Daily brief
Italian bank UniCredit has made a takeover bid for Germany's Commerzbank, aiming for a stake of over 30%. The move has reportedly caused concern in Berlin, and Germany's ruling SPD party has formally rejected the proposed acquisition.
The discount supermarket chain Lidl plans a major expansion in Romania this year, with an investment of 285 million euros to open more than 40 new stores.
Germany's Economy Minister has rejected the introduction of a price cap on oil and gasoline, as fuel prices in the country rise for a second consecutive day with diesel exceeding 2.15 euros per liter.
A strike is set to block all flights at Berlin's airport.
Sections of a major highway bridge in Germany were demolished in a controlled explosion.