JUNE 30, 2025 — Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has come under fire after attributing religious symbolism to the European Union flag, according to a report by Virgilio, contradicting the official EU explanation and prompting criticism from commentators and experts.
On June 29, Tajani wrote on social media: “Forty years ago, European leaders chose the common flag of Europe. Blue like the mantle of the Madonna, with the 12 stars of the tribes of Israel arranged in a circle. A symbol of our values of freedom, of our Judeo-Christian roots.”
However, the EU’s official position is clear: the twelve gold stars in a circle on a blue background symbolize “unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe,” says BUTAC, an Italian fact-checking site. The number of stars is fixed and not tied to religious or national groups.
Historically, the design was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1955 before being embraced by the European Economic Community (now the EU) in 1985. The original design was created by Arsène Heitz, a draughtsman who submitted multiple proposals. In later years, Heitz revealed in a Catholic publication that his design had been inspired by the “Miraculous Medal” associated with the Virgin Mary, and the twelve stars were drawn from the Book of Revelation. However, this religious motivation was not part of the Council’s formal reasoning for adopting the design.
Further complicating the narrative, Paul M.G. Lévy, a Jewish official who directed the Council of Europe’s information service and oversaw the selection process, also later claimed to have been inspired by a statue of the Virgin Mary. Yet, like Heitz, Lévy made no religious reference at the time of the flag’s adoption.
Critics, including public figures like Nino Cartabellotta, dismissed Tajani’s interpretation as unfounded. “The mantle of the Madonna and the 12 tribes of Israel are your personal ‘visions,’ Mr. Minister,” Cartabellotta posted.
The European Union has consistently maintained a secular framework, with no religious affiliations embedded in its treaties or symbolism. Observers suggest that Tajani’s comments risk politicizing a symbol intended to unify rather than divide, especially given the EU’s emphasis on inclusivity and pluralism.
