Few flags the world over are as recognisable as the flag of Europe. Created in 1955, the 12 stars on a blue background are used throughout the international realm as the official standard of the EU.

The European Union's executive has hit out at Eurovision, demanding to know why its flag was banned from the concert hall during Saturday’s final. In a contest already full of controversy ...

“We see people waving EU flags, [like they have done on the Maidan when I was in Ukraine]. What do we want more? How many people in current EU member states would do this at the moment?