The flag of the European Union is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. Its iconic blue background and circle of stars represent the unity and solidarity of the EU member states, but the current design did not come about overnight. In fact, it went through several iterations and changes over the years. Understanding the evolution of the flag can provide insight into the history and identity of the European Union. In this article, we explore the five different designs of the EU flag, highlighting their unique features and meanings.
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
The design of the first flag of the Council of Europe consisted of a green “E” on a white background. The “E” stands for “Europe” and the green color symbolizes hope. This design was created in 1955 by Arsène Heitz and Paul Lévy, two employees of the Council of Europe. They wanted a symbol that represented the unity of Europe, while also showcasing the continent’s cultural diversity. Interestingly, the design was not intended to be a flag, but rather a logo. However, several member states started using it as a flag, and it eventually became recognized as the official symbol of the Council of Europe. Although it is no longer in use, the flag of the Council of Europe played an important role in the evolution of the flags of the European Union. The symbolism of the colors and the importance of cultural diversity can still be seen in the current flag of the EU. For more information about the symbolism of the EU flag, check out the official guidelines.
The Design
The Design: The design of the European Union flag has a unique and distinct look that has evolved over time. The current EU flag is designed as a blue field with a circle of twelve golden stars in the center, based on the flag of Council of Europe. The original design had a large ‘E’ in the middle, which stood for Europe. However, the design was simplified and the letter was removed later.
The flag is made up of two elements- the color blue and the twelve golden stars. The blue color is a symbol of the European Union and represents the ideals of unity, solidarity, and harmony. The Pantone shade of blue used in the flag is PMS 280. It is known as the ‘EU Flag blue’ and is standardized across all EU institutions.
The twelve golden stars are arranged in a circle, with one star in the center and the other eleven stars surrounding it. This design is identical to the flag of the Council of Europe, which has the same number of stars. The number of stars is not related to the number of member states in the EU, as many believe. The stars represent the ideals of unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The circle is meant to symbolize the idea of unity, an unbroken chain of nations working together towards a common goal.
Over the years, there have been different versions of the EU flag. The original design consisted of a blue field with a yellow ‘E’ in the middle. This was later replaced with twelve golden stars on a blue background. The number of stars has remained the same, but their arrangement has changed over the years. Initially, they were arranged in a circle, but the current design features stars in rows.
The EU flag is designed to be flown in a specific way. The guidelines state that the blue field should always be positioned at the flagpole and the stars should be facing upward. There are specific color codes and measurements for the different elements of the flag, which must be followed.
Link: To read more about the color scheme of the EU flag, check out our article on EU flag colors.
Meaning: Represents the European sky and the idea of a united Europe
Design Element: 12 Gold Stars
Meaning: Represents the unity and perfection of the European Union
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
Design Element
Meaning
Blue Field
Represents the ideals of the European Union
12 Yellow Stars
Symbolize the European Union member states (at the time of design)
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
Design Element
Meaning
Blue Field
Represents the fundamental values of the European Union
12 Gold Stars arranged in a circle
Symbolize unity and solidarity among EU member states. When the circle is viewed as a clock face, the number 12 is positioned above all, symbolizing perfection and entirety
The design and meaning of the European Union flag has evolved throughout history. Each design had its specific meaning and purpose. Whether it is the 12 gold stars of the first design representing perfection and completeness, or the current design representing the fundamental values of the European Union, the flag continues to symbolize unity and solidarity. For more information on the current flag of the European Union, check out the EU flag flying guidelines.
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
The Western European Union (WEU) flag was designed in 1954, but it was only used until 2010, when the organization ceased to exist. The design consisted of a blue field with a green wreath in the center, with 10 yellow stars around it, inspired by the emblem of the Treaty of Brussels which established the Western European Union. The meaning of the flag symbolized the unity and peace of the member states of the WEU. However, the WEU was dissolved and its functions were transferred to the European Union, which adopted its symbol of the twelve-starred flag. You can learn about the evolution of the flag of the European Union and its different versions on this website.
