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