The European anthem, Ode to Joy, is based on the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's ninth symphony. Due to the large number of languages used in Europe, the anthem is purely instrumental, and has no lyrics. The anthem was originally adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972. As for the European flag, it was later adopted by the European Community in 1986. |
The European anthem, Ode to Joy, is based on the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's ninth symphony. Due to the large number of languages used in Europe, the anthem is purely instrumental, and has no lyrics. The anthem was originally adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972. As for the European flag, it was later adopted by the European Community in 1986. |
It is played on official occasions by the Council of Europe and the European Union.