EU Commission will defend ‘robust decision’ on Apple in court – Vestager

The EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager addressed the European Parliament today on the reasons behind her recent ruling that found Ireland gave illegal tax benefits to the technology giant Apple. Commissioner Vestager insisted the ruling did not call into question Ireland’s general tax system or its corporate tax rate. And she told MEPs the EU Commission would defend its decision in court.

Out words: in Ireland

Dur: 00:40 

Good Friday means EU citizenship for Northern Irish citizens – Carthy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy says the Scottish government has been much more forceful than Ireland in making the case to remain within the EU. The majority of people in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU during the Brexit referendum. However Matt Carthy says the Scots are showing much more unity when it comes to getting the EU to respect the outcome of the Scottish vote. The Midlands North-West MEP also warns that the EU needs to abide by the Good Friday Agreement when it comes to recognising EU citizenship of people from Northern Ireland.    

Out words: own wishes

Dur: 00:30 

Huge ‘burden of proof’ on EU Commission to prove Apple ruling

The European Commission has a huge burdenof proof to make to support its ruling that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits. That’s according to the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.  This afternoon MEPs will debate the recent Apple tax ruling with the EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. The Irish government and Apple are appealing the ruling and it will be up to the European Court of Justice to decide if the EU was right or wrong to find against Apple. Brian Hayes says the EU will need to provide strong evidence to prove its case.   

Out words: political process

Dur: 00:40