A setback for Apple that could cost it $14 billion

 An Advisor to Europe's Top Court Calls for Review of Apple's Tax Case

In a potential setback for Apple, an advisor to Europe's top court has confirmed that the lower court, which previously sided with the tech giant in its appeal against a European Union tax order worth 13 billion euros ($14 billion), made a series of legal errors. The advisor has recommended that the case be reviewed again, casting doubt on the previous ruling.

The tax case against Apple was part of a broader campaign led by Margrethe Vestager, the EU's antitrust chief, against deals between multinational companies and EU countries that were deemed to be unfair state aid. The European Commission had accused Apple of receiving preferential treatment from Ireland, where the company had established its European headquarters.

The lower court's ruling in 2016 had come as a surprise to many

as it contradicted the European Commission's findings. The court had argued that the Commission had failed to prove that Apple had received illegal state aid. However, the advisor to the top court has now highlighted several legal errors in the lower court's decision, prompting the call for a review.

This development could potentially have significant implications for Apple and other multinational companies operating in Europe. If the top court were to overturn the previous ruling, Apple could be forced to pay the 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland. Furthermore, it could set a precedent for similar cases involving other companies, as the European Commission continues its crackdown on what it perceives as unfair tax practices.