German refineries eye Russian oil, spark EU sanctions debate
German refineries, including PCK Schwedt, are considering returning to importing Russian oil; however, such plans are controversial in Germany and Poland. Some voices are calling for the lifting of sanctions on Russia, while others are concerned about the political and economic consequences of such actions.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the PCK Schwedt refineries in Brandenburg have stopped receiving raw materials from Russia. However, with President Donald Trump pressuring to end the war, the number of voices in Germany demanding a return to Russian raw materials is increasing.
"This question is coming up again," writes Sueddeutsche Zeitung, referring to Germany's changing politics. In particular, it states that Poland fears Germany might begin to undermine the unified front against Putin.
"Political catastrophe"
The growing support for lifting sanctions in Germany is related to countries like Poland not agreeing to resume imports of Russian oil, which could become a "political catastrophe," notes Piotr Buras from the ECFR.
Meanwhile, Green Party politician Michael Kellner warns against Germany becoming dependent on Russian resources again, pointing out the necessity of developing green hydrogen, reports Deutsche Welle, citing "SZ."
"SZ" emphasizes that "the situation is complicated," noting that some Brandenburg politicians and industrial companies, such as the populist right-wing AfD, are demanding a return to Russian oil supplies. The Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke from SPD, also speaks of the need to normalize economic relations, but only in the event of the war ending.
On the other hand, a spokesperson for the German government firmly rejects proposals to lift sanctions, pointing out that Germany has made significant efforts to become independent of Russia and does not intend to return to previous solutions.
