EU says Apple's Irish tax deals breach rules
The European Union said Tuesday that Apple's sweetheart tax deals with Ireland breached rules on receiving state aid, in a case which could cost the US tech giant billions if it is found at fault.
Brussels released a letter that the EU competition commissioner sent to the Irish government in June formally setting out the reasons for opening an investigation into Dublin's arrangements with Apple.
It is the latest in a series of cases pitting the EU, whose 28 nations together make the world's biggest economy, against largely US-based multinationals on issues ranging from tax avoidance to anti-competitive practices.
The letter from Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said Ireland's treatment of Apple "appears to constitute state aid" and therefore breaches EU rules on a free internal market.
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