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Flag of the European Union
and the Council of Europe
Flag of the European Unionand the Council of Europe
Use Civil and state flag and national ensign. The design and description of Flags typically uses specialised flag terminology' with precise and technical meanings and is hence a form of Jargon. A civil flag is a version of the National flag that is flown by civilians on non-government installations or craft There are two separate meanings for the term state flag in Vexillology – the flag of state of a Government, and the flag of an individual subnational state A flag is a piece of Cloth, often flown from a pole or mast, generally used Symbolically for signaling or identification An ensign is a distinguishing Flag of a ship or a military unit or a distinguishing token emblem or badge such as a symbol of office An ensign is a distinguishing Flag of a ship or a military unit or a distinguishing token emblem or badge such as a symbol of office Civil and state flag, national ensign Normal or de jure version of flag, or obverse side
Proportion 2:3
Adopted December 8, 1955 (CoE)
May 26, 1986 (EU)
Design A circle of 12 5-pointed gold stars on a blue field. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949 Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in
Designed by Arsène Heitz

The Flag of Europe, formally the flag of both the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE), consists of a circle of twelve golden (yellow) stars on a blue background. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949 Gold, also called golden, is a Yellowish orange Color which is a representation of the color of the element Yellow is the Color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M (long and medium wavelength Cone cells of the Retina about equally Blue is a Colour, the Perception of which is evoked by It was created in 1955 by the CoE and later adopted by the EU, then the European Community, in the 1980s. The European Community (EC is one of the Three pillars of the European Union (EU created under the Maastricht Treaty (1992

The CoE and EU are distinct in membership and nature. The CoE is a 47 member international organisation dealing with human rights and rule of law, while the EU is a quasi-federal union of 27 states focused on economic integration and political cooperation. International Organization is a peer-reviewed Academic journal that covers the entire field of International affairs. Human rights refers to the "basic Rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled The rule of law, in its most basic form is the principle that no one is above the law Today, the flag is mostly associated with the latter due to its higher profile.

It was also the intention of the CoE that the flag should come to represent Europe as a whole, and since its adoption the membership of the CoE covers nearly the entire continent. This is also the reason why the EU adopted the same flag as the CoE. The flag has been used to represent Europe in sporting events and also as a pro-democracy banner outside the Union. Sport is an Activity that is governed by a set of rules or Customs and often engaged in competitively Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is held completely by the people under a free electoral system

Contents

History

Previous flags

Further information: Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community
Flag of the defunct ECSC
Former parliamentary flag

There have been numerous other flags developed by European bodies which have been replaced by the present flag. The Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community consisted of two horizontal stripes blue on the top and black on the bottom The Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community consisted of two horizontal stripes blue on the top and black on the bottom The first major organisation to adopt one was the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which later merged into the European Communities. The European Coal and Steel Community ( ECSC) was a six-nation International organisation serving to unify Western Europe during the Cold War and creating The European Community (EC is one of the Three pillars of the European Union (EU created under the Maastricht Treaty (1992 The ECSC was created in 1952 and the flag of the ECSC was unveiled in 1958 Expo in Brussels. The Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community consisted of two horizontal stripes blue on the top and black on the bottom Expo 58, also known as the Brussels World’s Fair, Brusselse Wereldtentoonstelling or Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Bruxelles, was held from Brussels (Bruxelles pronounced; Brussel pronounced) officially the Brussels Capital-Region, is [1]

The flag had two stripes, blue at the top, black at the bottom with 6 gold (later silver, after 1973) stars, 3 on each stripe. Blue was for steel, black for coal and the six stars were the six member-states. Steel is an Alloy consisting mostly of Iron, with a Carbon content between 0 The stars increased with the number of members until 1986 when it was fixed at twelve. When the ECSC treaty expired in 2002, the flag was lowered outside the European Commission in Brussels for the final time and replaced with the European flag. The Treaty of Paris, signed on 18 April, 1951 between France, West Germany, Italy and the three BeNeLux countries The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. [1][2][3]

The European Parliament also used its own flag from 1973, but was never formally adopted by it. The European Parliament ( Europarl or EP) is the only directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union (EU It fell out of use with the adoption of the twelve star flag by the Parliament in 1983. The flag followed the yellow and blue colour scheme however instead of 12 stars there were the letters EP and PE (initials of the European Parliament in the then six community languages) surrounded by wreath. The languages of the European Union are Languages used by people within the member states of the European Union. A wreath is a ring made of Flowers leaves and sometimes Fruits that can be used as an ornament hanging on a wall or door or resting [4]

