According to recent unconfirmed reports, the EU Commission has ordered the Dutch authorities to submit information on tax rulings granted to at least 14 MNEs including Microsoft, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Kraft Foods. The information requests are based on EU State aid rules, which prohibit the granting of any advantages favoring certain undertakings or economic sectors that can potentially distort competition within the internal market. Requests of this type are generally, but not necessarily, followed by a formal investigation which may lead to declaring the aid illegal and ordering its recovery as in the recent case of Starbucks and others. The...