The European Union Today

The talk is part of the Wholistic Peace Institute’s 2017 Nobel Peace Laureate Forum. The Forum also includes a morning presentation at St. Mary’s Academy for students and educators only and a Peace Lunch requiring reservations from 11 am to 12:30 pm  

What Does the EU have to do with Global Peace?

The European Union won the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2012 is to be awarded to the European Union (EU). The union and its forerunners have for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe.  In the inter-war years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee made several awards to persons who were seeking reconciliation between Germany and France. Since 1945, that reconciliation has become a reality. The dreadful suffering in World War II demonstrated the need for a new Europe. Over a seventy-year period, Germany and France had fought three wars. Today war between Germany and France is unthinkable. This shows how, through well-aimed efforts and by building up mutual confidence, historical enemies can become close partners.”

The European Union was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbors, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace.  The EU can trace its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), formed in 1951 and 1958 respectively by the Inner Six countries of Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.  The fundamental purposes of the European Union are to promote greater social, political and economic harmony among the nations of Western Europe. The EU reasons that nations whose economies are interdependent are less likely to engage in conflict.

The European Union has 4 main aims: (1) to establish European citizenship. This means protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. (2) To ensure freedom, security and justice. This means co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs. (3) To promote economic and social progress. (4) To assert Europe’s role in the world.

The demographics of the European Union show a highly populated, culturally diverse union of 28 member states. As of 1 January 2016, the population of the EU is about 510.1 million people. Collectively, it represents the seventh largest territory in the world by area.

Educating for Peace – The Wholistic Peace Institute has been pleased to host many EU officials over the last few years, starting with Ambassador Joao Vale; Ms. Sylvia Kofler, Head of Press and Public Diplomacy; Klaus Botzet, Head of Political, Security & Development Section. The EU points the direction, like all the Nobel Peace Laureates do in their own unique way; to the future and the evolution of democratic government that can be achieved peacefully. Like all governments, they must deal with challenges and in the process, evolve. We note that the steps the EU will take to overcome its challenges will be a model for all nations and we applaud them.