Woidke counters Bena: PCK refinery in great danger!

Woidke counters Bena: PCK refinery in great danger!

In Brandenburg, the discussions about the PCK refinery in Schwedt are coming to a head. The country's Prime Minister, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), rejects the harsh criticism of his coalition partner, the BSW. In a recent press release, BSW state chairwoman Friederike Benda described the federal government as the “gravedigger of East German industry” and warned of the possible consequences of US sanctions for the refinery, which is majority owned by the Rosneft subsidiary. It is about the existence of around 1,200 jobs and the energy supply in eastern Germany. However, Woidke's spokeswoman emphasizes that trust in the federal government remains unbroken and that it is taking care of the future of the refinery, while the Prime Minister is striving for constructive cooperation with the BSW.

Benda is not amused and calls on the federal government to actively fight to preserve the PCK refinery. Other BSW MPs also support her statements. Economics Minister Reiche (CDU) is also responsible for protecting the region's interests. SPD parliamentary group deputy Sebastian Rüter emphasizes that they want to work together on solutions to overcome the challenges. Ultimately, the question remains as to how federal policymakers will respond to the vehement criticism.

Critical situation due to sanctions

The Federal Ministry of Economics is optimistic and does not believe that the US sanctions will affect Rosneft's German subsidiaries in trust management. The company, which holds 54 percent of the shares in the PCK refinery, is currently under the trusteeship of the Federal Ministry of Economics. Lawyer Bertrand Malmendier is convinced that Rosneft Germany will do everything in its power to obtain the necessary approvals from the US authorities. However, the air for the PCK refinery is getting thinner and thinner.

The PCK refinery itself faces an uncertain future due to geopolitical circumstances. Former promises from Robert Habeck (Greens) regarding hydrogen projects and the installation of electrolyzers are still up in the air. Oil deliveries from Russia have now been redirected, for example to countries like India, which makes market conditions even more difficult for Schwedt. The location is also concerned about the European decision, which stipulates that member states must forego Russian energy sources by 2027, although a concrete roadmap is to be presented soon.

Return to Russian energy supplies?

In view of the economic difficulties, companies in East Germany are calling for a return to Russian energy supplies. Christian Günther, head of a large chemical site, sees this as necessary for the economic stability of the region. Meanwhile, Saxony-Anhalt's Economics Minister Sven Schulze (CDU) supports the demands and sees a possible turnaround in energy policy if a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine. The PCK refinery has expressed concerns about its future in a letter to the Prime Minister.

The discussion about the refinery in Schwedt and the entire industry in the east shows how geopolitical developments can also have a tangible impact at the local level. It remains to be seen what steps the federal government will take to take the concerns of companies and employees seriously.