News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Apple ordered to repay 13 billion euro tax bill

The European Commission has ordered the U.S. technology giant Apple to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes. An investigation into the firm's tax status in Ireland found that it had paid less than one percent on its European sales - the usual business rate is more than 12 times higher. Both Apple and the Irish government deny there was a special deal and have indicated that they will appeal. Margarethe Vestager is the EU competition commissioner: "This decision sends a clear message, member states cannot give unfair tax benefits to selected companies, no matter if they are European or foreign..."

Thousands of migrants rescued off Libya

The Italian coastguard says it coordinated the rescue of six and a half thousand migrants from the Mediterranean Sea on Monday. Italian ships and other vessels made more than 40 separate rescue missions off the northern coast of Libya across the day - making it one of the busiest days in years. Most of the rescued migrants and refugees are from Eritrea and Somalia.

France’s trade chief casts doubt on TTIP deal

The French Trade Minister Matthias Fekl has cast doubt on the prospect of the European Union reaching a comprehensive trade agreement with the United States. Fekl said he'll call for the current TTIP talks to be abandoned. But in an interview with Der Spiegel, the US trade representative Michael Froman said the talks were making steady progress.

Rousseff defends herself at impeachment trial

Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff has spent 14 hours defending herself, during the final phase of her Senate impeachment trial on corruption charges. Rousseff said she was the victim of a political coup by her opponents. Professor Anthony Pereira, the director of the Brazil Institute at Kings College London, says it's likely she will be removed from office for good: "President Rousseff is speaking to the general public as much as she is to the Senate. She's trying to shape the legacy of her presidency, and shape how people remember her presidency. I think she's probably already realised that the impeachment itself is a bit of a lost cause."

Zika travel warning for Singapore

Australia, Taiwan and South Korea are advising pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant to avoid travelling to Singapore, where there's been an outbreak of the Zika virus. The authorities in the city state are continuing efforts to contain the outbreak and say it remains a safe travel destination. The World Health Organization has announced that its emergency committee on Zika will meet on Thursday.

Comic actor Gene Wilder has died

The American actor Gene Wilder - remembered by many for his lead role in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - has died at the age of 83. The comic actor also starred in classic films such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.

The weather

A mix of sunshine and cloud this afternoon, with some rain showers in western mountain regions. Top temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees.

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