EU Antitrust Chief Scores Major Wins Against Apple and Google

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager secured landmark victories as Europe's top court backed her actions against Apple's Irish tax deal and Google's anti-competitive practices. The rulings affirm the European Commission's decisions and could influence future policies targeting Big Tech's tax arrangements and competitive behavior.

Margrethe Vestager, Europe's antitrust chief, celebrated significant legal victories against Apple and Google on Tuesday. The top court upheld her crackdown on Apple's favorable Irish tax arrangement and Google's anti-competitive practices, marking landmark wins.

The judgments are seen as victories for European citizens and tax justice. The European Commission, in 2016, ordered Apple to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland for receiving unlawful state aid. Google, fined 2.42 billion euros for anti-competitive practices, had its appeal rejected.

Vestager's successes may shape future actions against Big Tech. Both Apple and Google expressed disappointment but indicated compliance with the rulings. Apple's tax strategies and Google's competitive behavior remain under scrutiny with ongoing investigations and additional fines possible.

(With inputs from agencies.)