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Celebrating 40 years of the EU's iconic flag and anthem

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Did you know the iconic European Union flag is celebrating its 40th birthday? 

It was officially adopted in 1985, when European leaders collectively agreed on the design as a symbol of unity and togetherness. The imagery of 12 gold stars against a clear blue sky is meant to represent harmony and solidarity among the peoples of Europe, with the 12 stars symbolising completeness and entirety. Since then, the flag has been waving high above schools, and buildings, and can also be found on license plates and passports — reminding us that no matter where we come from, we’re all part of the same European community. 

And there's more: 2025 also marks the 40th anniversary of the European anthem — Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” — adopted in the same year as the flag. Without lyrics, the universal language of music expresses the values we share across Europe: freedom, peace and solidarity.

Why not celebrate these iconic symbols of European identity by looking out for all the places you can find the EU flag in your town or city, or by listening to the uplifting notes of the anthem?

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