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.

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.

Apple is expected to provide full-length television series in various European countries.

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.

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.

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.