Policy Focus

Revival of EU symbols lambasted as 'federalism' by MEP

MEPs have decided to revive the EU flag and anthem in an attempt to foster greater pride in the institution.

The mini-plenary in Brussels endorsed plans for the EU flag and Beethoven's ‘Ode to Joy’ to be used more often by parliament as it tries to help citizens identify with the EU.

The flag and motto, ‘United in diversity’, are to be printed on all material emanating from the parliament. More controversially, the finale from Beethoven's ninth symphony, Ode to Joy, is also to be played at more official occasions.

The inclusion of the symbols in parliament’s rules of procedure was originally part of the doomed EU constitution, and was omitted from the Lisbon treaty.

The decision to revive them has caused an outcry, with UK Tory MEP Tim Kirkhope saying, “This move is unnecessary, provocative and a waste of time and money.

“Symbols and anthems are often used to promote nationhood, but many MEPs still do not understand that the people do not want to be part of a European nation. The inclusion of the anthem and EU symbols in the parliament's functioning highlights the federalist intentions of a number of MEPs."

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, has accused his parliamentary colleagues of "trying to ram [symbols] down our throats".

Scottish Greens/EFA deputy Alyn Smith said, "My problem is that to vote on this sort of housekeeping now is just such a gift to the opponents of the EU, who would seek to present the EU as out of touch, self-aggrandising and obsessed with trinkets, image and flummery. It would be difficult to prove them wrong.

"Europe's citizens, and the vast majority of MEPs, are deadly concerned about the state of the economy and the evident fragility of our banking sector.

“The citizens of Europe, far from being ‘united in diversity’, as our new motto says, are more accurately frightened in adversity and will look at our move today with disbelief.

"For parliament to indulge in a pointless navel-gazing exercise today undermines all the good work the parliament does to make a real difference to people.

"I would gently suggest that if they focused a bit less on bunting and Beethoven, and a bit more on empathy and delivery, the credibility and respect they so crave will look after themselves."

The move was defended by UK ALDE member Andrew Duff, his party’s spokesperson on constitutional affairs, who attacked MEPs, especially those from former Soviet bloc states, who opposed the move.

"We all remember the blue flag with the yellow stars in the enormous demonstrations which broke communism and set these countries on the road to EU membership. We all remember the playing of the anthem at the Brandenburg Gate after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"This did not happen because of rules or treaties, but because the symbols inspired the hearts and emotions of ordinary European citizens. They symbolise the EU’s dignified values of peace and solidarity," he said.