12 Ottobre 2012

The President of the Council Mario Monti expresses his deep satisfaction for the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union and his utmost support to the reasons behind this decision.

The Prime Minister, upon learning this news, has sent messages to the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, to the President of the European Commission Josè Manuel Barroso, and to the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.

“It has been universally recognized that the European integration has represented an extraordinary propeller towards peace and democracy, has ended centuries of rivalry and fierce wars in Europe, and has laid the foundations for a final and solid reconciliation between France and Germany. It has also given birth to a new way of cohabitation between countries based on a common sovereignty and the establishment of institutions which make irreversible the cooperation process, thus creating a virtuous dynamism. By expanding, the European Union has offered peace and reconciliation prospects to a Europe divided by the Cold War. The promotion of peace, of human rights, and democracy are founding elements of the action of the European Union in the world, for the solution of international crisis, and for the promotion of a fair and sustainable growth in developing countries.

This experience has been observed with ever growing interest in the other areas of the world, indicated as an example, and often admired and imitated, giving thus the example for starting regional cooperation processes, especially in those countries newer to democracy. I hope that this important recognition gives further power and conviction to the governments and citizens of the member states to continue with determination in the objective of an European Union which is cohesive, supportive and open towards the rest of the world, overcoming the present economic difficulties through the strengthening of the appropriate tools of action, agreed upon and implemented by all.”