In a statement, an Apple spokesperson told CNN Business that the company was “satisfied” with the decision, arguing that the case was never about how much tax it pays, but where it pays it.
“We are proud to be the world’s largest taxpayer, as we know the important role tax payments play in society. Apple has paid more than $ 100 billion in corporate income taxes worldwide in the last decade and tens of billions more on other taxes, “the spokesperson added.
Apple CEO Tim Cook previously said the ruling had “no factual or legal basis,” calling it “Apple’s obvious goal.”
The Irish government also welcomed the decision, saying it had never given Apple special treatment.
The court ruling is a blow to the Commission, which has tried to crack down on what it considers to be unfair tax deals in Europe. The Commission could appeal the decision to the highest court in Europe.
Margrethe Vestager, the Commission’s chief antitrust official, said she was carefully studying the sentence before deciding on next steps. But she promised that the Commission will continue to aggressively pursue what it considers “illegal state aid.”
“At the same time, the application of state aid must go hand in hand with a change in corporate philosophies and the correct legislation to address gaps and ensure transparency. We have already come a long way at national, European and global level, and we We need to continue working together to be successful, “Vestager said in a statement.
– James Frater contributed to this article.
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