The anthem, based on the "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, is to be performed at the opening ceremony following each European election and at formal sittings.
Himnu ar Ludviga van Bēthovena Devītās simfonijas „Oda priekam” melodiju atskaņo katras Parlamenta sesijas un citu svinīgu sēžu atklāšanā.