Mixed reactions to EU Nobel win

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.

Some in Berlin welcomed the decision.

This man said it was thanks to the EU that World War II was the last major conflict on the continent.

But this man isn't convinced. He doesn't think the EU has worked particularly hard for peace, saying others deserved the honour more.

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.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ATHENS RESIDENT, STAMOULA VALIS, SAYING:

"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."

The prize came as a surprise for many, especially given the Union's current woes.

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.