I think it's a bit different because it looks like an investment from the government(i.e. public-private partnerships) not a tax break.

"Combined with other property tax breaks, TVA incentives, road projects and other potential tax credits, Volkswagen could qualify for more than $300 million of grants"

what is different about this?

Indeed that's the case though I can't say that I agree with them. The main reason is because these 'special' deals stifle competition and I think that's what the EC rule is all about. I guess it's legal in the US but that doesn't make it "right"(at least in the EU) so I don't mind if the US would tax EU companies more. It would be a win-win for the most of the citizens(EU and US).

It would be Net loss for EU.

I think it would be a win for ordinary citizens(both EU and US) and perhaps each individual state too(unless you consider tax a bad thing) because the taxes help the governments to develop the infrastructure(i.e. schools, logistics etc) thus they can create more value.

I have doubts that these MNCs help the society that much to be eligible for these tax breaks. They are not charities... The loss for the EU as a economic partner is negligible.