Creation

The flag was first adopted in 1955
The flag was first adopted in 1955

The Council of Europe's search for a symbol began in 1950 when it set up a committee to look into the question of a European flag. Following numerous proposals (see Early Proposals below) they narrowed their choice to two designs. These were one by Arsène Heitz, who worked at the Council, that was "a crown of 12 golden stars with 5 rays, their points not touching" and another by Salvador de Madariaga, who was the founder of the College of Europe who suggested a constellation of stars. Salvador de Madariaga y Rojo ( July 23, 1886 La Coruña, Spain - December 14, 1978 Locarno, Switzerland History The origins of the College date back to the Hague Congress in 1948 when Salvador de Madariaga, a Spanish statesman thinker and writer In common usage a constellation is a group of celestial bodies that are connected together in some arrangement typically stars to form a visible figure or picture [5][6]

Heitz's flag was preferred by the Committee of Ministers (the Council's main decision making body) and was agreed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in on 1955-10-25. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE which held its first session in Strasbourg on 10 August 1949, can be considered the Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) Events 1147 - The Portuguese, under Afonso I, and Crusaders from England and Flanders conquer Lisbon after a Adopted on 1955-12-08, it was unveiled at the Château de la Muette in Paris on 1955-12-13. Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. The Château de la Muette is a Château located on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, near the Porte de la Muette Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life [5][6]

European Communities

President Delors at the flag's adoption by the Commission in 1986 The image above is proposed for deletion. See images and media for deletion to help reach a consensus on what to do.
President Delors at the flag's adoption by the Commission in 1986
The image above is proposed for deletion. The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. Jacques Lucien Jean Delors (born July 20 1925 in Paris) is a French Economist and politician the only person to have served two terms See images and media for deletion to help reach a consensus on what to do.

Following the 1958 Expo '58 in Brussels, the flag caught on and the Council of Europe lobbied for other European organisations to adopt the flag as a sign of European unity. Expo 58, also known as the Brussels World’s Fair, Brusselse Wereldtentoonstelling or Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Bruxelles, was held from Brussels (Bruxelles pronounced; Brussel pronounced) officially the Brussels Capital-Region, is [5] The European Parliament took the initiative in seeking a flag to be adopted by the European Community. The European Parliament ( Europarl or EP) is the only directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union (EU The European Community (EC is one of the Three pillars of the European Union (EU created under the Maastricht Treaty (1992 Shortly after the first direct elections in 1979 a draft resolution was put forward on the issue. The 1979 European elections were parliamentary Elections held across all then-9 European Community member states. The resolution proposed that the Communities' flag should be that of the Council of Europe[6] and it was adopted by the Parliament on 1983-04-11. Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Events 491 - Flavius Anastasius becomes Byzantine Emperor, with the name of Anastasius I. [5]

The June 1984 European Council (The Communities' leaders) summit in Fontainebleau stressed the importance of promoting a European image and identity to citizens and the world. The European Council (referred to as a European Summit) is the highest political body of the European Union. Fontainebleau is a commune in the metropolitan area of Paris, France. The following year, meeting in Milan, the European Council approved a proposal from the Committee on a People’s Europe (Adonnino Committee) that a flag should be adopted. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Following the permission of the Council of Europe,[6] the European Council formally adopted the flag on behalf of the whole Community on 1986-05-26. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place [5] The European Union, which was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 to replace the EC and encompass its functions, also adopted the flag. The Maastricht Treaty (formally the Treaty on European Union, TEU) was signed on 7 February 1992 in Maastricht, the Netherlands after final Since then the use of the flag has been controlled jointly by the Council of Europe and the European Union. [6]

Recent events

“ Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Hungary, Malta, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic declare that the flag with a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue background, the anthem based on the ‘Ode to Joy’ from the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, the motto ‘United in diversity’, the euro as the currency of the European Union and Europe Day on 9 May will for them continue as symbols to express the sense of community of the people in the European Union and their allegiance to it. ”

—Final Act, Official Journal of the European Union, 2007 C 306-2 [7]

