Prize Announcement

Announcement of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union (EU), presented by Thorbjørn Jagland, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, on 12 October 2012.

Following the announcement, Thorbjørn Jagland, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee was interviewed by freelance journalist Geir Helljesen about the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.

Thorbjørn Jagland commented upon the unanimous decision from the Committee and the right timing to award the European Union the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. Acting as a reminder of what the EU has achieved and the existing framework for solving problems, Jagland characterised the 2012 prize as an "organised prize", similar to awarding the prize to the organisation, the United Nations.

Following the announcement, Geir Lundestad, Director of the Nobel Institute and Permanent Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, was interviewed by freelance journalist Geir Helljesen regarding the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.

Geir Lundestad recounted major events that can be attributed to the European Union's accumulated history of reconciliation. Commenting upon the reactions to this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Lundestad was confident that the world will understand the true significance of recognising the EU's contributions to peace.