The European Court of Justice has delivered a landmark decision, ordering tech giant Apple to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland. This ruling comes after a final appeal by Apple against the European Commission’s 2016 order was dismissed. The court also upheld a €2.4 billion fine imposed on Google over its online shopping comparison service.
This decision marks a significant victory for EU regulators in their efforts to hold multinational companies accountable for their tax practices. The ruling against Apple highlights the ongoing crackdown on tax avoidance schemes that allow companies to benefit from lower tax rates in certain countries.
In a separate development, SpaceX has taken space tourism to a new level with the launch of Polaris Dawn, an all-civilian mission aimed at achieving the first privately-funded spacewalk. This mission showcases the growing interest and investment in commercial space travel, with companies like SpaceX paving the way for future exploration and innovation in outer space.
Overall, these recent developments reflect the evolving landscape of technology, taxation, and space exploration. The decisions made by the European Court of Justice set important precedents for how companies operate and are regulated within the EU, while SpaceX’s latest mission demonstrates the expanding opportunities in the realm of space tourism.
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Video “Top EU court orders Apple to pay €13bn in back taxes to Ireland, upholds €2.4 bn fine on Google” was uploaded on 09/10/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English