EU assembly angers Eurosceptics over flag, anthem

A new rule to require the EU flag to be displayed throughout European Parliament buildings has reignited a row over whether the symbol is a precursor to the creation of a European federal state.

The EU assembly is set to adopt formally the flag and an anthem which were at the core of the EU's failed Constitution, rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. They were left out of a reform treaty subsequently drawn up for the bloc to replace the Constitution because they were considered too controversial as they aggravated national sensitivities about sovereignty.

To the anger of Eurosceptics, the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament recommended on Thursday that the flag of 12 yellow stars against a blue background must be displayed throughout the assembly's buildings.

It also agreed that Beethoven's Ode to Joy be played at sittings and all official ceremonies. Eurosceptics from within the UK Independence Party said they were incensed at the idea of being forced to display the flag within their parliamentary offices.

British Conservative Tim Kirkhope said the decision - expected to be adopted by the full assembly next month - was a sign that some European politicians still wanted to create a European superstate.

"This rule change is utterly pointless and sycophantic," he said in a statement. "MEPs do not understand that these displays of EU nationhood underline the real ambitions of some MEPs to create a European superstate."