European Commission will appeal European court judgement in favour of #Apple

The case turns on the critical question of the EU’s competency in tax matters that are usually jealously guarded by member states. The European Commission considers that in its judgment the General Court has made a number of errors of law.

The Commission reiterates that this is not a question of determining an EU countries tax policy, it is principally a question of selective advantage: “If member states give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals, this harms fair competition in the European Union in breach of state aid rules.”

The Commission says that they have to use all tools at their disposal to ensure companies pay their fair share of tax. In her statement, Commissioner and now Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager (pictured) makes a clear link between the Apple case and fair taxation in general, stating that the unfair system deprives national treasuries of revenue: “The public purse and citizens are deprived of funds for much-needed investments – the need for which is even more acute now to support Europe's economic recovery.”

Fair taxation

Vestager also says that the EU needs to continue its efforts to put in place the right legislation to address loopholes and ensure transparency, and touches on the wider issue of a level-playing field for businesses: “There's more work ahead – including to make sure that all businesses, including digital ones, pay their fair share of tax where it is rightfully due.”

Ireland contends that no state aid was granted to Apple

Ireland’s Minister for Finance and Chair of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe noted the Commission statement and said: “Ireland has always contended, that no State aid was given and that the Irish branches of the relevant Apple companies paid the full amount of tax due in accordance with the law. An appeal to the CJEU must be on a point, or points, of law.”

“Ireland has always been clear that the correct amount of Irish tax was paid and that Ireland provided no state aid to Apple. Ireland appealed the Commission Decision on that basis and the judgement from the General Court of the European Union vindicates this stance.”

Donohoe estimates that the appeal process could take up to two years to complete. In the meantime funds in Escrow will only be released when there has been a final determination in the European Courts on the validity of the Commission’s Decision.