The European Union is keeping a close eye on the big American technology companies. The establishment of the headquarters of these multinationals in countries such as Ireland or Luxembourg, where they benefit from tax benefits, has generated a wave of protests among the different countries of the Union.
In France and Spain, measures have already been taken in the form of fines against these companies, which are accused of not paying taxes arising from their activity in these territories.
However, the European crusade against corporate taxes is far from ceasing, but is increasing. This time, it is Amazon that is at the centre of the controversy, with the European Commission demanding 250 million euros of tax benefits received in Luxembourg.
“Luxembourg granted illegal tax advantages to Amazon. As a result, almost algeria phone number three-quarters of Amazon’s profits were not taxed. In other words, Amazon was allowed to pay four times less tax than other local companies subject to national law,” said Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager .
Following an investigation, the European Commission, which has labelled this action illegal, has quantified these advantages at 250 million euros, which the Luxembourg authorities must recover.
Ireland was also responsible for claiming 13 billion euros in illegal tax benefits from Apple. However, the lack of action by the country's authorities for a year has led to a complaint from the EC to the Court of Justice of the European Union.