World

White House warns against 'unilateral' EU measures after Apple ruling

"We are concerned about a unilateral approach," said White House spokesperson Josh Earnest

Afp August 30, 2016

a customer enters the new apple store which is the world 039 s largest on its opening day at covent garden in london photo reuters

A customer enters the new Apple store, which is the world's largest, on its opening day at Covent Garden in London. PHOTO: REUTERS

WASHINGTON: The White House on Tuesday warned the European Union against taking "unilateral" measures after it demanded California-based tech giant Apple pay 13 billion euros ($14.5 billion) in back taxes in Ireland.

"We are concerned about a unilateral approach," said White House spokesperson Josh Earnest, adding that the move "threatens to undermine progress that we have made collaboratively with the Europeans to make the international taxation system fair."

"When I say fair, I mean fair primarly to taxpayers but also fair to companies that are trying to do business around the world that ultimately benefits the economies," Earnest added.

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Brussels said Apple, the world's most valuable company, avoided virtually all tax on its business in the bloc by illegal arrangements with Dublin, which gave the company an unfair advantage over competitors.

Apple and the Irish government immediately said they would appeal against the European Commission ruling, with the iPhone maker warning it could cost European jobs.