The flag was to have been given a formal status in the proposed European Constitution. The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (TCE commonly referred to as the European Constitution, was an unimplemented international Treaty intended However since the ratification of that failed, the leaders removed the state-like elements such as the flag from the replacement Treaty of Lisbon. The Treaty of Lisbon (also known as the Reform Treaty) is a Treaty designed to streamline the workings of the European Union (EU with amendments to the The European Parliament however had supported the inclusion of symbols and in response backed a proposal to use the symbols such as the flag more often in the Parliament with MEP Jo Leinen suggesting that the Parliament should again take the avant-garde in their use. Jo Leinen (born April 6, 1948 in Bisten) is a German Member of the European Parliament. Avant-garde (avɑ̃gaʁd in French) means "advance guard" or "vanguard [8]

Additionally, a declaration by sixteen Member States on the symbols, including the flag, was included in the final act of the Treaty of Lisbon stating that the flag, the anthem, the motto and the currency and Europe Day "will for them continue as symbols to express the sense of community of the people in the European Union and their allegiance to it. "[7]

In April 2004, the flag was flown in space for the first time by ESA astronaut André Kuipers while on board the International Space Station. The European Space Agency ( ESA) established in 1975 is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the exploration of space, currently with 17 member An astronaut or cosmonaut (космона́вт) is a person trained André Kuipers (born October 5, 1958) is a Dutch Physician and ESA Astronaut. [9]

Usage

Council of Europe

The Council of Europe now also uses a stylised variant as its logo
The Council of Europe now also uses a stylised variant as its logo

The flag was originally designed by the Council of Europe,[6] and as such the CoE holds the copyright for the flag. Consequently, in theory the Secretary General of the Council of Europe could bar the EU from using it. This table outlines the appointments to the role of Secretaries General of the Council of Europe:

However the Council of Europe agreed that the European Community could use the flag and it had promoted its use by other regional organisations since it was created. The Council of Europe now shares responsibility with the European Commission for ensuring that use of the symbol respects the dignity of the flag - taking measures to prevent misuse of it. The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. [6]

Besides using the flag, the Council also uses a defaced version of the flag as its emblem: it is the existing design with a stylised "e" over the stars. Defacement is a term used in Heraldry and Vexillology to refer to the addition of a symbol or charge to another flag [6]

European Union

The flag, or simply the stars, is widely used by the EU. For example, vehicle licence plates (top) and euro coins (below).
 
The flag, or simply the stars, is widely used by the EU. For example, vehicle licence plates (top) and euro coins (below).
The flag, or simply the stars, is widely used by the EU. For example, vehicle licence plates (top) and euro coins (below). Vehicle registration plates of the European Union are the mandatory number plates used to display the registration mark of a vehicle in the respective Member States Linguistic

The flag symbolises the EU as a whole but it is also the sole emblem of the European Commission, the EU's executive arm. The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. [10] However all other bodies and agencies, except for the European Agency for Reconstruction, have their own emblem, albeit often inspired by the flag's design and colours. The European Agency for Reconstruction manages on behalf of the European Commission the European Union's main assistance programmes in the Republic of Serbia Kosovo (under UNSCR [11]

As part of the EU's usage, the flag appears on driving licences and vehicle registration plates issued in the Union[12] as well as on the euro banknotes. A driver's license, driver license, driver licence, or driving licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a Vehicle registration plates of the European Union are the mandatory number plates used to display the registration mark of a vehicle in the respective Member States Euro banknotes are the Banknotes of the Euro, the currency of the Eurozone (see European Union) [13] Euro coins also display the twelve stars of the flag on both the national and common sides. Linguistic [14]

The flag must also be used in every official speech made by the President-in-Office of the European Council and is often used on official visits to a non-EU country (where there is the flag of the third country, the national flag and European flag appear together). The President of the European Council is a position in the European Union that chairs the European Council. Some members also have their own rules regarding the use of the flag alongside their national flag on domestic occasions. Outside official use, the flag may not be used for aims incompatible with European values. [12]

In national usage, national protocol usually demands the national flag takes precedence over the European flag (which is usually displayed to the right of the national flag from the observer's perspective). On occasions where the European flag is flown alongside all national flags (for example, at a European Council meeting, the national flags are placed in alphabetical order (according to the state's primary language) with the European flag either at the head, or the far right, of the order of flags. The European Council (referred to as a European Summit) is the highest political body of the European Union. [15][16]

