European Union Marks 40 Years Since Adoption of the Flag with Golden Stars
This year, the European Union is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the official adoption of its flag featuring twelve golden stars on a blue background. The symbol was approved in 1985 and has since been used by EU institutions and member states on official buildings.
The flag represents “the ideals of unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe,” according to a statement from the European Commission. It became an official symbol of the European Communities after being endorsed by the European Parliament in 1983 and subsequently approved by the European Council in 1985.
By 1986, following the accession of Portugal and Spain, the flag gained widespread use. Today, it is displayed both at the EU institutional level and by national governments.
The idea of a pan-European flag had been discussed even before World War II. Proposed designs included a green cross on a white background, a white triangle, and combinations of various national flag colors of European countries. The final design was proposed in Strasbourg by the Council of Europe in 1953 and officially adopted in December 1955.
Thus, in 2025, the flag also marks the 70th anniversary of its initial adoption by the Council of Europe.
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