In the grounds of the prestigious award, the committee says that the EU contributed to the transformation of Europe from a "continent of war in a continent of peace".
High rating comes at a time when the European Union faces deep crisis with all its history, the recession and social unrest that have shaken many of its members.
By focusing on the activities of the EU, the Nobel committee spoke about the role of peacemaker in two World Wars, cited the integration of the former communist bloc countries as well as work done for stability in the Balkans.
But, at any moment, according to the "BBC", is not talking about the failure of diplomacy in Brussels and elsewhere, and the fact that little was done to prevent that in the beginning of the outbreak of conflict in the region.
EU leaders welcome evaluation
From Helsinki, Brussels and Vienna, the three leaders of the main European institutions welcomed the European Union assessment Nobel Peace Prize for 2012.
"It is a tremendous honor for the European Union evaluation Nobel Peace Prize 2012. This award is recognition of the strong potential of deep political motives behind our Union: unique effort by more European countries to overcome war and divisions and to build together a continent of peace and prosperity, "said Herman Van Rompuy, President The Council of the European Union.
To the President of the Commission, this is the right message in tough times. "I must say that when I woke up this morning I did not expect to be a great day as well. The current rating of the Norwegian Nobel Committee shows that even in these difficult times the European Union remains an inspiration to countries and people all over the world and that the international community needs a strong European Union. Nobel Prize Committee and the international community sending a very important message today that the European Union is something very precious, which should strengthen all for the benefit of Europeans and indeed for the benefit of the whole world, "said Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the EC.
Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, ascribes this assessment of all European citizens, with emphasis on the values and principles of the EU. "It is a great honor that the EU claimed the Nobel Peace prize in the exhibition this year. The Nobel Peace price is for all European citizens. The EU has reunited continent by peaceful means bringing together super-enemies. Values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights are absolutely essential for the European Union, "said Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament.
This estimate for the EU was also hailed by NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who reminded on this occasion that the two organizations share, apart from the majority of member states, the same values in European construction.
