EU wins the Nobel prize, American students react

FLORENCE, ITALY – On Friday, October 12th 2012, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union. Each year since 1901, the prize has been awarded to someone or something that works for the advancement of peace in the world. The committee explained that the European Union was deserving of this honor because of their important role in “uniting Europe”

The Norwegian committee is no stranger to controversy. Almost every year, the committee receives criticism concerning their choice of recipient. This year many were surprised by the committee’s decision to grant the Nobel Prize to the E.U. The award was met with much disapproval. Overwhelming, the majority of people feel that the EU is undeserving of this award due to the current instability within the Union.

It is interesting to see how American students reacted to the news. It is important to recall that President Barak Obama won the Noble Peace Prize in 2009. Students have been comparing the two, in an attempt to understand the logic behind the committee’s decision.

Andrew Winslow, an economics student currently studying at Syracuse University in Florence defended committee’s selection. He observed that in 2009, the award “symbolized progression in American society” and now the EU is getting recognition for similar progression. He announced, “I support the decision, as it focuses peoples’ attention on the faltering E.U. and the help it needs.”

Marking and Entrepreneurship double major Brittney Rall, another Syracuse University Florence student, was equally as supportive. She explained, “it is good to see that the world is supporting Europe becoming more united, and to see the direct effects of that while experiencing the European lifestyle studying abroad.”

Not all American students were as pleased with the news. Craig Hawkins, a study abroad student at Fairfield University’s Florence University of the Arts campus expressed his disapproval. He believes that the E.U. has not done enough to merit this honor. He claimed a deserving candidate should be “someone that goes far out of their way to make a change.”