GERMANY sparked outrage last night after trying to strong-arm the EU flag, anthem and euro into the controversial new treaty.

It attempted to hijack the document with the trappings of a “United States of Europe” only days before it is signed.

The Germans led a charge of 16 countries to add a crucial clause despite it being rejected by PM Gordon Brown.

Hague ... raps 'bizarre' move
to put flag and euro in treaty

They want the document to declare support for the EU’s flag, the anthem Ode to Joy, the motto United in Diversity, the euro currency and a Europe Day on May 9.

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said last night: “As ever, the world of the EU is bizarre. Brussels already uses the flag and the anthem.

“One of the few changes in the new EU treaty from the original constitution was that they wouldn’t become official.

Idiots

“British ministers should give a clear message: Forget it.”

The Open Europe think tank said: “Mr Brown pretends it isn’t the EU constitution any more because it doesn’t mention the flag and anthem.

“But now even they are being put back in. EU leaders must think we’re total idiots.”

EU chiefs had agreed to leave the flag, anthem, Europe Day and euro out of the treaty after admitting it would look like they were trying to create a United States of Europe.

But Germany’s late bid to get them back in is more evidence the treaty is the same as the constitution.

It is backed by Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic.

Mr Brown may snub Thursday’s official treaty signing in Lisbon, Portugal and attend a Commons committee instead.

g.pascoewatson@the-sun.co.uk