe. He added that "it is sometimes useful to get such recognition from the outside [...] to remind us why we are considered a model for others."http://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/news/luxembourg/story/28724191 L'essentiel Online – Pour Juncker, "c est une bonne décision" Lessentie 5 October 2010 12 October 2012 Netherlands – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, said the award was a "great recognition of the major historical role the European Union has played in peace, security and democracy."http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/10/politicians_pleased_with_nobel.php Politicians pleased with Nobel peace prize for Europe, except Wilders 12 October 2012 DutchNews 12 October 2012 New accession states (by order of accession) Denmark (1973) – The Minister for Europe of Denmark, Nicolai Wammen, said the prize is "fully deserved, because the EU has been a peace project from the beginning. The European cooperation has been successful in creating lasting peace between countries that for centuries have been at war with each other."Det siger de om Nobels fredspris 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121218020841/http://nordjyske.dk/nyheder/det-siger-de-om-nobels-fredspris-2012/de563e1d-a98d-4942-a134-d11f93b57867/4/1513 18 December 2012 , nordjyske.dk Ireland (1973) – The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, Eamon Gilmore, "warmly welcomed" the decision, stating that "the European Union has been the most successful peace process in our lifetime, and indeed in our living memory."http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1012/breaking36.html Gilmore welcomes EU's Nobel prize The Irish Times 12 October 2012 12 October 2012 United Kingdom (1973) – The British government issued a statement, saying that "this award recognises the EU’s historic role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Europe, particularly through its enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe. The EU must always strive to preserve and strengthen those achievements for the future."Award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union, fco.gov.uk Greece (1981) - The Prime Minister of Greece, Antonis Samaras was representing Greece and in his announcement he stressed the need for advanced social cohesion for facing the problem of unemployment, in order to avoid right-extremists raise in the European Union.http://www.newsbomb.gr/politikh/news/story/260820/to-kampanaki-tis-anergias-stoys-neoys-ekroyse-o-samaras-sto-oslo To "καμπανάκι" της ανεργίας στους νέους έκρουσε ο Σαμαράς στο Όσλο 10 December 2012 Spain (1986) – The Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, said the award was "excellent news", adding that "the EU serves as a stimulus for the further consolidation of Europe's political, economic and monetary union."http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/10/12/european-union-wins-nobel-peace-prize/ European Union wins Nobel Peace Prize fox news 13 October 2012 Austria (1995) – The President of Austria, Heinz Fischer, said the award was "great and pioneering news for Europe", adding that "we have always considered the united Europe as a peace project, and the grand recognition of this idea by the Nobel Prize committee gives us confidence and courage to continue working on the European peace project."http://www.wienerzeitung.at/dossiers/nobelpreis/nobelpreise_2012/493553_Stimmen-Nobelpreis-ist-Ehre-fuer-alle-EU-Buerger.html "Großartige und zukunftsweisende Nachricht": Stimmen: Nobelpreis ist Ehre für alle EU-Bürger Wienerzeitung.at 2014-01-20http://orf.at/stories/2145631/2145644/ Absage an Schwarzseher Orf.at 2012-10-13 2014-01-20 Finland (1995) – The President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, said the prize was a magnificent recognition that the EU has worked hard for peace and brought virtues of the European tradition to the outside world. The Prime Minister of Finland, Jyrki Katainen, said "there is every reason to be happy that we can take part in integration, building stability and strengthening the project of peace."Van Rompuy expresses appreciation for EU Nobel Peace Prize, hs.fi Sweden (1995) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Carl Bildt, warmly congratulated "all of Europe" and said the prize was "highly deserved and highly important".http://www.thelocal.se/43776/20121012/ Swedish ministers hail EU Nobel Peace prize win Thelocal 24 September 2012 12 October 2012 Czech Republic (2004) – The President of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus, called the decision a "great mistake", adding that "it would make sense, if the award would have been given to an individual instead of an organisation. To award a bureaucratic institution is an 'empty' prize."http://zpravy.idnes.cz/vyjadreni-klause-k-udeleni-nobelovy-ceny-evropske-unii-pin-/domaci.aspx?c=A121012_181114_domaci_cen VIDEO: Nobelova cena pro EU je tragický omyl, řekl Klaus - iDNES.cz 12 October 2012 Zpravy.idnes 2012-10-13 Hungary (2004) – The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, said the EU deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, and that the EU represented the peaceful coexistence of previously hostile countries.Orbán: Az EU-nak ítélt békedíj egy eszmének kijáró elismerés, inforadio.hu Poland (2004) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radosław Sikorski, issued a statement, saying "congratulations to the EU, and therefore to all of us", adding that "the Nobel Peace Prize signifies that European integration is a guarantee of peace in the region."http://www.thenews.pl/1/12/Artykul/115116,Poland-congratulates-EU-and-itself-on-Nobel-Peace-Prize Poland congratulates EU, and itself, on Nobel Peace Prize The News 2012-10-13 Slovenia (2004) – The President of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, said that the prize was deserved because the EU is "the most successful peace project in the history of humanity." The Prime Minister of Slovenia, Janez Janša, stated that peace was one of the founding causes for the foundation of the European Union and that the award was a reminder that peace is a value.Türk: Nobelova