By Frank O'Collins (June 2006)
 
 
 
  Now with the Euro, the European Flag with its distinctive twelve stars, is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. So why change it?
  
 
 
  Misconception No 1- The Flag was never commissioned for the European Union
  
  A common misconception with the present adopted flag is that it was commissioned for the European Union. In fact the flag was originally adopted by the Council of Europe (COE) on December 8, 1955, from one of many designs attributed to Arsène Heitz.
 
  Contrary to the flag representing a single entity (such as the EU), it was originally intended to represent Europe as a whole as well as the various organisations seeking a united Europe.
  
  Misconception No 2- The twelve stars do not represent the original founding states of the European Union
  
  The other most common misconception with the present flag is that the twelve stars somehow represent the founding states of the Union.
  
  In fact, in 1953, the Council of Europe had 15 members. At the time there were proposals that the flag would be modified to ensure one star did represent each founder, but this was rejected.
 
  In the end, the number of twelve (12) stars was selected, not out of any special consideration but because it was the most generic number (ie symbols of the zodiac, hours of the clock, months of year etc) with minimum political controversy. Hence, if anything, the stars themselves represent the compromises that have plagued and challenged a single European ideal for decades.
  
  Why change?  
  A flag of significance must by its creation represent ideals and subjects of significance beyond mere compromise. It is true, that the original design of Arsène Heitz is attractive and is to be commended for its simplicity and geometry.
 
  However, the two misconceptions listed previously continue to plague the icon of the flag to the point that a counter mythology has now been born in regards to the secret “hidden” meaning of the flag- that is a subliminal association to the Virgin Mary (a reference to the 12 stars typically drawn above the head by Catholic iconography). The original artist (Heitz) himself even accidentally/deliberately assisted the growth of this myth by agreeing the Bible was a significant source of his inspiration.
  
  Given Europe has traditionally been a Christian dominated region for over fifteen hundred years, should any concern be placed on such counter mythologies? No, except in the absence of genuine historical significance, this mythology will ultimately become the common belief along with the misconceptions of significance- all of which does not edify One Europe, but actually undermines its significance.
  
  The Proposed Euro Union design  
 
 
  The proposed replacement flag design for the European Union represents one of the simplest, if not the simplest of geometric shapes and designs- a blue background of the same shade as the present flag, but a solid circle rather than stars.
  
  The circle has special significance. In the first instance, it represents one of the most ancient symbols for unity- regardless of whether states were founders or later entrants to the Union.
  
  Secondly, the circle represents knowledge and wisdom- geometry and technology all of which are hallmarks of Europe. The fact that there is only one circle represents one Europe.
  
  Thirdly, the circle represents a common motif that has been used by Frank O’Collins across all the Union flags representing the proposed unions of states as a symbol for union itself.

  
     

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