The Design
For all five iterations of the flag of the European Union, the design has been of utmost importance. The design of the flags has changed over time, adapting to the evolution of the EU and its member states.
The original design of the first flag of the European Union was an adaptation of the Council of Europe flag. It featured a circle of 12 five-pointed yellow stars on a blue background, symbolizing unity among the member states. The current flag of the EU is based on this design, with some modifications.
The design of the Western European Union flag was used for a brief period of time and was characterized by a blue background with a circle of eight white stars and one gold star. It symbolized both the WEA and the European Union as a cohesive unit.
Design three was the European Union’s first unique flag, and featured a blue background with the emblem of the EU, as well as twelve stars, once again representing the unity and solidarity between the member states.
Design four, also known as the twelfth-starred European Union flag, featured a large yellow star surrounded by twelve smaller yellow stars on a blue background. This design represented the twelve original member states, which were joined by the larger yellow star representing the new and bright future of the European Union.
The current design of the European Union flag features a blue background with a circle of twelve gold stars. The stars represent solidarity and harmony between the member states and the people of Europe. The number twelve was chosen as it is historically a symbol of perfection and entirety.
Each iteration of the flag’s design reflects the current state of the European Union and embodies a message of unity and harmony among the member states. Through its symbols and emblems, the flag portrays the EU’s core ideals of peace, stability, and cooperation. So, in each new design step, it is important to emphasize the values of the organization. If you want to know more information about EU flag twelve stars, click on eu-flag-12-stars.
The Meaning
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
The meaning of the Council of Europe’s flag is deeply rooted in the ideals of European unity and cooperation. The flag incorporates the circle of stars which have been used as an emblem of Europe since ancient times, and also includes the letter “E” in the center, which stands for Europe.
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
The meaning behind the Western European Union flag is centered on the concept of defense and security. The design of the flag incorporates a stylized “W”, which stands for Western, and is surrounded by stars representing member states. The use of blue and yellow colors signifies unity and solidarity, while the use of a stylized letter “W” represents defense and security.
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
The meaning behind the European Union’s first flag is rooted in the concept of European harmony. The design of the flag features a circle of twelve gold stars on a blue background representing the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony. Each star represents the ideals of perfection, completeness and unity, while the blue background symbolizes the idea of harmony and cooperation among member states.
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
The meaning behind the Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag is deeply rooted in the history of Europe. The design of the flag features 12 golden stars arranged in a circle, representing perfection and completeness. The blue background represents the European sky and the idea of an open Europe without borders, while the placement of the stars represents the idea of a united Europe.
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
The meaning behind the current European Union flag centers on the concept of unity and diversity. The design of the flag features a circle of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle on a blue background. The number of stars is fixed at twelve, representing perfection and completeness. The blue color represents the idea of unity and cooperation, while the circular formation of stars represents the idea of diversity and the different traditions, cultures and languages of the member states coming together to form a united Europe.
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
The third design of the European Union flag was the first one to represent this organization. The flag consisted of a blue field with twelve golden stars arranged in a circle in the center. The stars were intended to symbolize the European unity and solidarity. The design was created in 1955 by Arsène Heitz, an illustrator from Strasbourg, and was originally used by the Council of Europe. This flag was later adopted by the European Union in 1985. Interestingly, the original design had 15 stars, but this was reduced to 12 to represent the number of founding members. This flag had a great symbolical importance as it marked a new era of European cooperation and integration.
The Design
The design of the Council of Europe’s flag features a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background. The stars are arranged in a circular shape with equal distance between them. The flag’s ratio is 2:3, which means that the length of the flag is 1.5 times its width. The stars on the flag have five points and they are not intersecting each other.
The Western European Union flag had a similar blue background but had nine golden stars, eight of which were in an arc formation on the left side of the flag with the ninth star in the center. This design represented the nine member states who founded the Western European Union in 1954. The flag ratio was 2:3 and the star size was proportional to their placement in the formation, with the central star being slightly larger than the others.
