The ECJ ruled that – contrary to sec. 2.8 para 5a of the German VAT Circular and the opinion of the V. Senate of the Federal Fiscal Court – a partnership can constitute a controlled company of a VAT group even if not all shareholders are financially integrated into the controlling company. Compared to the previous national understanding, the ECJ thus extends the possibilities for a partnership to qualify as a controlled company. Until such time as the judgment is implemented by the German tax authorities, taxable persons should be able to choose which legal interpretation they wish to follow.