Foreign Minister Avramopoulos’ statement on the awarding of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union is an act of recognition of the consolidation of peace on the storm-tossed European continent, and at the same time it encourages and urges – in these difficult times for European society – our continuing along the path shown us by the EU’s visionary creators; a path that leads to political unification and integration.

However sorely tried it is by the economic crisis, Greece – the birthplace of our common European culture – will continue to contribute to the European endeavor for a Europe that is united, cohesive, strong, democratic and prosperous, standing by all its citizens on the front line of our common European course.

Today the Nobel Prize is being awarded to the Europe of Peace and Democracy. A fundamental pillar of these principles is European solidarity, which, now more than ever, is needed as we face our common struggle, our common perspective.