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European Union flag
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European Union

European flag

Symbolism

The European flag has become one of the most recognised symbols in Europe and around the world. It symbolises both the European Union and, more broadly, the identity and unity of Europe. Much more than an institutional emblem, it stands for the values and shared identity of millions of Europeans united in their diversity. 

It features a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background. They stand for the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe. 

The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of EU countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity.

History

The history of the flag goes back to 1955, when the Council of Europe, an international human rights organisation, chose the present design for its own use. Three decades later, the European institutions adopted the same flag.

  1. December 1955

    The Council of Europe, an international human rights organisation separate from the EU, adopts the flag as its official emblem.

  2. April 1983

    The European Parliament proposes to adopt the flag for the European Communities, which would later become the EU.

  3. June 1985

    EU leaders adopt the flag as the official emblem of the European Communities, which would later become the EU.

  4. May 1986

    The European flag is first raised outside the Berlaymont building, seat of the European Commission in Brussels.

  5. January 2002

    The euro starts circulating as banknotes and coins in 12 EU countries. The flag appears on euro banknotes as a symbol of European identity.

  6. November 2015

    A commemorative euro coin is issued to mark 30 years since the flag was adopted by the EU. Its design was created by Georgios Stamatopoulos, an engraver at the Bank of Greece. It comprises 12 stars that morph into human figures embracing the birth of a new Europe. Take a look at the winning design. 

  7. June 2025

    We celebrate 40 years since the EU adopted the flag as its official emblem. The flag now carries the aspirations of millions of Europeans for a continent united in peace, prosperity, and respect for human dignity. 

Where to spot the flag

In your daily life, you come across the flag in many places:  

  • in front of town halls, government buildings, EU institutions, bodies and agencies, universities, diplomatic representations and in public squares
  • on one of the many projects and initiatives that the EU supports, or aid provided in times of need or disaster – in EU countries and around the world
  • on your passport and the euro notes in your wallet
  • at international sports competitions such as the tennis Laver Cup, the golf Ryder Cup, the UEFA Champions League
  • outside the European Union, where many people raise it for what it represents. From Ukraine in 2014, to Georgia in 2024, many people have been bravely holding up the flag in the desire to bring their nations closer to the European project.

Download the European flag

Need an image of the European flag? Official reproductions of the flag in high and low resolution are available below.

Related links

Emblems of all European institutions and bodies
The European Union flag