Patch "EU", blue

The European flag consists of twelve golden stars with five points on a blue background. It was introduced as a flag in 1955, and in May 1986 it became a symbol of the institutions of the European Communities. Today it is the symbol of the European Union.

The number of stars, 'twelve', is traditionally seen as a symbol of perfection, completeness and unity. No reference has been made to the number of EU member states.