The European Flag & Anthem
The flag of the European Union was adopted by all European institutions in 1985. The flag, which was actually created by the Council of Europe (a separate international body to the EU) in 1955, is dominated by a circle of twelve gold stars on a blue background and is meant to represent the unity of the EU's Member States.
In 1972, the Council of Europe adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy theme which was originally composed in 1823. In 1985, it was accepted by all EU governments as the official anthem of the European Union.