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Flag of Europe

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Flag of Europe
Flag of Europe
source
NameFlag of Europe
Proportion2:3
Adoption8 December 1955 (Council of Europe), 29 June 1985 (European Communities)
DesignA circle of twelve five-pointed golden stars on an azure field.
DesignerArsène Heitz and Paul M. G. Lévy

Flag of Europe. The flag of Europe, or European flag, consists of a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue background. It was originally designed in 1955 for the Council of Europe as a symbol for the whole of Europe and later adopted in 1985 by the European Communities, the predecessor of the European Union, which it primarily represents today. The design is intended to symbolize unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe, with the number of stars representing perfection and completeness, not the number of member states.

Design and symbolism

The flag features a rectangular design with an azure background, upon which is centered a circle of twelve five-pointed gold stars. The precise shades are defined in the Pantone Matching System as Reflex Blue and Yellow, with corresponding specifications for other color models like RGB and CMYK. The geometric construction and exact proportions of the stars and their arrangement are meticulously detailed in official specifications published by the European Union. Symbolically, the circle of stars represents unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The number twelve is traditionally a symbol of perfection, completeness, and unity, as seen in the twelve months of the year, the twelve signs of the zodiac, and historically, the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology. This number was chosen deliberately to be inclusive and constant, avoiding any association with the fluctuating count of member states in organizations like the European Union or the Council of Europe.

History

The quest for a symbol for the Council of Europe began shortly after its founding in 1949, with a committee chaired by Belgian politician Paul M. G. Lévy overseeing the process. A public competition yielded numerous designs, but none were deemed suitable. The final design is credited to Arsène Heitz, a draughtsman working for the Council, though the collaborative input of Lévy was significant. The flag was officially adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 8 December 1955, and first raised at the Château de la Muette in Paris in 1956. The European Communities began using the flag informally in the 1970s, with the European Parliament advocating for its adoption. A formal decision by the heads of state and government of the member states was made in June 1985, and the flag was first raised outside the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission, on 29 May 1986. Its status was later reinforced by the Maastricht Treaty establishing the European Union.

Usage

The flag is used extensively by all institutions, bodies, and agencies of the European Union, flying alongside national flags at buildings like the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Europa building in Brussels. It is displayed during all official EU events, such as meetings of the European Council and commemorations of Europe Day on 9 May. National and regional authorities within member states often fly the flag alongside their own, particularly on government buildings. Citizens display it to express a European identity, especially during events like the UEFA European Championship. Protocols govern its display, typically stipulating it should not be inferior in position or size to national flags when flown together. The flag also appears on vehicle license plates, euro banknotes, and official documents, and is used by the Council of Europe independently of the EU.

The flag's description and the rules for its use are formally defined in an official decision of the EU institutions. While the European Union itself does not have a dedicated copyright or trademark law covering the flag, its use is regulated to prevent misuse that could mislead the public or damage the symbol's dignity. Unauthorized commercial use or political appropriation that suggests official endorsement can be legally challenged. The graphical emblem is protected under the terms of its creation for the Council of Europe, and both the EU and the Council actively monitor its use. National laws in member states, such as those concerning public order or insult to emblems of state, can also be invoked to protect the flag from desecration or improper use, similar to protections afforded to national symbols.

The flag is the primary emblem of the European Union, but other significant symbols exist. The Anthem of Europe uses the instrumental version of the "Ode to Joy" from Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The motto "United in Diversity" was formally adopted in 2000. Europe Day is celebrated on 9 May, commemorating the Schuman Declaration. The euro (€) serves as a potent financial and political symbol for the eurozone. The Council of Europe also uses a distinct logo incorporating the flag's star circle. Furthermore, various EU institutions and programs, such as the European Central Bank, the European Space Agency, and the European Capital of Culture initiative, have their own logos or visual identities that often incorporate elements of the flag's design or colors.

Category:Flags introduced in 1955 Category:National symbols of the European Union Category:Council of Europe