EU's Top Court Orders Apple to Repay €13 Billion in Back Taxes

The European Union's top court has rejected Apple's final legal challenge to repay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, concluding a long-running dispute. The ruling confirms the European Commission's 2016 decision that Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid. Apple expressed disappointment, maintaining that no special deal existed.

The European Union's top court dismissed Apple's final legal challenge against an order mandating the repayment of €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, ending a protracted legal battle.

This ruling upholds the European Commission's 2016 decision, which found that Ireland had granted Apple illegal aid, a finding that Apple has consistently denied.

Apple voiced disappointment with the decision, asserting that the General Court had previously annulled the case based on a comprehensive review. The tech giant maintains that no special tax agreements were ever in place.

(With inputs from agencies.)