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European symbols (1/2)
The European flag is one of the symbols of the European Union. On a blue background, twelve yellow stars form a circle.
Key points of the sheet
- This circle of stars symbolises unity, solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe.
- This flag is on the fronts of European institution buildings. It is also on the passports and identity cards of some European states.
- In 1955, the flag became the official emblem of the Council of Europe. In 1985, it became the official emblem of the EEC (CEE).
- In 1986, the flag was raised for the first time in front of the European Commission building, in Brussels.
- The European anthem is the "Ode to Joy" (Ode à la joie). It is a melody by the German composer Ludwig von Beethoven.
- This anthem symbolises liberty, peace and solidarity.
- The melody became the official anthem of the Council of Europe in 1972. In 1985, it became a symbol of the European Union.
- You can hear it at official events, in particular Europe Day, on 9 May.
Words to know
- European flag (drapeau européen)
- It is a symbol of the European Union: twelve yellow stars in a circle on a blue background.
- Ode to Joy (Ode à la joie)
- It is the European anthem, a melody by Beethoven that symbolises liberty, peace and solidarity.
- Council of Europe (Conseil de l'Europe)
- The flag became its emblem in 1955, and the melody became its anthem in 1972.
- Europe Day (Journée de l'Europe)
- It is on 9 May. You can hear the European anthem on that day.
Test yourself: 3 questions
What does the circle of stars on the European flag symbolise?
In French, the language of the exam: Que symbolise le cercle d'étoiles du drapeau européen ?
The circle of stars symbolises unity, solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe.
In what year was the flag raised for the first time in front of the European Commission?
In French, the language of the exam: En quelle année le drapeau est-il hissé pour la première fois devant la Commission européenne ?
In 1986, the flag was raised for the first time in front of the European Commission building, in Brussels.
What is the date of Europe Day?
In French, the language of the exam: Quelle est la date de la Journée de l'Europe ?
The sheet says that Europe Day is on 9 May.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- What colour is the background of the European flag?
- What does the European flag show?
- What is the anthem of the European Union?
- Who wrote the melody of the European anthem?
More in this topic (European institutions)
Source
Sheet “Les symboles européens (1/2)” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.