Exhibition
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to the European Union
The 2012 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union for its contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. At a ceremony held in Parliament in December 2012, President Martin Schulz symbolically handed over the prize to the people of Europe, represented by 20 citizen representatives.
The European Ombudsman
Emily O’Reilly became the first woman European Ombudsman at her election in July 2013, and she was re-elected in 2014 and 2019.
2013 Sakharov Prize: Malala Yousafzai
On 20 November 2013, Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Sakharov Prize in recognition of her fight for girls’ right to education.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the first Spitzenkandidat
In 2014, the Spitzenkandidaten process was introduced. This meant that the political group that received the most votes would now choose the President of the European Commission. On 22 October 2014, Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker’s College of Commissioners was elected by Parliament.
2014 Sakharov Prize: Denis Mukwege
Parliament presents the 2014 Sakharov Prize to Denis Mukwege, in recognition of his ongoing efforts to restore the physical and psychological integrity of thousands of women and girls who are victims of sexual abuse by rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Justice should also be placed at the centre of the peace process, and it is necessary to step up the fight to eliminate impunity for the most serious crimes, including crimes of sexual violence.
Denis Mukwege, 26 November 2014
10 March 2015: King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
In his March 2015 speech to Parliament, His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan spoke about unity and interfaith outreach, and the challenges of terrorism and radicalisation.
8 July 2015: Alexis Tsipras
In July 2015, at the height of the debt crisis engulfing Greece, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras addressed the plenary.
2016 Sakharov Prize: Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar
On 13 December 2016, Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar, survivors of sexual enslavement by the Islamic State. They became spokespersons for women whose lives have been blighted by sexual violence and are advocates for Iraq’s Yazidi community.
I think that I can speak on behalf of the victims. The Sakharov Prize gives me the strength to continue. That is why I have taken the decision to become a voice for the voiceless.
Lamiya Aji Bashar, 13 December 2016