Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an international organisation of 46 member states in the European region. Membership is open to all European states which accept the principle of the rule of law and guarantee fundamental human rights and freedoms to their citizens.

Symbols

Main article: European symbols

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The Council of Europe is responsible for the notable European flag with 12 golden stars (upward pointing) arranged in a circle on a blue background since 1955, and the anthem based on the Ode to Joy in the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's ninth symphony since 1972. In 1964, it established the anniversary of its founding on 5 May 1949 as Europe Day. (Europe Day has since been moved to May 9. See European Symbols.)

Related Topics:
European flag - 1955 - Anthem - Ode to Joy - Ludwig van Beethoven - 1972 - 1964 - 5 May - 1949 - Europe Day - May 9 - European Symbols

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To avoid confusion with the European Union, which uses the same flag, the Council often uses a modified version with a stylised lower-case 'e' in the centre of the stars which is referred to as the 'Council of Europe Logo' http://www.coe.int/02/Logo/Pictures/LogoCoE/LogoCoe.jpg.

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