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EU collects Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The presidents of the EU's three main institutions are collecting the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway's capital Oslo. | |
The EU was awarded the prize for its role in uniting the continent after two world wars. | The EU was awarded the prize for its role in uniting the continent after two world wars. |
At the ceremony there was applause when the leaders of France and Germany stood up, holding hands. | |
Critics say the award is inappropriate. They point out that the eurozone crisis has exposed deep divisions in the 27-nation bloc. | Critics say the award is inappropriate. They point out that the eurozone crisis has exposed deep divisions in the 27-nation bloc. |
Most national leaders are at the event, but not the UK's David Cameron. | |
The British prime minister's deputy, Nick Clegg - a longstanding advocate of the European project - is representing the UK at the ceremony. | |
Nobel committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland told the audience that in the current economic crisis "the political framework in which the union is rooted is more important than ever". | |
"We must stand together, we have collective responsibility," he said, warning of a risk of new nationalism in Europe. | |
The prize is being received jointly by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Parliament President Martin Schulz. | |
Four young Europeans, selected through an open EU competition, are in the delegation with equal status alongside the politicians. | |
The European Commission, which drafts EU laws, says the Nobel Prize money - about 930,000 euros (£755,000; $1.2m) - "will be allocated to children that are most in need". | The European Commission, which drafts EU laws, says the Nobel Prize money - about 930,000 euros (£755,000; $1.2m) - "will be allocated to children that are most in need". |
The BBC's Europe correspondent Chris Morris says there has been a barrage of criticism - from Eurosceptics, peace activists and former winners of the prize. | The BBC's Europe correspondent Chris Morris says there has been a barrage of criticism - from Eurosceptics, peace activists and former winners of the prize. |
Many of them question whether the EU should be given such an honour at a time when record unemployment and tough austerity policies, supported by European institutions, are causing serious social tensions in several member states. | Many of them question whether the EU should be given such an honour at a time when record unemployment and tough austerity policies, supported by European institutions, are causing serious social tensions in several member states. |