09 May 2014
9 May every year: Celebrating the creation of the European Union.
Europe Day commemorates 9 May 1950, when the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, to help maintain peaceful relations between European countries. This proposal, known as the 'Schuman declaration', is considered to be the act that created what is now the European Union.
The European flag is the symbol not only of the European Union but also of Europe's unity and identity in a wider sense.
The European flag consists of 12 golden stars in a circle on a blue background. The stars symbolise the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.
The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity.
The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity.
History of the European flag
The history of the flag goes back to 1955. The Council of Europe - defending human rights and promoting European culture – adopted the present design for its own use.
Over the following years the Council of Europe encouraged the emerging European institutions to adopt the flag as well.
In 1983, the European Parliament adopted the flag. In 1985, it was adopted by all EU leaders as the official emblem of the European Union (called the European Communities at the time). All European institutions now use an emblem of their own.
Use of the EU emblem by third parties
Would you like to know more about Europe?
Check these websites out and learn more about European countries and European Institutions.
European Union in slides
Let's explore Europe
Europadiary
Now, let's play some games to test your knowledge about the European Union!!!
http://www.toporopa.eu/en/index.html
http://ec.europa.eu/languages/quiz/quiz_en.htm
