European anthem

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.

It is played on official occasions by the Council of Europe and the European Union.

See also: European flag

External link

• The European Anthem (http://europa.eu.int/abc/symbols/anthem/index_en.htm) - European Commission website