This is the European flag. It is the symbol not only of the
European Union but also of Europe's unity and identity in a
wider sense. The circle of gold stars represents solidarity and
harmony between the peoples of Europe. The number of stars has
nothing to do with the number of Member States. There are twelve
stars because the number twelve is traditionally the symbol of
perfection, completeness and unity. The flag therefore remains
unchanged regardless of EU enlargements. Ode to Joy This is the
anthem not only of the European Union but also of Europe in a
wider sense. The melody comes from the Ninth Symphony composed
in 1823 by Ludwig Van Beethoven. For the final movement of this
symphony, Beethoven set to music the "Ode to Joy" written in
1785 by Friedrich von Schiller. This poem expresses Schiller's
idealistic vision of the human race becoming brothers - a vision
Beethoven shared. In 1972, the Council of Europe (the same body
that designed the European flag) adopted Beethoven's "Ode to
Joy" theme as its o