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EU: Commission sued over Germany energy program investigation

By  |  July 14, 2014

The European Commission is reportedly facing a lawsuit by dozens of German companies for the regulator’s investigation into the state’s green energy program.

Fifty companies are reportedly suing the Commission for its decision to probe Germany’s tax breaks offered to the heaviest users of electricity; funds from the tax program are used for green energy initiatives.

While the taxes were investigated for possibly breaching state aid law, the Commission “erred in law” for such an investigation, according to Bayer in recent court filings. Bayer, ThyssenKrupp and ArcelorMittal are among the firms that are suing the authority.

The lawsuit was filed at the EU General Court.

Despite the lawsuit, the Commission is still considering whether to force Germany to recuperate the energy aid. Germany and EU officials reached an agreement last week that will result in adjusted rules regarding the energy tax program.

Full content: Businessweek

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