Extraordinary flying of the flag is common on the EU's flag day, known as Europe Day which is celebrated annually on 9 May. A flag day is a Flag -related holiday—either a day designated for flying a certain flag (such as a National flag) or a day set aside to celebrate a historical event [17][18][19] On Europa Day 2008, the flag was flown for the first time above the German Reichstag. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. The Reichstag building in Berlin was constructed to house the Reichstag, the first Parliament of the German Empire. [20] In addition to the flags use by the government and people, the flag is also used in EU military operations. [21] In 2003, an MEP tabled a proposal in a temporary committee of the European Parliament that national civil ensigns be defaced with the European flag. A Member of the European Parliament ( English abbreviation MEP) is a member of the European Union 's legislative body the European Parliament. The Committees of the European Parliament are designed to aid the European Commission in initiating legislation. The civil Ensign (also known as merchant flag or merchant ensign) is the National flag flown by civil ships (merchant ships and others to denote Defacement is a term used in Heraldry and Vexillology to refer to the addition of a symbol or charge to another flag This proposal was rejected by Parliament in 2004 and hence the European flag is not used as a European civil ensign. [22]

Wider use

European flag at victory of Europe over USA at the Ryder Cup.
European flag at victory of Europe over USA at the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is a Golf trophy donated by Samuel Ryder, which is awarded Biennially in an event called the "Ryder Cup Matches" between teams from

The flag has been intended to represent Europe in its wider sense. The Council of Europe covers all but three European countries, thereby representing much of Europe. [6]

In particular the flag has become a banner for pro-Europeanism outside the Union, for example in Georgia where the flag is on most government buildings since the coming to power of Mikhail Saakashvili,[23] who used it during his inauguration[24] stating: "[the European] flag is Georgia’s flag as well, as far as it embodies our civilisation, our culture, the essence of our history and perspective, and our vision for the future of Georgia. Georgia ( საქართველო, Sakartvelo) is a Transcontinental country in the Caucasus region situated at the dividing line between Mikheil Saakashvili (მიხეილ ნიკოლოზის ძე სააკაშვილი (born 21 December 1967, a Georgian Politician, the "[25] It was later used in 2008 by pro-western Serbian voters ahead of an election. [26]

It is also used as a pro-democracy emblem in countries such as Belarus where it has been used on protest marches alongside the banned former national flag and flags of opposition movements. Belarus ( Belarusian Беларусь / Biełaruś is a Landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the north and east List of flags of Belarus The current national flag of Belarus was formally adopted on June 7 1995 following the result of a Referendum voted on by the Belarusian people Zubr (ЗУБР is a civic Youth organization in Belarus in opposition to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. [27][28] The flag was used widely in a 2007 "European March" in Minsk as protesters rallied in support of democracy and accession to the EU. Minsk (Мінск mʲinsk Минск mʲinsk is the Capital and largest city in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers [29]

The flag is also used in certain sports arrangements where a unified 'Team Europe' is represented. The term "Team Europe" is used in a number of sports to designate a unified team of European countries in several sports competitions The features of the flag, or the flag in its entirety are often used as a parts of commercial brands or clearly reflected in the shaping of logos of Europe-wide organisations and companies.

Design

The flag is blue with a circle of 12 gold/yellow five-pointed stars oriented upwards (the number of stars is fixed). The heraldic description given by the EU is: "On an azure field a circle of twelve golden mullets, their points not touching. Heraldry in its most general sense encompasses all matters relating to the duties and responsibilities of officers of arms. This article is about the heraldic tincture. For other meanings see Azure (disambiguation. In Heraldry the term mullet or molet refers to a charge or a Difference in the conventional shape of a star, by default one with "[30]

The Council of Europe described the flag as: "Against the blue sky of the Western world, the stars represent the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of unity. A Circle of stars often represents unity, Solidarity and Harmony in Flags seals ref> and Signs and is also seen Their number shall be invariably set at twelve, the symbol of completeness and perfection . . . just like the twelve signs of the zodiac represent the whole universe, the twelve gold stars stand for all peoples of Europe – including those who cannot as yet take part in building up Europe in unity and peace. "

Colours

Proportions
Proportions
Blue Gold
RGB 0/51/153 255/204/0
Hex 003399 FFCC00
PMS Reflex Blue Yellow
CMYK 100% Process Cyan; 80% Process Magenta 100% Process Yellow

