The European Parliament adopted, by 503 votes to 96 with 15 abstentions, a decision approving the insertion in Parliament's Rules of Procedure of a new Rule 202a on the use by Parliament of the symbols of the Union. The report had been tabled for consideration by Carlos CARNERO GONZALEZ (PES, ES) on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs. The resolution recalls the importance of symbols for reconnecting the citizens with the European Union and for building a European identity which is complementary to the national identities of the Member States. These symbols have been in use for over 30 years by all European Institutions and were formally adopted by the European Council in 1985.
The new Rule 202a is entitled 'the symbols of the Union' and states that Parliament shall recognise and espouse the following symbols of the Union:
- the flag showing a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue background shall be flown at all Parliament premises and on the occasion of official events and shall be used in each meeting room of the Parliament;
- the anthem based on the ‘Ode to Joy’ from the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven shall be performed at the opening of each constitutive session and at other solemn sittings, notably to welcome heads of State or government or to greet new Members following enlargements;
- the motto 'United in diversity' shall be reproduced on Parliament's official documents;
In addition, Parliament will celebrate Europe Day on 9 May.
The Bureau shall examine further use of the symbols within the Parliament and lay down detailed provisions for the implementation of this Rule.