Our European flag is turning 40 in June 2025. Time to celebrate this powerful symbol of unity, democracy, and peace that has been proudly waving in Europe and around the world since 1985! Symbolism Over the years, the European flag has become one of the most recognised symbols in Europe and around the world. Much more than an institutional emblem, it stands for the values and shared identity of millions of Europeans united in their diversity.This sense of togetherness goes beyond national borders, languages, histories and culture. Over 40 years, the flag has inspired millions of people across the continent to come together and work towards common goals.It represents the choice of peace after centuries of conflict and division, a choice for solidarity and freedom, that has profoundly transformed the lives of millions. Text version Design and graphic elementsCircle of gold stars: unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of EuropeNumber 12: symbol of perfection, entirety, not related to number of member statesColours: golden stars against a blue backgroundHistoryDecember 1955 – The Council of Europe, an international human rights organisation separate from the EU, adopts the flag as its official emblem.April 1983 – The European Parliament proposes to adopt the flag for the European Communities, which would later become the EU.June 1985 – The European Council adopts the European flag design for the European Communities, with the official status of a logo.May 1986 – The European flag is first raised outside the Berlaymont building, seat of the European Commission in Brussels.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.November 2015 – A commemorative euro coin is issued to mark 30 years since the flag was adopted by the EU.June 2025 – We celebrate 40 years since the EU adopted the flag as its official emblem. 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, public squares, and diplomatic representationson 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 worldon your passport and the euro notes in your walletat international sports competitions such as the tennis Laver Cup, the golf Ryder Cup, the UEFA Champions League or the Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesoutside 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. Visit of Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner, to LuxembourgA lady from the Belgian tent offers flags to a child at the European Village during the Europe DayRomania joining the Schengen area - CalafatView of the border crossing point between Bulgaria and Romania in CalafatSolidarity with Ukraine - School buses and other humanitarian aid at the EU logistics hub in Romania Buses donated by Sweden parked in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism’s logistic hub waiting to be shipped to UkraineKids holding Ukraine and EU flagsKids holding Ukraine and EU flagsThe Berlaymont Building and European FlagsEuropean flags fluttering in front of the Berlaymont BuildingEU pre-positioning Romanian firefighters in France Romanian and French firefighters posing for a group photo in front of their fire trucksThe 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Erasmus Student Network, in BerlinSeveral Erasmus students holding a banner with the European flag and the inscription "We are one" on it, during a pro-European marchParis Olympics - Eiffel Tower with EU flagParis Olympics - Eiffel Tower with EU flagSolidarity with Ukraine - School buses and other humanitarian aid at the EU logistics hub in Romania The warehouse manager of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism’s logistic hub placing a sticker with the EU humanitarian aid inscription on a high voltage electric transformer that will soon be shipped to UkraineEU's response to the earthquake in Türkiye and SyriaIn Türkiye, Gaziantep, hundreds of buildings collapsed after the earthquake. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is closely working with EU member states, participating states and the Turkish authorities to rapidly mobilise assistance.Europe Day 2021 celebration in CopenhagenA family participating in a treasure hunt organised for Europe Day 2021 in CopenhagenTbilisi, capital of GeorgiaA man walking down a street adorned with graffiti featuring the flags of the European Union and GeorgiaOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of visitors standing in lineOpen Doors Day at the European InstitutionsFlag throwers in front of the European Commission buildingParticipation of the Members of the College in the plenary session of the European Parliament General view of the European Parliament hemicycle European pet passportA dog holding its European pet passportClose Forty years later, the European flag continues to carry the aspirations of millions of Europeans for a continent united in peace, prosperity, and respect for human dignity. Let’s keep flying it with pride! Related links Pictures and videos of the European flag
Over the years, the European flag has become one of the most recognised symbols in Europe and around the world. Much more than an institutional emblem, it stands for the values and shared identity of millions of Europeans united in their diversity.This sense of togetherness goes beyond national borders, languages, histories and culture. Over 40 years, the flag has inspired millions of people across the continent to come together and work towards common goals.It represents the choice of peace after centuries of conflict and division, a choice for solidarity and freedom, that has profoundly transformed the lives of millions.
