Resolution 492 (1971)

European anthem

Author(s): Parliamentary Assembly

Origin - See Doc. 2978, report of the Committee on Regional Planning and Local Authorities. Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 8 July 1971.

The Assembly,

1. Having regard to the adoption in 1955 by the Committee of Ministers of the European Flag, and the creation of Europe Day in 1964 ;

2. Considering that it is now time to choose an anthem for the Europe we are building in addition to the emblem and Europe Day, thus following the pattern set by the symbols of our national States ;

3. Being of the opinion that it would be preferable to select a musical work representative of European genius and whose use on European occasions is already becoming something of a tradition:

4. Recalling that initiatives for the creation of European symbols have already originated in the Consultative Assembly and the European Conference of Local Authorities representing the local authorities of Europe,

5. Resolves :

a. to propose the acceptance by member countries as a European anthem of the Prelude to the Ode to Joy in the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony ;

b. to recommend its use on all European occasions, if desired in conjunction with the national anthem ;

c. to request the Committee on Parliamentary and Public Relations, the Committee on Regional Planning and Local Authorities and the European Conference of Local Authorities to take all necessary steps to implement this resolution.