Symbols of Europe

The symbols of the European Union are functionally equivalent to the emblems and other symbols of nation states. They should reflect the European Union's policy as a community of nation-states. These symbols include the European flag, the European anthem, Europe Day, the European motto and the euro currency.

The symbols

Flag, anthem and Europe Day had already been introduced by the Euro Europe before the European Union, however, were of a general population not known until after the Heads of State and Government of the European Communities ( EC), the on the Milan European Council in 1985 on the recommendation of the Committee on " Europe of citizens" had also for the EC adopted. In Article I- 8 of the European Constitutional Treaty of 2004, the symbols were first referred to as official symbols of the Union. However, this came mainly in the UK with criticism because it is a step was seen at a pan-European 'superstate'. After the failure of the Constitution, the symbols in the Lisbon Treaty are therefore no longer included; they are still used by the EU.

European flag

The European flag is a crown of twelve golden mullets on an azure field. Their number does not symbolize the number of Member States, but should express " perfection, completeness and unity." The flag was used by the Euro Europe since 1955, by the EC since 1985 as the official emblem.

European Anthem

The European anthem is the instrumental version of the last movement of the 9th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven. In 1972, the melody from € Europe was in 1985 adopted by the EC as an anthem. It occurs in addition to the national anthems of the Member States and to celebrate the values ​​that all share and their unity in diversity.

Europe Day

Europe Day is to remember with events and publicity to the Schuman Plan on 9 May 1950, considered the cornerstone of European integration today. At the Council of Milan in 1985, it was decided to commit annually to commemorate the event, the Europe Day of the European Union, held at the numerous events and festivities now since 1986. In addition, the Euro Europe is celebrating its own since 1964 Europe Day: However, this is four days earlier and recalls the founding of this institution, on 5 May 1949.

Europe motto

The European motto is the motto of unity in diversity, which is to bring the common but different national European identity expression. He was selected in 2000 as part of a competition among students from 15 European countries.