The European Union’s first flag also featured a blue background with a circle of 12 golden stars. The stars were placed in a circular pattern with different distances between them. The flag had a ratio of 2:3. However, the stars on this flag had only five points and were intersecting each other.
The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag consisted of a blue background and a circle of 12 golden stars like its predecessors. However, the stars were arranged in a clockwise direction around the center of the flag, with the star closest to the top of the flag representing the north. The flag ratio remained at 2:3, and the stars had five points without cross-intersection.
The current flag of the European Union features a blue background with a circle of 12 golden stars like the previous designs. However, the stars in the current flag have a fixed distance between them, and their proportions have also been standardized. The flag has a ratio of 2:3, and the stars have five points and do not intersect. The design of the current flag reflects the unity and solidarity of the European Union.
The Meaning
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
The meaning behind the Council of Europe’s flag was to represent unity and solidarity among its member states. The flag consists of a circle of twelve gold stars on a blue background. The stars represent perfection and the circle symbolizes unity. The number of stars, twelve, was not chosen for any political or historical purpose, but simply because it was aesthetically pleasing. It is said that the designer was inspired by the idea of a heavenly crown of stars.
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
The meaning behind the Western European Union’s flag was to represent the union of European countries as a bulwark against the common threat of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The flag consists of a dark blue background with a white letter “W” in the center. The “W” stands for “Western” and represents the organization’s commitment to the defense of Western Europe.
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
The meaning behind the European Union’s first flag was to symbolize European unity and the merging of all its member state’s flags, not to replace them. The flag consisted of a blue background with twelve five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle. The number of stars was not meant to symbolize anything in particular, but represented the number of member states at the time the flag was adopted.
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
The meaning behind the Twelfth-Starred European Union flag was to represent the expansion of the European Union with the addition of new member states. The flag consisted of a blue background with twelve gold stars arranged in a circle, with an additional star in the center, symbolizing the goal of the EU to eventually have twelve star points, with each point representing a member state.
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
The meaning behind the current European Union flag is to represent both unity and diversity among its member states. The flag consists of a blue background with twelve five-pointed yellow stars arranged in a circle. The number of stars again does not symbolize anything in particular, but represents the idea of unity among all the member states of the EU, regardless of their size or wealth. The background blue color symbolizes the European sky and the idea of a peaceful and united Europe.
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag was designed in 1985 and was used until 1986. The flag was designed to represent the European Union, which at that time only had ten member countries, hence the ten stars. However, the design included twelve stars intertwined in a circle, which represents unity and cooperation among the member states. The flag also features a blue background representing the unity of Europe and the European organizations, with the stars in a circle standing for the completeness and perfection that Europe continues to strive for. Despite being used for just a short time, the Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag holds historical significance as a representation of the early phase of the political and economic development of Europe.
The Design
Design is an integral component of any flag, and the evolution of the European Union flag is no exception. Let’s take a closer look at the design of each of the five versions of the flag.
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
Color
Symbol
Shape
Blue
A circle of ten stylized stars
Square
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
Color
Symbol
Shape
Blue
A big capital “W” surrounded by nine yellow stars
Rectangular
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
Color
Symbol
Shape
Blue
A circle of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle
Rounded
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
Color
Symbol
Shape
Blue
A circle of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle
Rounded
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
Color
Symbol
Shape
Blue
A circle of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle
Rounded
As you can see, the design of the flag has evolved over time, with the current flag being the most widely recognized and adopted version. Each design incorporates a unique set of colors, symbols, and shapes, representing the values and principles of the European Union.
The Meaning
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
Details
The 12 gold stars
Represent unity and perfection.
The blue background
Symbolizes the western sky, representing a positive outlook for the future.
The number of stars
Represent the completeness and unity of Europe as a whole.
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
The Design: A blue field with a grid of yellow stars in the center and a large yellow “WEU” abbreviation at the bottom right corner.
The Meaning:
The yellow stars symbolize the nine founding member states of the WEU.
The blue background represents the European union and solidarity.
