Flachglas Torgau requested information about Germany's allocation of emissions licenses during 2005-2007. The requested information was contained in internal documents produced by the Ministry for the Environment concerning legislation process for GHG emissions trading. The Ministry refused this request, citing the confidentiality of proceedings of public authorities. The 2003 Directive concerning public access to information provides that environmental information is generally considered public; however, the court upheld the Ministry's decision to deny access to the documents requested.