Will Brown stand for Europe's anthem after all?

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Government claimed victory after references to Beethoven's Ode To Joy - adopted as the EU's anthem in 1985 - were removed from the revised European 'constitution'.

But The Mail on Sunday has learned the Brussels parliament is to give the music greater 'official character'.

This would mean when visiting dignitaries address the assembly, their arrival will be heralded by the anthem. During this time, both visitors and MEPs would be expected to stand in silence.

The provocative plan was slipped through shortly before MEPs began their summer break.

German Socialist Jo Leinen, the author of the proposal, said: "So far, the anthem is not being officially used in the parliament. If we have it in the rules of procedure, we could play it when we have visits of foreign delegations or during celebrations."

The original EU constitution enshrined the official status of the anthem and the EU flag of 12 gold stars on a blue background.

The new treaty is based on this rejected constitution, but following British objections all reference to these were removed.

Neil O"Brien, of the Eurosceptic think-tank Open Europe, said the parliament had 'stuck two fingers' up at Mr Brown. "If he has to stand for the EU anthem, it will demonstrate how little the British Government has achieved in halting the relentless drive towards making Europe more like a single country,' he added.