The Nobel Committee announced its decision Friday morning to award the European Union with this year's Peace Prize, saying the EU has contributed towards peace in Europe since 1945.<br/> <br />Some in Berlin welcomed the decision.<br/> <br />This man said it was thanks to the EU that World War II was the last major conflict on the continent.<br/> <br />But this man isn't convinced. He doesn't think the EU has worked particularly hard for peace, saying others deserved the honour more.<br/> <br />In Greece, mired in the fifth year of a deep recession and struggling with an unemployment rate of 25 percent, many reacted with bitterness to the news.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) ATHENS RESIDENT, STAMOULA VALIS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I don't believe it has been helping the stability at all, because if it had been we would not be in the mess that we're in. That's my personal opinion."<br/> <br />The prize came as a surprise for many, especially given the Union's current woes.<br/> <br />Deep recession and mounting unemployment are symptoms of the euro zone debt crisis and harsh austerity measures have led to social unrest in many of the Unions' capitals.
