Apple to launch EU online video sales

LUXEMBOURG: US computer giant Apple, which launched its online video service in the United States 15 months ago, is about to take its first step into conquering the European market, Luxembourg's economy minister said on Tuesday.   

"Apple is going to extend its electronic retail activities in Luxembourg by launching this coming spring its iTunes video platform for the sale of videos in Europe," Jeannot Krecke said.   

According to Krecke, Apple bosses have been in discussion "for several months" with Luxembourg authorities on the implementation of the system.   

"It will provide full-length television series in various European countries," he said, without providing any more details of the plan.   

In 2005, Apple opened its iTunes Music Store in Luxembourg, the European platform for its online music sales. The group chose the tiny country as VAT is relatively low here for online services by European standards.   

The highest rate in Luxembourg is 15 per cent, as opposed to 19.5 per cent in France.   

Luxembourg already hosts a string of world leaders in e-commerce for the same reason, with US giants such as Amazon and AOL among those that have set up their European operations here.    

"The extension of Apple's activities in the Grand Duchy illustrates the continuity of the Luxembourg government's policy, which has been in place for many years, of attracting businesses involving new technologies and electronic commerce," said Krecke.   

Apple's video library in the United States was unveiled in October 2005 when it launched its iPod portable video player that can screen music videos and hit television shows for fans on the move.