“During its Federal Assembly in May 2012, the EMI passed a resolution to nominate the EU for the Nobel Peace Prize 2013. It is with great joy that we see the EU awarded this prize already today”, said Jo LEINEN, President of the European Movement International (EMI).

“For more than 50 years the European Union has played a significant role in preventing war, securing peace and promoting prosperity between European states. It was high time for the EU to be acknowledged for this major contribution”, said Jo LEINEN.

“In times of financial crisis, the Nobel Peace Prize for the EU puts things in perspective, reminding us that the EU is more than just the common market, but rather an unprecedented success story: promoting peace, the rule of law and respect of human rights”, said Jo LEINEN.

“The prize is a slap in the face of anti-Europeans and their latest attempts to declare the EU dead. This will make it much harder for all the euro-sceptics to gain support at the next European elections in 2014”, said Jo LEINEN.

Already now, the EU is a role model for regional integration in other parts of the world such as MERCOSUR, ASEAN or the African Union. The Nobel Peace Prize will further boost this development.
[ENDS]

————————
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