On Monday 10th December 2012 the European Movement International (EMI) will celebrate the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union with events in Oslo and in many other European cities.

The day starts with a conference debate “Restoring Hope: The European Union and Peace” on Monday morning in Oslo with the participation of EMI President Jo Leinen, Vice Presidents of the European Commission Viviane Reding and Maroš Šefčovič, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs Andreas D. Mavroyiannis and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The leadership of the European Movement is then invited to take part in the official Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony at the Oslo City Hall and later to take part at the EU Delegations reception at the Oslo Concert Hall.

In the early evening (18:00) a torchlight procession will leave Oslo Central Station towards the city centre. Later, at 19:30, a big European party starts in central Oslo at club Stratos. In many other cities European Movement chapters will organise public events accompanying the Peace Prize celebrations.

In May 2012 the Federal Assembly of the EMI in Brussels had adopted a resolution to nominate the EU for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“Right from the end of World War II it has been the citizens of Europe that mobilised support and fought for European unity and against nationalism and racism – the demons of the past,” stated EMI President Jo Leinen. The Nobel Peace Prize therefore belongs to the 500 Million citizens in the EU and not only to the European Institutions.
[ENDS]

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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 75 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.

For more information, please contact the secretariat: +32 (0)2 508 30 88, email: secretariat@europeanmovement.eu