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		EU anthem in the parliament: we won't stand for it Thursday, 9th October 2008 MEP downbeat over adoption of anthem and symbols MEPs have voted to play the EU anthem and adopt the official symbols of the union as part of a change in the parliament's rules today, but the idea has hit a low note with Conservative MEPs, the Conservative MEP for the East Midlands said. The parliament has backed proposals put forward by the top brass in the Constitutional Affairs committee. They would make the parliament recognise the EU flag, play Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', celebrate Europe day and print the parliament's 'United in diversity' motto on all documents. The inclusion of the symbols into the rules of procedure was originally part of the doomed EU Constitution but omitted from the Lisbon Treaty. Mr Helmer said: "This move is unnecessary, provocative and a waste of time and money. "Symbols and anthems are often used to promote nationhood, but many MEPs still do not understand that the people do not want to be part of a European nation. The inclusion of the anthem and EU symbols in the parliament's functioning highlights the federalist intentions of a number of MEPs."