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Your Majesties, Nobel laureates, Distinguished guests.

Please allow me to congratulate the European Union on the award of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

In December 1916 - almost exactly 96 years ago - the Battle of Verdun ended. Perhaps as many as 800 000 soldiers had died. The cemeteries bear eloquent testimony to the dreadful suffering and brutal horrors that had taken place.

Verdun was instrumental in fostering a deep desire to avoid war in the future. Yet Europe had to live through the devastations of another World War before the necessary steps to this end were taken.

In 1950 the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, presented his plan for deeper European cooperation. As already quoted by President Barroso today, the first words in this historic plan are world peace. His message was quite simple: If you bring people together, if you merge interests, and if you strengthen the interdependence among nations, you reduce the chances of war.

70 years ago, the reconciliation between such historical enemies as France and Germany seemed unlikely. 50 years ago, some of the present EU member states were dictatorships. And less than 25 years ago, the dream of Europe without an iron curtain seemed to be just that: a dream.

Today, the possibility of armed conflict between any EU countries is virtually unimaginable.

The European Union has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at a time when the people of Europe are experiencing a deep economic crisis with mass unemployment and social unrest. Jobs are at stake, families are struggling to make ends meet and a whole generation of young people fears they may never get into the labour market.

Many have drawn parallels with the crisis of the 1930s. We know all too well what that crisis led to.

This is why the original ideas of the founders of the EU are as valid today. It is not just about the economy and growth. It is also about social cohesion and solutions that are understood and fully accepted by the citizens of the EU.

It is no secret that the Nobel Peace Prize often leads to debate and is frequently viewed as controversial. Nor is it a secret that this year’s prize has caused considerable debate around the world, including in Norway.

The achievements of the EU, however, are far from underestimated among Norwegians. In 2007 the Norwegian Parliament unanimously stated that:  “the EU has had an important, stabilising role in Europe throughout the last half century, (…) and has influenced and promoted democracy in several former dictatorships”.

My generation has not witnessed war between any EU member states. As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, current and future EU leaders have an obligation to ensure that this remains the case for the generations to come.

Let me conclude by quoting Victor Hugo. In 1849 – now over 160 years ago – he gave an opening speech to the Peace Congress in Paris, in which he foresaw a more united and peaceful Europe. He said then that “A day will come when the only fields of battle will be markets opening up to trade and minds opening up to ideas.”

Please join me in a toast after this very excellent meal. It has been based on the best that Norwegian nature can provide, outstanding wines from Germany, France and Italy – all served in perfect harmony.

Thank you.