As EU enlargement fast approaches, the question of symbols is becoming of primary importance for Europe. Shared references that translate into practice the concept of “unity in diversity” are needed in the process of integration. To this end the Union is trying to promote and enhance the value of such European symbols as the blue flag with the twelve stars, the “Hymn to Joy”, the date of 9 May (Schuman Declaration, Festival of Europe) and even the single currency. For its part the Council of Europe (45 member states, 800 million citizens, headquarters in Strasbourg) has produced and is marketing a CD with the world hip hop version of the European anthem. The CD, called “Variations”, contains many musical variations of Beethoven’s “Hymn to Joy”: variations for symphony orchestra, organ, piano (classical and jazz), rock guitar, jazz violin, and techno. “Initially conceived as a working tool for radio and TV journalists working on European issues explain communication chiefs at the Strasbourg headquarters -, this CD has met with growing demand from a non-professional public, and so the Council has decided to market it to citizens”. The CD is available from Waterpipe Records in Freiburg (Germany), at a price of 12.90 euro. It comes together with a brochure describing the origins of the European anthem and flag, symbols first adopted by the Council of Europe and then shared by the European Union in 1986.
