Apple has been ordered by Europe’s highest court to pay Ireland €13bn (£11bn; $14bn) in back taxes, bringing an eight-year dispute to a close. The European Commission had accused Ireland in 2016 of providing Apple with unlawful tax breaks, though Ireland repeatedly contested the necessity for payment. The Irish government said it would abide by the court’s ruling. Apple expressed disappointment with the outcome, accusing the European Commission of "attempting to retroactively alter the