The European Union flags, the flag of the 12 stars
Share
💫 We see it flying outside public buildings, in official documents and on days of European celebrations. The European flag symbolizes both the European Union and the unity and identity of Europe in general.
The 12 golden stars on a blue background represent the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe, as does the circle, but the number of stars is not linked to the number of member states and is invariable.
📜 A bit of history of the Flag of Europe
In the 1950s, Europe was grappling with the wounds of the Second World War, but a shared, peaceful, and above all, united future was already being considered. In 1955, the Council of Europe (which is not the same as the European Union, but works for rights and democracy on the continent) adopted the current flag: a deep blue with twelve golden stars arranged in a circle.
It was also officially adopted by the European Union in 1983. But it was only in 1985 that the European Parliament declared it the flag of the European Community (EEC, now EU), and the heads of state and government of the member countries made it the official emblem.
On May 29, 1986, the European flag was hoisted for the first time in front of the Berlaymont, headquarters of the European Commission.
⭐ Why exactly 12 stars?
The number of stars does not represent the member states. The twelve stars are there for a symbolic reason: twelve has always been considered a "perfect" number that represents completeness, balance, and harmony. Moreover, arranged in a circle, they symbolize unity and solidarity: none is larger or smaller than another; all together they have common strength.
The design
Each star has five points and is itself inscribed in an ideal circle, whose radius is equal to 1/18 of the hoist's height. All the stars are arranged vertically, that is, with one point facing upwards and two points resting directly on an imaginary straight line perpendicular to the flagpole. The stars are arranged like hours on a clock face, and their number is invariable.
The 30th anniversary
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the flag in 2015, the nineteen euro area countries minted a special commemorative €2 coin, with an online competition addressed to all citizens and residents of the euro area, selecting the graphic design created by Georgios Stamatopoulos, an engraver from the Bank of Greece: the twelve stars transform into human figures representing the birth of a new Europe (See the winning graphic design).
🌍 Yesterday as today, a current message
Over time, this flag has become more than an institutional symbol—it's a cultural icon.
We see it at festivals, in demonstrations for rights, and even in emojis. The EU flag is a way of saying: "we feel part of something bigger": many peoples, many languages, a single vision of peace and collaboration.
🕵️ Two facts you (maybe) didn't know
-
The stars never point downwards
By statute, each star must point upwards: Europe's gaze is always directed towards the future. -
There is an official "European anthem"
The EU also has its anthem, which is Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." No sung lyrics, just melody. A universal way to speak to everyone, without the need for words.
Buy the European Union flag now, artisanal quality and fast shipping!