Some claim that there was an early design of white stars on a light blue field, symbolising the dependence on the United Nations. In Mathematics and Computer science, hexadecimal (also base -, hexa, or hex) is a Numeral system with a Pantone Inc is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA CMYK (short for '''c'''yan, '''m'''agenta, '''y'''ellow, and k ey ( Black) and often referred to as process color The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security [31]

Number of stars

The Twelve Olympians by Monsiau (late 18th century)
The Twelve Olympians by Monsiau (late 18th century)

The number of stars on the flag is fixed at 12 and is not related to the number of member states of the EU since it is originally the flag of the Council of Europe and does not have a relationship with the EU. The Twelve Olympians, also known as the Dodekatheon ( Greek: Δωδεκάθεον Nicolas-André Monsiau (1754- 31 May 1837) was a French history painter and a refined draughtsman who turned to book illustration to supplement his income The 18th century lasted from 1701 to 1800 in the Gregorian calendar, in accordance with the Anno Domini / Common Era numbering system The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949 [10] In 1953, the Council of Europe had 15 members; it was proposed that the future flag should have one star for each member, and would not change based on future members. West Germany objected to this as one of the members was the disputed area of Saarland, and to have its own star would imply sovereignty for the region. West Germany ( Inf German: Westdeutschland or West-Deutschland) was the common English name for the Federal Republic of Germany ( Saarland (ˈzaːɐ̯lant in German; French: Sarre) is one of the 16 federal states (German Bundesländer) of Germany. Sovereignty is the exclusive Right to control a Government, a country, a people or oneself

On this basis, France also objected to fourteen stars, as this would imply the absorption of Saarland into Germany. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Myth has it that the Italian representative then objected that thirteen was an unlucky number (it is not unlucky in Italy), as well as the fact that early flags of the United States featured that number of stars. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Flags of the United States The Flag of the United States of America consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of Red (top and bottom alternating Twelve was eventually adopted as a number with no political connotations and as a symbol of perfection and completeness[10] because of the ubiquity of the number for groups in European cultures and traditions such as:

Biblical interpretation

Madonna in Glory by Carlo Dolci, c. 1670
Madonna in Glory by Carlo Dolci, c. Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput, or Clock is a gene which encodes proteins regulating Circadian rhythm. The month is a unit of Time, used with Calendars which is approximately as long as some natural period related to the motion of the Moon; A year (from Old English gēr) is the time between two recurrences of an event related to the Orbit of the Earth around the Sun Astronomical symbols are symbols used to represent various Celestial objects theoretical constructs and observational events in Astronomy. The Twelve Apostles (Greek apostolos, "someone sent out" e Jacob ( Hebrew: יַעֲקֹב, Standard   Yaʿaqov Tiberian   Yaʿăqōḇ; Jacob ( Hebrew: יַעֲקֹב, Standard   Yaʿaqov Tiberian   Yaʿăqōḇ; A semitone, also called a half step or a half tone, is the smallest Musical interval commonly used in Western tonal music and it is considered the The Twelve Days of Christmas, and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day ( December 25 Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly known as Suetonius (ca 69/75 &ndash after 130 was an equestrian and a historian during the Roman Empire. The Twelve Olympians, also known as the Dodekatheon ( Greek: Δωδεκάθεον The Twelve Labours of Hercules (Greek Δωδεκαθλος, dodekathlos) age a series of archaic episodes connected by a later continuous narrative concerning Hercules is the Roman name for the Mythical Greek hero Heracles, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmena. The Law of the Twelve Tables ( Lex Duodecim Tabularum, more informally simply Duodecim Tabulae) was the ancient Legislation that stood at the foundation Hue is one of the main properties of a Color described with names such as " Red " " Yellow " etc Color Theory is the musical alter ego of American singer-keyboardist-songwriter Brian Hazard Carlo (or Carlino) Dolci ( 25 May, 1616 – 17 January, 1686) was an Italian painter of the Baroque 1670

The circle of stars bears a striking similarity to the twelve-star halo of the Virgin Mary seen in Roman Catholic art. A Circle of stars often represents unity, Solidarity and Harmony in Flags seals ref> and Signs and is also seen This ecumenical article is about general Christian views on and veneration of the Virgin Mary The flag's designer, Arsène Heitz, has acknowledged that the Book of Revelation (which is where the twelve-star halo of the Virgin Mary was first mentioned) helped to inspire him. The Book of Revelation, also called Revelation to John, Apocalypse of John ( pronounced, from the Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου [32] Revelation 12:1 is cited to explain the symbolism: "A great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars". The Crown of Immortality is a literary and religious metaphor that developed visual representations initially as a Laurel wreath, and later as a symbolic Circle

