The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union (EU) last Friday for its work in sustaining peace.

CNN reported, “The prestigious award was a salute to the struggling 27-nation union for its work in promoting democracy and reconciliation since World War II.”

Organizations such as The International Crisis Group offered support for the EU’s recognition.

The crisis group said, “It is important to remember ‘historical perspective’ during a period when the EU is under tremendous day-to-day strain. The EU has been, above all else, one of the greatest conflict resolution mechanisms ever devised.”

Despite the EU’s work in preventing major conflicts with it’s 27-member states, the award doesn’t come without controversy. As Europe faces a grave economic mess and social unrest, countries such as Greece, Spain and  Portugal are considering dropping the euro – the union’s currency – and have succession groups that have gained traction over the last couple years.

The Nobel Prize Committee acknowledges the EU’s challenges. Committee Chairman Thorbjorn Jagland said the award is for the large organization’s work in bringing democracy to dictator states and peace to nations once at war.

“The Norwegian Nobel committee wishes to focus on what it sees as the EU’s most important result: the successful struggle for peace and reconciliation, and for democracy and human rights,” said Thorbjorn. “The stabilizing part played by the European Union has helped to transform most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace.”

–Stew

(Photo Credit: LA Times)