MEPs decided to make the installation of the European flag on the facade of town halls compulsory. But in fact, nothing obliges mayors to do so.
The practice is already widespread but is now enshrined in law. Displaying the flag of the European Union alongside the flag of France on the facade of town halls is now compulsory. 130 deputies have thus decided despite the opposition of 109 other elected officials from the Bourbon palace. Examined as part of Europe Day on May 9 and then put to the vote on Wednesday May 10, 2023, the text carried by the presidential majority (Renaissance) was therefore adopted. Satisfied in the ranks of Macronie despite the opposition of Nupes, RN and part of LR.
The tricolor flag will always have the place of honour, that is to say in the centre, while the European flag must be placed to its right, that is to say to the left of the French flag when looking at the facade. Regional colors can also be hoisted, on the other side. However, if a new text has therefore entered into force in the law, in reality, the mayors will remain completely free to apply, or not, the legislation.
Mathieu Lefèvre, Renaissance deputy for Val-de-Marne and rapporteur for the law, conceded it himself since “we obviously have not provided for any sanction in the event of non-compliance with this obligation.” The text is therefore not coercive: no fine will be imposed on municipalities that do not comply with this obligation. Furthermore, an amendment was adopted to limit this text to municipalities with more than 1,500 inhabitants. More than 70% of French municipalities are therefore spared by the law.