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European Union to receive the Nobel Peace Prize From controversial times to the edge of glory, European Union has given us enough proofs of its capacity to manage the sober destruction of darkness and lead their people to a shining peace path. It contributes to several development projects in Africa, to build diplomatic bridges between conflict countries like Russia and Ukraine. Although times haven’t been the easiest ones, European Union has always been more than ready to take part and solve each challenge with justice. The huge lack of humanity and the extreme naivety of others have made the world collide with its own social values, diving into a mix of a financial crisis and a modern era crisis, a social crisis. This situation led to a ‘conflict’ between the southern and the central/northern countries, due to the austerity measures needed for the sustainability of those countries. Southern countries (with financial aid programs) claim the same equality between those countries, but the truth is we are all responsible for our own choices. So, with all this said and done, it is very easy to recognize that the European Union didn’t have an easy task. But they made it. This crisis just made the EU and its people promote the convergence of European values, leading the people to a different approach and cohesion. The European people are now way ready to all the next challenges, taking pride of all the welfare state policies promoted by their leaders, free access to education, free movement within the EU countries, and all kinds of protection. Good things and bad things happen everywhere, but the EU has made us feel the safest. As times are changing, so is the European Parliament. Win, lose, hold on, move one, think global, think local, dream, wake up, agree, disagree. Think big, think small, change, never change, love, hate, forgive or never forget. Look back, look ahead, we all face many choices, and many issues. We all have our own views, but in Europe every opinion gets a fair chance. All this, and much more, is what make us think that this prize was more than fair and we should all take pride in being European. Congratulations EU, thank you for once more staying golden. João Silva Macedo, 12ºA 1