Others have traced the origin of the flag of Europe to the time of the Second World War. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Paul M. G. Lévi, a Belgian of Jewish descent, vowed that he if he should survive the war, he would convert to Christianity. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings He duly survived and became a Catholic. Catholic is an Adjective derived from the Greek adjective '' / 'katholikos' meaning "whole" or "complete". On May 5, 1949, the Council of Europe was established in London and Paul Lévi became Chief of its Department of Culture. Events 553 - The Second Council of Constantinople begins 1215 - Rebel Barons renounce their allegiance to King John Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949 London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. In 1952, when the idea of a European flag was being discussed, several proposed designs – perhaps inspired by the example several European national flags - included a cross; this however would have been rejected by the Socialists as ideologically biased and too Christian. Year 1952 ( MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [33]

One day Lévi passed a statue of the Virgin Mary with a halo of stars and was struck by the way the stars, reflecting the sun, glowed against the blue of the sky. Lévi later visited Count Benvenuti, a Venetian Christian democrat and then Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and suggested that he should propose twelve golden stars on a blue ground as motif for the flag of Europe. This proposal became generally accepted. [33] However, the official authorities of the European Union disregard the biblical interpretation as myth. [34]

Alternative designs

Early proposals

4 early proposals
Design was proposed in the past, but never officially adopted 4 early proposals

In addition to official flags such as the ECSC flag, there were a number of alternative proposals for the European flag. These included using the flag of the International Paneuropean Union, which was a blue, with a red cross inside an orange circle at the centre. The International Paneuropean Union claims to be the oldest European unification movement and is also referred to as the Paneuropean Movement and the Pan-Europa Due to the cross symbolism, this was rejected by Turkey (an early member of the Council of Europe). Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches [31] Another organisation's flag was the European Movement, which had a large green E on a white background. The European Movement is an international Lobbying association that coordinates the efforts of associations and private individuals desiring to work towards the construction [35][36]

A further design was one based on the Olympic rings; eight silver rings on a blue background. The Olympic symbols are the icons Flags and symbols used by the International Olympic Committee to promote the Olympic Games. It was rejected due to the rings' similarity with "dial","chain" and "zeros". A proposal by Carl Weidl Raymon was of a large yellow star on a blue background. However it was rejected due to its similarity with the so-called Burnet flag, which had been briefly adopted in the 1830s by the Republic of Texas, and the flag of the Belgian Congo. Events and trends Electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday. The Flag of Texas is defined by law as follows The state flag consists of a rectangle with a width to length ratio of two to three containing (1 a blue The flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was adopted on 20 February 2006. [31]

Recent designs

In 2002, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his architecture firm OMA designed a new flag in response to Commission President Romano Prodi's request to find ways of rebranding the Union in a way that represents Europe's "diversity and unity". Remment Lucas Koolhaas, 'rɛm 'kɔːlhas (born) is a Dutch Architect, architectural theorist, Urbanist and "Professor in Practice of Architecture The Office for Metropolitan Architecture, ( OMA) is the Rotterdam based architecture firm of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. (born 9 August 1939 is an Italian politician and statesman He served as President of the Council of Ministers (prime minister of Italy twice from 17 May The proposed new design was dubbed the "barcode" as it displays the colours of every European flag (of the then 15 members) as vertical stripes. As well as the barcode comparison, it had been compared unfavourably to wallpaper, a TV test card and deckchair fabric. A test card, also known as a test pattern in the UK, North America and Australia, is a Television test signal typically broadcast A deckchair is a Folding chair, usually with a frame of treated wood or artificial material (for protection against the weather and a fabric or Vinyl backrest Unlike the current flag it would change to reflect the member states. [37]

It was never officially adopted by the EU or any organisation; however, it was used as the logo of the Austrian EU Presidency in 2006. Presidency of the Council of the European Union is the responsibility for the functioning of the Council of the European Union which is rotated between European Union It had been updated with the colours of the 10 members who had joined since the proposal and was designed by Koolhaas's firm. Its described aim is "to portray Europe as the common effort of different nations, with each retaining its own unique cultural identity". [38]

