THE EU FLAG AND ANTHEM

The European anthem (www.europa.eu)

The melody used to symbolize the EU comes from the Ninth Symphony composed in 1823 by Ludwig Van Beethoven, when he set music to the "Ode to Joy", Friedrich von Schiller's lyrical verse from 1785.

 

The anthem symbolises not only the European Union but also Europe in a wider sense. The poem "Ode to Joy" expresses Schiller's idealistic vision of the human race becoming brothers - a vision Beethoven shared.

 

Click HERE so as to listen to it

The European flag (www.europa.eu)

The European flag is the symbol not only of the European Union but also of Europe's unity and identity in a wider sense.

 

The European flag consists of 12 golden stars in a circle on a blue background. The stars symbolise the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.