Brussels takes action on VW

The European Commission will on Wednesday step up its battle with Berlin over laws protecting German car giant Volkswagen from hostile takeover.

According to a commission source, EU regulators will send a formal request to Berlin, demanding Germany amend lawbooks and notify Brussels within two months.

The formal request, known as a 'reasoned opinion', is the second stage in the EU's infringement procedure, which can result in a country being hauled before the European Court of Justice.

Brussels' case against Germany is over the so-called 'VW law', passed in 1960.

This law guarantees state ownership of Volkswagen, even though it owns only 18.5 per cent of the company.

Have your say...

Please enter your comments below.

Name

Your e-mail address

Listen to audio version

Please type in the letters or numbers shown above (case sensitive)