Derivative designs

The flags of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo have references to the European flag
 
The flags of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo have references to the European flag
The flags of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo have references to the European flag

The design of the European flag has been used in a variation, such as that of the Council of Europe mentioned above, and also to a greater extent such as the flag of the Western European Union (WEU), which uses the same colours and the stars but has a number of stars based on membership and in a semicircle rather than a circle. The Flag of the Western European Union is dark blue with a semicircle of ten yellow five pointed stars broken at the top with the organisations initials in the centre It is also defaced with the initials of the Western European Union in two languages. Defacement is a term used in Heraldry and Vexillology to refer to the addition of a symbol or charge to another flag The Western European Union ( WEU) is a partially dormant European defence and security organization established on the basis of the Treaty of Brussels of 1948 [39]

The flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have such a strong connection as the WEU flag, but was partly inspired by the European involvement in, and aspirations of, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina contains a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly side with a yellow Isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top of the Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Latin script: Bosna i Hercegovina, Cyrillic script: Босна и Херцеговина is a country on the Balkan It uses the same blue and yellow colours and the stars, although of a different number and colour, are a direct reference to those of the European flag. [40]

Likewise, Kosovo uses blue, yellow and stars in its flag in reference to the European flag, symbolising its European ambitions (membership of the European Union). List of flags of Kosovo The flag of the Republic of Kosovo was adopted by the Assembly of Kosovo immediately following the declaration of independence of the A Member State of the European Union is any one of the twenty-seven sovereign Nation states that have acceded the European Union (EU since its De facto Kosovo has, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, seen heavy European involvement in its affairs, with the European Union assuming a supervisory role after its declared independence in 2008. [41][42]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The Crown of Immortality is a literary and religious metaphor that developed visual representations initially as a Laurel wreath, and later as a symbolic Circle A Circle of stars often represents unity, Solidarity and Harmony in Flags seals ref> and Signs and is also seen The Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community consisted of two horizontal stripes blue on the top and black on the bottom The Flag of the Western European Union is dark blue with a semicircle of ten yellow five pointed stars broken at the top with the organisations initials in the centre Flags Of The World (2004-10-28). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 306 - Maxentius is proclaimed Roman Emperor. 312 - Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  2. ^ The ECSC flag 1986-2002, European NAvigator
  3. ^ The ECSC flag 1978, European NAvigator
  4. ^ European Parliament. European NAvigator ( ENA) is an educational platform providing a wealth of information about the history of Europe and its institutions since 1945. European NAvigator ( ENA) is an educational platform providing a wealth of information about the history of Europe and its institutions since 1945. Flags Of The World (2004-10-28). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 306 - Maxentius is proclaimed Roman Emperor. 312 - Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  5. ^ a b c d e The European flag: questions and answers. European NAvigator. European NAvigator ( ENA) is an educational platform providing a wealth of information about the history of Europe and its institutions since 1945. Retrieved on 2007-08-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Council of Europe's Emblems. Council of Europe. The Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe is the oldest International organisation working towards European integration, being founded in 1949 Retrieved on 2007-08-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting
  7. ^ a b Official Journal of the European Union, 2007 C 306-2 , p. 267
  8. ^ Beunderman, Mark (2007-07-11). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. MEPs defy member states on EU symbols. EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-07-12. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre.
  9. ^ Further steps towards a European space policy, European Space Agency
  10. ^ a b c The European Flag. The European Space Agency ( ESA) established in 1975 is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the exploration of space, currently with 17 member Europa (web portal). Europa (sometimes written EUROPA) the official Web portal of the European Union, is intended to improve the public’s interaction with EU institutions Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  11. ^ Emblems. Europa (web portal). Europa (sometimes written EUROPA) the official Web portal of the European Union, is intended to improve the public’s interaction with EU institutions Retrieved on 2007-12-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of
  12. ^ The euro. European Central Bank. The European Central Bank (ECB is one of the world's most important Central banks responsible for Monetary policy covering the 15 member countries of the Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  13. ^ Euro coins. European Central Bank. The European Central Bank (ECB is one of the world's most important Central banks responsible for Monetary policy covering the 15 member countries of the Retrieved on 2007-12-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of
