Since 1972, the European anthem has been an excerpt from the prelude to the Ode to Joy from Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

The Council of Europe makes available to professionals and the general public recordings of different interpretations of the European Anthem. These recordings are extracts from the "Rhapsodie sur l'Hymne Européen" by the French composer Christophe Guyard. They were commissioned by the Council of Europe for use in documentaries, news and other programmes covering the Council of Europe.

The "Rhapsodie sur l'Hymne Européen", is a protected work. It is not copyright-free, since it is registered with Sacem (France). The composer is Christophe Guyard.