The federal government has extended the employment guarantee for the refinery located in Schwedt, Brandenburg, for an additional six months, keeping the security measure in place until the end of 2026.
During a visit to the facility, Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) stated that the extension provides both perspective and job security. She emphasized the goal of long-term regional strengthening, securing industrial value creation, and generating new prospects for the area. For Reiche’s ministry, the visit focused on securing the energy supply, boosting new investment impulses, and planning for the future industrial development of the region. She underscored Schwedt’s critical status as an industrial hub and the necessity of maintaining energy supplies throughout northeastern Germany.
Meanwhile, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), the Minister-President of Brandenburg, affirmed that the refinery is a central pillar of supply security. He confirmed that ongoing cooperation among companies, employees, the federal government, the state, and local authorities will continue to yield solutions to ensure continuous operation. The SPD politician remarked that all stakeholders are fully aware of the location’s significant importance.
The refinery has faced pressure in recent times, compounding existing challenges. Adding to the concerns, since early May, the Druschba pipeline has ceased transporting oil from Kazakhstan due to a delivery halt initiated by Russia. Notably, a large proportion of the fuel needed for both the capital region and northeastern Germany is manufactured at the Schwedt site.
