Leaders of the European Union accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway on Monday with a call for continued unity in the long aftermath of two previous world wars. In their joint acceptance address, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy stressed the need for European integration while European Commission President José Manuel Barroso urged the continent’s involvement in seeking global peace, including in Syria.

Herman Van Rompuy: “It will also be for the next generation to take this common adventure further. I hope they will seize this responsibility with pride.”

José Manuel Barroso: “As a community of nations that has overcome war and fought totalitarianism, we will always stand by those who are in pursuit of peace and human dignity. And let me say it from here today: The current situation in Syria is a stain on the world’s conscience, and the international community has a moral duty to address it.”

Norwegian peace organizations and opponents of the European Union protested the award, citing the 27-nation bloc’s role in the global arms trade, austerity measures and foreign wars.