MPs have reacted angrily to the news that cigarette maker Philip Morris was given a €268,000 subsidy by the Dutch government in 2021, broadcaster RTL reported on Monday.

The money went to help make the company’s factor in Bergen op Zoom become more sustainable, RTL said. The plant produces components for both tobacco based and electronic cigarettes.

The money was paid from the economic affairs ministry fund to help companies cut carbon dioxide emissions and Philip Morris met the conditions, a ministry spokesman told broadcaster RTLZ.

‘This is an example of why we want tough rules for these sorts of factories,’ said GroenLinks MP Suzanne Kröger. ‘It is absurd that we are making money available to make factories we want to see closed down more sustainable.’

The company actually refunded the money later that year after deciding not to carry out the work after all, a spokesman told RTL.