nagrada je šla v prave roke, EU je najuspešnejši mirovni projekt v zgodovini http://www.24ur.com/novice/svet/bo-nobelovo-nagrado-za-mir-dobila-evropska-unija.html 24ur.com 24ur 13 October 2012 Candidates and other aspiring members Albania – The Foreign Minister of Albania, Edmond Panariti, said the award meant a "great responsibility that should encourage the will for enlargement."Balkan EU hopefuls hail Nobel Prize https://web.archive.org/web/20121015063412/http://www.finchannel.com/Main_News/World/117650_Balkan_EU_hopefuls_hail_Nobel_Prize/ 15 October 2012 , finchannel.com Bosnia and Herzegovina – The chairman of the joint Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bakir Izetbegović, said the award "should be a strong boost for EU countries to overcome existing problems and stick to the concept of further enlargement." Croatia – The Foreign Minister of Croatia, Vesna Pusić, praised the EU for its role in keeping "a lasting peace in a region that had wars almost continuously for centuries." Kosovo – The Foreign Minister of Kosovo, Enver Hoxhaj, said that "awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU makes us proud and motivates us to continue the reforms in order that Kosovo become a member of the union." Macedonia – The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, said the award honoured the project of "unifying peoples in their mutual efforts for freedom, solidarity and prosperity." Montenegro – The Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Nebojša Kaluđerović, said the "idea to unite European countries with all their differences is the best proof the EU is worthy of this award." Serbia – The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ivica Dačić, congratulated the EU, expressing hope that it would manage to preserve its unity. Turkey – The Minister of European Union Affairs of Turkey, Egemen Bağış, said that "his country's membership perspective has contributed to this award."http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/nobel-prize-catches-eu-by-surprise.aspx?pageID=238&nID=32341&NewsCatID=351 Nobel prize catches EU by surprise Hürriyet Daily News 13 October 2012 14 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20121014021757/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/nobel-prize-catches-eu-by-surprise.aspx?PageID=238&NID=32341&NewsCatID=351 14 October 2012 Other thumb|Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway said the EU has secured peace and built democracy. NATO – The Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, offered the European Union his "warmest congratulations", stating that "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."http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-4A2D93C8-D0A097DC/natolive/news_90816.htm NATO - News: Prix Nobel de la paix : le secrétaire général de l'OTAN félicite l'Union européenne, 12-Oct.-2012 Nato.int 2012-10-13http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/nobel-peace-award.jze NATO military alliance hails EU Nobel peace award – EUbusiness.com - EU Business News Eubusiness.com 2012-10-13 Norway – The Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, congratulated the European Union, stating that the EU "has helped to secure peace and build democracy in Europe over many years."http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/nobels_fredspris/1.8356175 Stoltenberg: Gratulerer, EU! – Nobels fredspris – NRK Nyheter 12 October 2012 Nrk.no 2012-10-12 Switzerland – The President of Switzerland, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, congratulated the EU. A government statement said the prize recognised "the essential role" which the EU has played in the peaceful development of the continent.EU peace prize highlights achievements https://web.archive.org/web/20121202145312/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Amid_struggle,_EU_prize_highlights_achievements_.html?cid=33712418 2 December 2012 , swissinfo.ch United Nations – The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, lauded the decision in a statement on behalf of the entire United Nations family, and emphasised the European Union's role in helping to build peace, promote human rights and support economic and social development across the world. He called the award "a richly-deserved recognition of its accomplishments and its importance in Europe and around the world."https://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6364 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Statements Un.org 30 November 2011 2012-10-12https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43277&Cr=european+union&Cr1=#.UHhSY7sW18o United Nations News Centre – Secretary-General lauds awarding of Nobel Peace Prize to European Union 12 October 2012 UN 2012-10-12 United States – The U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, congratulated the European Union, stating that "certainly it's quite remarkable to see how unified and peaceful Europe is in the 21st century and that did not happen by coincidence. It happened because of the very hard work and dedication of leaders and citizens across Europe."http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/55453/World/International/Clinton-congratulates-EU-on-Nobel-peace-prize.aspx Clinton congratulates EU on Nobel peace prize - International - World - Ahram Online English.ahram.org.eg 2012-10-13 Public reactions The prize was mostly positively received by European and American media, with the notable exception of sections of the British media. In editorials, Aftenposten,"EU har gjort en stor fredsinnsats," editorial, Aftenposten, 13 October 2012, section 2, page 2 Der Spiegel, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Le Soir, De Standaard, de Volkskrant, La Stampa, Le Figaro, Die Welt, Die Presse and the Financial Times all described the prize as deserved.http://e24.no/utenriks/ros-for-nobels-fredspris-i-europeisk-presse/20286120 Ros for Nobels fredspris i europeisk presse - Utenriks - E24 13 October 2012 E24.no 2012-10-13http://www.7sur7.be/7s7/fr/1505/Monde/article/detail/1516185/2012/10/13/Nobel-a-l-UE-un-rappel-historique.dhtml Nobel à l'UE: un rappel historique 