The European Union was awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for helping to transform Europe from a continent of war to one of peace and democracy over the past 60 years. The EU and its predecessors helped advance peace, reconciliation, democracy, and human rights in Europe. Germany and France had been historical enemies that fought three wars, but are now close partners, showing how the EU built mutual confidence between them. The EU also helped introduce democracy as a condition for Greece, Spain, and Portugal joining the union.