The anthem of Europe

The melody comes from Ludwig van Beethoven`s 9th symphony, which was written in 1823.

In 1972 the Council of Europe decided to name "The ode to happyness" as the anthem of the EU. A well-known composer Herbert von Karajan was asked to make three arrangements of this - one for the piano, one for brass section and one for a symphony orchestra. This anthem expresses the ideals for what Europe stands for: freedom, peace and solidarity.

In 1985 the leaders of the EU decided take this as the official anthem of the EU. It`s purpose is not to replace all the anthems of the memberlands, but to show that these countries have common values and aims in the world.