the eu coffers are in the red of debt due to bail outs of it's zombie state members, junk bonds, lending/investment policies. it's fishing 4 money in usa companies that do their banking in europe and apple is suddendly shocked with he tax bill. the eu position is the central govt of the eu laws supercede the tax laws of it's member states.
should apple find a new banker with far friendlier tax laws, fight it out in hostile eu courts (yes, john boy the eu has never had much love for the usa {or it's corporations}) except as a body guard in times of hostile foreign action).
the eu has long known that some of it's current member states are better known for dirty money, tax avoidance practices for the have-mores, despots, and retired gangsters than for cars, beer and candy. eu welcomes them with a stay out of jail pass, free lunch and pass the tax bill to the dumb, stupid, blind and their distant Uncle Sam.