Brussels, 25/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 June, the European Commission decided to launch infringement proceedings against Germany for failing to publish information about all beneficiaries of funding from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Germany. Bavaria refuses to publish the required information. After the first stage in the infringement proceedings (the sending of this warning letter), Germany has a month to respond. If the Commission is not satisfied with Germany's answers, it will send a reasoned opinion (the second stage in the infringement proceeding, the third being referral to the European Court of Justice).
Thus far, the Commission had taken an understanding attitude, giving Berlin extra time, until mid-June, to publish the names of all the beneficiaries of EU farm aid as required by EU legislation since 30 April this year. The Commission said it would launch infringement proceedings if Germany failed to comply. On 16 June, the German federal government published the required information online but did not include information for Bavaria, which opposes publication. Bavaria argues that such information would infringe the right to privacy. (L.C./transl.fl)