On Friday 16 December, the European Commission authorised a €1 billion Dutch scheme to support small energy consumers in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The aid was authorised under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 and amended on 20 July 2022 and 28 October 2022.
The measure will be open to all small energy consumers operating in the Netherlands, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to partially offset the monthly electricity, gas and heating bills of eligible beneficiaries.
The aid will consist of limited amounts in the form of direct grants channelled through the energy suppliers. The amount of aid per beneficiary will be calculated on the basis of the energy price set in the individual contracts in 2023.
The aid will not exceed €2 million per beneficiary and will be granted before 31 December 2023.
In addition, the Commission validated modifications to an Italian aid to support the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the context of the war in Ukraine. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)