Adopted by the Council of Europe 65 years ago, the flag with 12 yellow stars on a blue background also became the European Union’s emblem in 1985 and it is now one of the most recognisable symbols in Europe. It is synonymous with a shared political project which unites all Europeans, transcending their diversity.
Against the background of a blue sky, the 12 stars form a circle, symbolising union. The number of stars represents a symbol of perfection and completeness and echoes the number of hours in the day, months in the year, signs of the Zodiac, labours of Hercules, etc.
Find out more about the origins of this famous European symbol by visiting our special webpage.
European Union
