Future of the PCK Schwedt: employment guarantee extended by the end of 2025

Future of the PCK Schwedt: employment guarantee extended by the end of 2025

In a tense situation for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, there are now bright spots for the approximately 1,200 employees. Federal Minister of Economics Katharina Reiche announced the extension of the employment guarantee for the refinery by the end of 2025 at the meeting of the Bundestag Committee and Energy. This decision was made by Prime Minister Dr. Dietmar Woidke and Minister of Economics Daniel Keller expressly welcomed and rated as a significant step for the region. During the warranty period, the constriction should have ended next Monday, which for many employees: in the inside triggered great concerns. More on this at Cityreport .

The PCK is not only an important employer, but also a central location for fuel supply in Nordost-Brandenburg. Woidke emphasizes the importance of this refinery for the economic stability of the Uckermark and Brandenburg region. "It is important to us to secure the jobs and the supply structures," he explains, emphasizing that the Federal Government makes a strong commitment to the location with this decision. Innovation spirit and a sustainable orientation are essential.

challenges from sanctions

The PCK refinery faces the challenge of having to do without Russian oil since the beginning of 2023 due to the EU sanctions. Instead, tank oil from Rostock and Gdansk as well as crude oil from Kazakhstan are taken. However, this change is not without difficulty, since alternative sources of supply are now being sought, the stability and availability of which are critical. In the case of further sanctions against Russia, crude oil supply is uncertain and requires a “sustainable concept”, as Reiche explains. This need for adaptation is required by many sides, especially with regard to the future degree of utilization of the refinery, which is currently around 75 to 80 percent.

"We have to drive the decarbonization of the refinery and actively explore alternatives," says Reiche. This innovative orientation will be essential for the attractiveness of the location. For example, in May 2025, around 2,000 people in Schwedt demonstrated for the cancellation of the oilemargos, which underlines the great concern of the population about the economic future of the refinery.

a common goal

The state government also moves closer together and asks the federal government to secure the PCK refinery and the jobs. "We will do everything we can to ensure security of supply and to receive jobs in the region," said Keller. Woidke also appeals to return to economic relationships with Russia as soon as there is peace.

The developments of the PCK refinery are important for the entire region, and the extension of the employment guarantee is a step in the right direction. Over the next few months, it will be crucial how the refinery can master the challenges and which strategies are being developed for a sustainable future. More information about this offers rbb24 and Süddeutsche .