Schwerin (dpa/mv) - On Tuesday (11:00 a.m.) the state government will advise in the first cabinet meeting of the new year on help for small and medium-sized companies in the energy crisis. In addition to 20 million euros from the federal government, 20 million are available from the state's hardship fund, as a government spokesman said. It is about deciding how the aid will be awarded. The Finance Committee of the state parliament has the last word.

The "hardship fund" steering group set up by the government met for the first time between Christmas and New Year. Their results are now to be presented to the Ministers. The steering group is to prepare the allocation of funds from the hardship fund.

A hardship fund totaling 100 million euros has been set up in the state's supplementary budget. Among other things, this should also help the Tafeln, which are under pressure in view of the sharp rise in energy costs and other prices. The steering group has proposed making 2500 euros available per distribution point.