Question for written answerE-007202-16to the CommissionRule 130Beatrix von Storch(EFDD)(28 September 2016)Subject: Retaliatory action regarding Commission ruling on state aid and Apple

Earlier this year the Commission ordered Ireland to recover the unprecedented sum of USD 14.5 billion in unpaid taxes from Apple. A little over two weeks later, the US Department of Justice fined Deutsche Bank USD 14 billion — the highest-ever fine given to a foreign bank in the United States.

The similar size and timings of the fines has led to speculation that the US action is retaliatory in nature.

Taking the above into consideration:

1.

Does the Commission view the US behaviour as retaliation for the tax ruling against Apple?

2.

Has the Commission considered the possibility that retaliation could be a factor in the fine issued by the US Department of Justice to Deutsche Bank?

3.

Does the Commission consider the possibility of retaliatory action being taken before issuing a verdict?