BRUSSELS - The European Commission has given the Netherlands permission to spend 158 million euros in state aid on one or several companies that will help them reach the European climate goals. 

Which company or companies are receiving the subsidy has not yet been announced. This happens as soon as the subsidy application has been stripped of all business-sensitive information. 

State aid is usually taboo in the European Union because fair competition between countries and companies is considered important in the EU treaties. However, under special circumstances, agreements are made within the European Union about temporary utilities. 

Under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, EU member states can subsidize companies that produce batteries or solar panels. Companies that recover crucial raw materials are also eligible for the subsidy. 

All EU countries did agree on a price ceiling for this kind of subsidy, which must also be awarded by December 2025. 

The plans must also be submitted to the European Commission for approval in advance. The European Commission says the Netherlands has met all these conditions.