BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) — The German government is excessively protecting automaker Volkswagen AG, a senior adviser to the European Union’s highest court said yesterday.If confirmed by judges, the case could have a major impact on national authorities’ ability to shield companies from unwanted takeover.

“The German government’s approach is ... not based on overriding reasons relating to the public interest,” said Advocate General Damaso Ruiz-Jarabo Colomer in a statement from the court in Luxembourg.

The European Commission took Germany to court in 2005 over the so-called VW law.