Award of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union

Ambassador Zappia
Ambassador Pangratis
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today’s award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union is a historic event. Europe that was once a source of conflict has become a source of peace, understanding and cooperation.

The award reflects the profound changes that have taken place across the globe after the Second World War. A deep, global transformation that was initiated in Europe – a continent weakened and divided by war; a continent that is now bound together by integration; a continent of common efforts, of respect for the rule of law, of disarmament, and of mutual respect across cultures and languages.

The European experience is an example and an inspiration.

The United Nations and the European Union are close partners, working together in development, human rights, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and humanitarian action and many other areas – across the world and far beyond the borders of Europe. We share the values of respect for diversity and tolerance, and we stand united behind an agenda for a better world for all.

I congratulate the European Union on this well-deserved honour.

Thank you very much.