BBC News reports that the European parliament has voted to support a call for national sports teams to wear the EU flag on their shirts.
The broadcaster says that MEPs also supported plans for the EU flag to be flown at major sporting events, but neither of the measures would be compulsory.
ECR deputy Emma McClarkin said the proposal was "outrageous and unnecessary" and accused the EU of trying to "impose an artificial European identity" by "forcing" athletes to wear its emblem.
Germany's opposition leader Sigmar Gabriel has said that chancellor Angela Merkel now accepts the need for growth and investment measures in Europe, reports the Independent
The Irish Times reports on a European parliament resolution which could result in fines and sanctions for employers found to be paying women less than men for the same job
Major European airlines have renewed their criticism of the EU's emissions trading scheme (ETS), reports the Wall Street Journal
Dutch MPs have voted in support of ratifying the European stability mechanism (ESM), which makes €500bn available to bailout struggling member states, reports the FT
The European Court of Justice has rejected calls by Swiss chocolate makers Lindt to register its well-known rabbit as a trademark, says BBC News
