Fiat Finance vs Luxembourg: JUDGMENT
Case Information:
- Court: European Court of Justice (Grand Chamber)
- Case No: Joined Cases C-885/19 P and C-898/19 P
- Applicant: Fiat Chrysler Finance Europe; Ireland
- Defendant: European Commission
- Judgment Date: 8 November 2022
The case involves two appeals by Fiat Chrysler Finance Europe (formerly Fiat Finance and Trade Ltd) and Ireland, challenging the General Court’s decision to uphold a European Commission ruling that a tax rulingA tax ruling is a formal decision provided by a tax authority, clarifying how specific tax laws and regulations apply to an individual taxpayer or a corporate entity in particular circumstances. Often sought before a significant financial transaction or investment, tax rulings offer legal certainty by outlining the tax implications and obligations in advance. Such rulings are pivotal for multinational... granted by Luxembourg to Fiat Chrysler Finance Europe constituted unlawful state aidState Aid refers to financial assistance provided by public bodies, typically governments, which can selectively benefit certain businesses or industries. This concept is critical in European Union (EU) law, where such support can distort competition and trade within the single market. State Aid, regulated under EU law, aims to ensure fair competition and prevent Member States from favouring local businesses.... The Commission had determined that the tax rulingA tax ruling is a formal decision provided by a tax authority, clarifying how specific tax laws and regulations apply to an individual taxpayer or a corporate entity in particular circumstances. Often sought before a significant financial transaction or investment, tax rulings offer legal certainty by outlining the tax implications and obligations in advance. Such rulings are pivotal for multinational... issued by Luxembourg gave Fiat Chrysler Finance Europe a selective tax advantage, breaching EU state aidState Aid refers to financial assistance provided by public bodies, typically governments, which can selectively benefit certain businesses or industries. This concept is critical in European Union (EU) law, where such support can distort competition and trade within the single market. State Aid, regulated under EU law, aims to ensure fair competition and prevent Member States from favouring local businesses... rules under Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).