  14. ^ An Bhratach Náisiúnta / The National Flag (RTF). Department of the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the Retrieved on 2007-12-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of
  15. ^ A Guide to Flag Protocol in the United Kingdom (PDF). Flag Institute. Founded on St George's Day, 23 April 1971 by William Crampton (later President of FIAV) and Captain EMC Barraclough CBE RN, the Flag Institute Retrieved on 2007-12-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of
  16. ^ Rasmussen, Rina Valeur. Celebration of Europe Day 9 May 2007 in Denmar. politeia. Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  17. ^ Photo from Reuters Pictures. Reuters Images, on Daylife. This article is primarily about Reuters prior to its 2008 merger with Thomson Daylife Inc is an online News aggregator including a news Platform based on the concepts of the Semantic web. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of
  18. ^ Rasmussen, Rina Valeur (2007-09-05). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1590 - Alexander Farnese 's army forces Henry IV of France to raise the siege of Paris. London Eye lights up in colours of the European flag. Europa (web portal). Europa (sometimes written EUROPA) the official Web portal of the European Union, is intended to improve the public’s interaction with EU institutions Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  19. ^ Photo from Reuters Pictures. Reuters Images, on Daylife. This article is primarily about Reuters prior to its 2008 merger with Thomson Daylife Inc is an online News aggregator including a news Platform based on the concepts of the Semantic web. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of
  20. ^ EUFOR Welcome Ceremony/Unfolding EU flag (PDF). NATO. The North Atlantic Treaty Retrieved on 2008-04-14. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 43 BC - Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Julius Caesar 's assassin Decimus Junius Brutus in
  21. ^ Rejected proposal of an European civil ensign (PDF). Flags of the World. For a list of flags see List of flags or Gallery of flags by design. Retrieved on 2008-04-14. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 43 BC - Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Julius Caesar 's assassin Decimus Junius Brutus in
  22. ^ Comment - Georgia: Brussels on its mind. EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-05-01. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor.
  23. ^ Saakashvili Sworn In as New President. Templeton Thorp. Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  24. ^ Georgia: Brussels on its mind. rferl. org (2007-05-02). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Retrieved on 2007-08-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1248 - The Dutch city of Ommen receives city rights and fortification rights from Otto III the
  25. ^ Photo from Reuters Pictures. Reuters Images, on Daylife. This article is primarily about Reuters prior to its 2008 merger with Thomson Daylife Inc is an online News aggregator including a news Platform based on the concepts of the Semantic web. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of
  26. ^ Belarus: Scores Arrested, Opposition Leader Hospitalized After Minsk Protests. rferl. org (2004-10-20). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1740 - Maria Theresa takes the throne of Austria. France, Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  27. ^ Myers, Steven Lee (2006-03-20). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. Election is landslide for leader of Belarus. International Herald Tribune. The International Herald Tribune is a widely read English language international Newspaper Retrieved on 2007-08-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1248 - The Dutch city of Ommen receives city rights and fortification rights from Otto III the
  28. ^ Belarusians had European March in Minsk. charter97. org (2007-10-14). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1066 - Norman Conquest: Battle of Hastings - In England on Senlac Hill seven miles from Hastings, the forces Retrieved on 2007-11-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the
  29. ^ Graphical specifications for the European Emblem. Europa (web portal). Europa (sometimes written EUROPA) the official Web portal of the European Union, is intended to improve the public’s interaction with EU institutions Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  30. ^ a b c Council of Europe fahnenversand. de
  31. ^ The European Commission and religious values. The Economist (2004-10-28). The Economist is an English-language weekly news and International affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd and edited in London "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 306 - Maxentius is proclaimed Roman Emperor. 312 - Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  32. ^ a b The Flag and State Encyclopaedia
  33. ^ European Union: Myths on the flag. Flags Of The World (2007-02-04). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Retrieved on 2007-08-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - The Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
  34. ^ European Movement crwflags. com
  35. ^ Proposals for the European flag crwflags. com
  36. ^ "Down with EU stars, run up stripes", BBC News, May 8, 2002.  
  37. ^ Austrian EU Presidency Logo
  38. ^ Western European Union Flags of the World
  39. ^ Bosnia and Herzegovina - The 1998 Flag Change - Westendorp Comission - The Choice), Flags of the World
  40. ^ Kosovo's fiddly new flag, Economist
  41. ^ Kosovo's Flag Revealed, Balkan insight

External links

European NAvigator ( ENA) is an educational platform providing a wealth of information about the history of Europe and its institutions since 1945. For a list of flags see List of flags or Gallery of flags by design.
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