Apple has lost its fight to avoid a €13 billion tax bill after a ruling by Europe’s top court upheld a 2016 decision by the European Commission. The Commission found that Ireland had granted Apple unlawful state aid, which it was required to recover. The European Court of Justice ruled in favor of the Commission’s findings, stating that Ireland had provided Apple with “illegal tax benefits” worth €13 billion. This decision comes just one day after Apple unveiled new products aimed at boosting sales.
In a separate decision, the European Court of Justice also upheld a €2.4 billion antitrust fine against Google. This decision was in response to a 2017 ruling by the European Commission, which fined Google for abusing its dominant position in online search by favoring its own comparison shopping service over those of competitors. The court’s decision to uphold the fine represents a blow to one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.
Apple and Google have yet to comment on the court’s rulings. The companies may face further legal challenges or appeals in response to the decisions handed down by the European Court of Justice. This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
The rulings against Apple and Google mark a significant setback for the tech giants, as they are held accountable for alleged violations of European Union regulations. The European Commission’s crackdown on illegal state aid and antitrust violations signals a tougher stance on multinational corporations that may be exploiting loopholes or engaging in anti-competitive behavior.
The rulings highlight the ongoing debate over the tax practices of multinational corporations and the need for stricter regulations to prevent tax avoidance. Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing the financial practices of tech companies like Apple and Google, in an effort to ensure fair competition and tax compliance within the European Union. The decisions by the European Court of Justice serve as a warning to other tech companies that may be engaging in similar practices.
Overall, the court’s decisions against Apple and Google underscore the growing challenges faced by multinational tech companies operating in the European Union. As regulators crack down on illegal state aid and antitrust violations, companies like Apple and Google are being held accountable for their actions. The rulings send a clear message that regulatory bodies will not tolerate anti-competitive behavior or tax avoidance, and that tech companies must comply with EU regulations or face substantial fines and penalties.
