Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said he views 'significant German security interests,' as including critical infrastructure such as energy and telecommunication services and supplying vaccines. Germany's Cabinet approved legislation that will make it easier for authorities to prevent foreign takeovers of strategically important companies. The changes are meant to bring rules in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, in line with a year-old European Union directive on screening foreign investment. Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said he views "significant German security interests'' as including critical infrastructure such as energy and telecommunication services and supplying vaccines. Germany already tightened rules on foreign investments in some sectors in 2018, partly reflecting increasing concerns about Chinese investors.

Source: The Standard April 08, 2020 10:52 UTC