The Dutch cabinet said industry will receive an additional €150 million next year to compensate for high electricity prices. Money already agreed in the coalition agreement will also become available earlier: €345 million from 2028 and €495 million annually from 2029.

Companies seeking the compensation must spend half of it on sustainability measures, such as reducing energy use or generating renewable electricity. A cabinet comparison found that Dutch companies pay more for electricity and grid costs than competitors in Belgium, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The cabinet said direct compensation is not permitted under European state-aid rules, so the support will be provided through a sustainability fund-like arrangement.