The “WEU” abbreviation is an acronym for Western European Union.
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
The Design: A blue field with a circle of 12 gold stars arranged in a pattern, with one star in the center and the other 11 stars around it in a circle.
The Meaning:
The number of stars has been kept as 12 to represent the unity and perfection of Europe as a whole.
The stars, arranged in a pattern, represent solidarity and harmony among the member states.
The blue background represents the European Union as a whole.
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
The Design: A blue field with a circle of 12 gold stars arranged in a pattern, with one star in the center and an additional twelfth star outside the pattern of the others.
The Meaning:
The additional star represents the completion of the European Union’s inner circle and the admission of new member states.
The circle of stars still represents the solidarity and harmony among the member states.
Like the previous flag design, the blue background represents the European Union as a whole.
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
The Design: A blue field with a circle of 12 gold stars arranged in a pattern.
The Meaning:
The number of stars has been kept as 12 to represent the unity and perfection of Europe as a whole.
The stars, arranged in a circle, represent solidarity and harmony among the member states.
The blue background represents the European Union as a whole and its values like peace and stability.
Each of the designs of the European Union’s flag has its own specific meaning and symbolism. The stars and the blue background are constant elements in all the designs, representing the unity, solidarity, and positive outlook for the future of the European Union as a whole. The changing number and arrangement of stars reflects the evolution of the EU, including the admission of new member states and the completion of its inner circle of member states. The European Union’s flag remains a powerful symbol of unity and cooperation among its member states.
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
The current European Union flag features a striking blue background with a circle of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle. The design was chosen in 1955, after much consideration and participation from various stakeholders. The color blue has resemblance to the flag of the United Nations, and represents the ideals of unity and harmony among the member states. The golden stars were originally inspired by the halo of stars that appeared around the Virgin Mary in Catholic tradition, and have since been interpreted as representing the European states’ solidarity and perseverance. The number of stars symbolizes completeness and unity. Interestingly, the twelve stars do not represent the number of member states at the time of its creation, as there were only six. Instead, twelve was chosen as it is a symbolic number of perfection and wholeness in many cultures. The current design has become an iconic representation of the European Union and its values, used on everything from official documents to products sold within the union.
The Design
Design is paramount when it comes to the creation of a flag that represents the identity and values of a particular organization. In this section, we will delve deeper into the design aspects of each of the European Union flags throughout its evolution.
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
The very first flag representing European unity was the flag of the Council of Europe, drawn in 1955. A flag with a deep blue background was adorned with a circle of 12 golden stars, representing the 12 members of the council at the time.
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
Like its predecessor, the Western European Union Flag, used between 1984 and 2011, also featured a blue color scheme. The twelve golden stars were arranged in a circle, with two semicircles on either side, representing the “W” symbolism of Western Europe.
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
In 1985, the European Parliament unveiled the first official flag for the European Union. The design was a pale blue field with 12 yellow stars arranged in a circle in the center of the flag.
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
In 1986, the color of the field was changed to a darker blue, and the number of stars was fixed to twelve. The stars were arranged in a circle, representing unity among different European regions and organizations.
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
The current flag, created in 1996, features a dark blue background with 12 golden stars arranged in a circle. The stars’ positioning represents the unity and cooperation of the members, and the blue color emphasizes stability and a sense of trust.
The colors and shapes are essential elements in the design aspect of every EU flag. The star symbolism shows the unity and solidarity between the member states, while the color blue represents stability and trust.
The Meaning
Design 1: The Flag of Council of Europe
The Meaning:
The design of the flag of the Council of Europe was inspired by the organization’s motto, “Unity in Diversity”. The flag was first flown in 1955 and consists of a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue background. The meaning behind the twelve stars is the twelve apostles, symbolizing completeness and unity. The blue color represents the European continent as well as the Council’s role in promoting peace and stability throughout the region. The flag also evokes feelings of hope, trust, and loyalty, both among those within the organization and among European citizens.
