Ode to Joy, equally known as the Hymn of Praise, was written in 1785 by Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, a German poet and writer, originally entitled Ode an die Freude. The melody, composed in 1823 by Ludwig van Beethoven, a German musician, is that of Beethoven’s ninth symphony. The piece glorifies the feelings of fraternity and faith in the human race, both men shared.

In 1972, the European Council, with the help of a legendary Austrian maestro Herbert von Karajan in charge of executing the arrangements, adopted the music Ode to Joy as its anthem. It was not until 1985 that the representatives of Europe decided to make it the anthem of the European Union, in a bid to promote, thanks to the universal language of music, their common values and ideals for peace, freedom and solidarity.

Endure for the better world!
Above the starry canopy
A great God will reward you.

The European flag was imagined by the European Council, in 1955, at a time when it had only six members. Since 1986, this flag has become the symbol of European institutions.

The pattern is a circle of twelve golden stars against a blue background. The number twelve does not represent the number of member countries; it rather symbolises perfection and a circle, unity of the entire Europe.

© PC - FNCV

Joy, bright spark of divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
Fire-inspired we tread
Thy sanctuary.
Thy magic power re-unites
All that custom has divided,
All men become brothers
Under the sway of thy gentle wings.

Whoever has created
An abiding friendship,
Or has won
A true and loving wife,
All who can call at least one soul theirs,
Join in our song of praise ;
But any who cannot must creep tearfully
Away from our circle.

All creatures drink of joy
At nature's breast.
Just and unjust
Alike taste of her gift ;
She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,
A tried friend to the end.
Even the worm can fell contentment,
And the cherub stands before God !

Gladly, like the heavenly bodies
Which He set on their courses
Through the splendour of the firmament ;
Thus, brothers, you should run your race,
As a hero going to conquest.

You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world !
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Do you fall in worship, you millions ?
World, do you know your Creator ?
Seek Him in the heavens !
Above the stars must He dwell.