The Nobel Committee shocked many today when it announced that the European Union had won the prestigious Peace Prize, prompting condemnation from some and from others, confusion. As FP editor Joshua E. Keating noted, the EU may have won the prize because of "the ideals of European integration" or "the positive role the EU has taken in encouraging democratic reforms and the rule of law in its recently joined members in Eastern Europe." But really, he says, "Think of it as the #slatepitch of Nobel Peace Prize nominees." FP contributor Alex Massie was blunter: He said the prize was descending into parody.
But within the EU, the reaction was ecstatic as the people of Europe came together to celebrate this unquestionably happy period in their history. Here, we take a look at some of the emotional European displays of emotion following the win. Above, an elderly man who cannot contain his joy breaks into song at the old town market in Warsaw, Poland.
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