Design 2: The Western European Union Flag
The Meaning:
The design of the Western European Union flag was meant to symbolize the four member states at the time of its creation – Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The flag consisted of four blue arcs on a white background, which represented the four countries coming together in unity. The arcs also formed a stylized “W”, which represented the Western alliance. However, as the organization evolved and more countries joined, the meaning behind the flag changed.
Design 3: The European Union’s First Flag
The Meaning:
The design of the European Union’s first flag was created in 1955 with the aim of uniting Europe under a single banner. The flag consisted of a blue field with a circle of twelve stars – one star for each member state at the time. The meaning behind the stars was that they represented the peoples of Europe, but not any specific country, religion, or political ideology. The blue color was chosen to represent the values of peace, harmony, and unity that the EU was striving to promote.
Design 4: The Twelfth-Starred European Union Flag
The Meaning:
The design of the Twelfth-Starred European Union flag was introduced in 1986 as a symbol of the organization’s continued expansion and growth. The flag consisted of a blue field with a circle of twelve golden stars arranged in a pattern that represented both unity and diversity. The meaning behind the stars was that they symbolized the ideals of unity and solidarity among the EU member states. The number of stars, which remained at twelve, continued to represent completeness and perfection, as well as the historical basis of the star emblem.
Design 5: The Current European Union Flag
The Meaning:
The design of the current European Union flag was adopted in 1993 to reflect the expansion of the EU and its increasing significance on the world stage. Like its predecessor, it consists of a blue field with a circle of twelve golden stars. The meaning behind the stars remained the same, but the design was simplified and modernized to represent the values of peace, democracy, and cooperation that the EU stands for today. The blue color was also deepened to represent the EU’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
Conclusion
Examining the evolution of the flag of European Union shows us how the Union itself has transformed over time. Each iteration of the flag represents a particular moment in history, and tells us a story of the political environment and aspirations of the Union at that time. The original flag of the Council of Europe displayed a symbol of unity and cooperation, while the Western European Union Flag symbolized the military alliance during the cold war period. The European Union’s First Flag and the Twelfth-Starred EU flag demonstrated the Union’s enlargement and growth in membership. Finally, the current EU flag features a blue background with a circle of 12 gold stars which represent the ideals of unity and solidarity among the member states.
As the European Union continues to evolve and take on new challenges, it is quite possible that the design of the flag may change again, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the Union. However, the message of unity and cooperation among European countries will remain constant.
Through the evolution of the EU flag, we can see how the iconography of Europe has evolved over time and how symbols become part of a country or region’s collective identity. The EU Flag serves as a reminder of the shared values, history, and aspirations of the member states. It is a symbol that the citizens of EU hold dear, and as such, it should continue to be a unifying force for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the European Union flag?
The first European Union flag was created in 1955, but the design has gone through several changes since then.
Where did the idea for the European Union flag come from?
The idea for a European Union flag came from the Council of Europe, which was created in 1949 to promote European unity and cooperation.
Why was the first European Union flag design rejected?
The first design, which featured a large “E” in the middle, was rejected because it was too similar to the flag of the United States.
What inspired the design of the Western European Union flag?
The Western European Union flag was inspired by the flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Why was the Western European Union flag design changed?
The design of the Western European Union flag was changed to remove the symbol of the military alliance, as the organization shifted its focus to economic and political cooperation.
What does the number of stars on the European Union flag represent?
The number of stars on the European Union flag represents the number of member states in the European Union.
Why does the European Union flag use a circle of 12 stars?
The circle of 12 stars on the European Union flag symbolizes unity and completeness, as well as the idea of perfection and harmony.
What do the colors of the European Union flag represent?
The blue background of the European Union flag represents the ideals of peace, honesty, and trust, while the circle of stars represents unity and solidarity.
Why was the European Union flag updated in 2012?
The European Union flag was updated in 2012 to reflect the latest expansion of the European Union, which had added several new member states since the previous update.
Is the European Union flag a national flag?
No, the European Union flag is not a national flag. It is the official symbol of the European Union, which is a political and economic union of several European countries.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
