The European Union has won the Nobel Peace Prize for its long-term role in uniting the continent.

The award is seen as morale boost for the bloc as it struggles to resolve its debt crisis.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised the 27-nation EU for rebuilding after World War Two and for its role in spreading stability to former communist countries after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.

The prize, worth $1.2 million, will be presented in Oslo on December 10th.