http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872...malertNEWS
OSLO—The European Union has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize in a nod to the 27-member bloc's "advancement of peace and reconciliation," and to applaud its solidarity as it continues to work to contain the debt crisis hanging over the euro zone.
Thorbjørn Jagland, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said that the organization wants to encourage Europe to back away from the "extremism and nationalism" that led to major conflict in years past. "This is, in a way, a message to Europe to secure everything we have achieved and move forward," he said while addressing a packed crowd at the Nobel Norwegian Institute in Oslo on Friday.
EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso, speaking in Brussels following the announcement of the prize, said the "award today by the Nobel Committee shows that, even in this difficult time, the European Union remains an inspiration for countries and people all over the world, and that the international community needs a strong European Union."
"We needed good news," said EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso upon hearing the Nobel win on Friday.
Social media exploded with strong reactions Friday, both for and against awarding the prize - worth 8 million Swedish kronor ($1.2 million).
FYI, the EU doesn't know what to with the prize...
Please keep patting yourselves on the back, boys...
And don't forget to continue kicking the can down the road.
The cataclysm you're trying to prevent, is well on its way.