Brussels Briefing - A lighter look at European events
Ireland’s love affair with the euro continues unabated. A full three quarters told Eurostat last month that it was definitely a good thing for them – almost none of them convert prices back to the punt – unlike Belgium where half do every time they purchase something.
The currency has made us feel more European and we agree almost unanimously that it has made travelling abroad easier, and cut banking charges when on holidays. The Irish are the second most enthusiastic about having the government save more today because of the ageing population, and the most enthusiastic at 40% at rising the retirement age.
They are in the top three for opening up sectors like electricity for privatisation –- no body asked them about water. But given that two thirds overestimated the inflation rate, perhaps they did not all know what they were talking about.
Ireland and Apple are on tenterhooks waiting for the European Commission to deliver its verdict on whether the government gave state aid to the world’s wealthiest company through a sweetheart tax deal.
The verdict was expected weeks ago and rumours are rife that the Commission is still trying to find the guilty smoking gun.
Others say the competition guys are just being very, very careful.
The government has already announced its response to a guilty finding - it will immediately appeal it to the European Court, rejecting a finding that could mean billions for the Irish tax coffers.
Apple, meanwhile, are keeping quiet as is their norm in Brussels. They don’t tend to spend the money or resources on lobbying like other hi-tech giants such as Google or Microsoft. But that could change with a negative finding from the Commission.
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