7SUR7.be 2012-09-13 2012-10-13Nobel for EU praised in European, not British, press, AFP The Wall Street Journal described the award as "an inspired decision" and "a reminder there is more to the EU than the euro and that its achievements over 60 years have been remarkable."Nobel Prize for EU an Inspired Decision, The Wall Street Journal, 14 October 2012 Steven Pinker applauded the decision as part of a lecture about The Better Angels of Our Nature, remarking that the assignment of the prize recognized the value of an international community as well as the fact that what had started as an economic union had really had a pacifying effect.Steven Pinker on Violence and Humanity http://www.theschooloflife.com/library/videos/steven-pinker-on-violence-and-humanity/ The School of Life Library The School of Life 29 November 2012 20 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121120092259/http://www.theschooloflife.com/library/videos/steven-pinker-on-violence-and-humanity/ dead While European leaders greeted the decision, the award tended to be criticized by Euroscepticshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/euroskeptics-deride-nobel-honor-for-european-union-a-861051.html Euroskeptics Deride Nobel Honor for European Union - SPIEGEL ONLINE Der Spiegel 12 October 2012 Spiegel.de 2012-10-13 Volkery Carsten including the far-right (such as National Front leader Marine Le Pen)http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/crisis-ridden-eu-wins-nobel-peace-prize/story-fnbzs1v0-1226494887797 EU wins Nobel Prize amid laughter | Herald Sun 13 October 2012 7 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140507073427/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/crisis-ridden-eu-wins-nobel-peace-prize/story-fnbzs1v0-1226494887797 dead and far-left.https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCK26d4t1W39K1bkNBxG1InkTSjg?docId=5875a885496747ab99ebd3d8a3e50548 The Associated Press: EU detractors slam Nobel Peace Prize decision 2012-10-13June 2024 medicmedicSteinhauser Gabriele https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444799904578051960191363312 European Union Wins Nobel Peace Prize - WSJ.com Wall Street Journal 12 October 2012 Online.wsj.com 2012-10-13 Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing UKIP and co-chairman of the anti-EU EFD group within the European Parliament, claimed the decision brought the Nobel Peace Prize "into total disrepute" due to its "insulting" assumption that the EU has prevented conflicts.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-19920646 BBC News - UKIP's Nigel Farage: 'EU's Nobel Peace Prize baffling' BBC 2012-10-12 2012-10-30 In a poll conducted in Norway by ResponsAnalyse for the newspaper Aftenposten, 26% of respondents agreed with the decision to award the European Union the prize, while 37% opposed it and a further 37% had no opinion. The director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Geir Lundestad described the results of the poll as "... more positive than he had expected" on the background of the "... negative attitude to the EU" in Norway. Lundestad stated that the award was not about Norwegian membership in the EU, but a "wider perspective".Norway divided over Peace Prize award http://www.norwaypost.no/news/latest-news/27560-norway-divided-over-peace-prize-award.html Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation/Aftenposten The Norway Post 13 October 2012 13 October 2012 On 30 November 2012, Nobel Peace Prize winners Desmond Tutu, Mairead Maguire and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel publicly opposed the awarding of the prize to the European Union. The 1984, 1976 and 1980 laureates stated in an open letter to the Nobel Foundation, based in Sweden, that in their view the EU stood for "... security based on military force and waging wars rather than insisting on the need for an alternative approach" and that "... the Norwegian Nobel Committee has redefined and reshaped the prize in a way that is not in accordance with the law". The International Peace Bureau, which won the prize in 1910, and several peace activists, writers and lawyers also signed the letter. The signatories demanded that the Nobel Foundation stop the payment of the SEK 8 million prize money.Desmond Tutu, other Nobel Peace Prize laureates contest 2012 winner choice of EU https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/desmond-tutu-2-other-nobel-peace-prize-laureates-contest-2012-winner-choice-of-eu/2012/11/30/c59663ac-3af2-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121201052535/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/desmond-tutu-2-other-nobel-peace-prize-laureates-contest-2012-winner-choice-of-eu/2012/11/30/c59663ac-3af2-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html dead 1 December 2012 Associated Press The Washington Post 30 November 2012 30 November 2012 Award ceremony During the announcement, committee chairman Thorbjørn Jagland was asked whether Helmut Kohl or any of the current EU officials would be present to accept the prize on the EU's behalf. Jagland said the EU will have to decide who would accept the prize.NRK broadcast, 12 October 2012 The EU decided that the prize would be accepted by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz. Van Rompuy and Barroso held the acceptance speeches.Benjamin Fox: Barroso and Van Rompuy win battle for Nobel limelight EU Observer, 10 October 2012 Most EU heads of states or governments except six attended the ceremony. French President François Hollande and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel attended. David Cameron and five other EU heads of state or government did not attend. Cameron sent his deputy Nick Clegg in his stead.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/10/eu-receives-nobel-peace-prize EU receives Nobel peace prize TheGuardian.com 10 December 2012 See also 2004 enlargement of the European Union Eurosphere History of the European Union Pax Europaea Stabilisation and Association Process League of peace World peace References Nobel Peace Prize Nobel Peace Prize 2012 Category:2012 in the European Union Category:October 2012 in Europe