The European Union flag
The EU flag is the most recognisable symbol of the European Union. It represents not just the Union, but also the shared identity and unity of Europe. It stands for cooperation, solidarity and harmony among Europeans.
An emblem of European unity
The EU flag features 12 gold stars on a blue background, symbolising unity, solidarity and harmony among European countries.
Symbolism and graphic elements
Designed in the 1950s, the flag brings together symbols that reflect Europe’s values, identity and cohesion.
Circle of gold stars
The stars form a circle, like the hours on a clock, to symbolise unity, cooperation, equality and harmony between all EU peoples.
Number 12
The number of stars symbolises perfection and completeness, and not the number of member states.
Colours
The gold stars are set against a blue background, which represents the colour of the Western skies. Together, they reflect clarity, stability and peace.
Where you can see the EU flag
The flag appears across the European Union in public spaces, on official documents and in everyday life.
It is an integral part of the EU institutions’ logos, such as those of the European Commission, Council and Parliament.
It is displayed in and outside public buildings, embassies and official institutions across the EU.
You can see it at the top left of euro banknotes.
It must appear on signs and materials for EU-funded projects, events and infrastructure.
History of the flag
The European Council adopted the flag in 1985 as the official emblem of the European Economic Community. The European Union’s institutions began using it in 1986.
The history of the flag, however, goes back further in time.
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1955
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9 December The European flag is adopted by the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe, an international human rights organisation separate from the EU, adopts the flag as its official emblem.
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1983
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11 April The flag is proposed to be adopted by the European Communities
The European Parliament proposes the adoption of the flag by the European Community (EEC), the predecessor of the EU.
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1985
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28-29 June The European Council adopts the EU flag
The European Council formally adopts the flag as the official logo of the European Communities.
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1986
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29 May The EU flag is inaugurated
The EU flag is raised for the first time outside the Berlaymont building, the seat of the European Commission in Brussels.
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2002
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1 January The flag appears on euro banknotes
The euro started circulating as banknotes and coins in 12 EU countries. The flag appears on euro banknotes as a symbol of European identity.
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2015
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November A commemorative coin marks 30 years of the flag
A commemorative euro coin is issued to mark 30 years since the flag’s adoption by the EU.
Key moments
The EU flag raised in front of the European Commission, 29 May 1986.
European Council meeting in Madrid, 26-27 March 1989.
Inauguration of the Justus Lipsius building, Council of the EU, May 29 1995.
Last review: 8 May 2025