German PCK Schwedt refinery – compliance with EU law of permit to increase sulphur dioxide emissions

Question for written answer E-001502/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR) Subject: German PCK Schwedt refinery – compliance with EU law of permit to increase sulphur dioxide emissions The German PCK GmbH refinery in Schwedt, located 10 km from the Polish border, is the only one in this region of Europe to burn fuel waste for energy production, making it extremely carbon-intensive compared to other plants. The refinery has been granted a permit by the State Office for Environment, Health and Consumer Protection in Brandenburg to increase sulphur dioxide emissions to 1 000 mg/Nm³ as a daily average value The permit is valid until the end of 2027. Given the impact of SO₂ on the climate, European law only allows SO₂ emissions of 1 000 mg/Nm³ in exceptional cases, and permits for such emissions are subject to notification to the Commission. According to press reports, the permits granted to the PCK refinery have not been notified and are raising concerns regarding their environmental impact. In light of the above: 1. Has the Commission received notifications from Germany regarding permits to increase SO₂ emissions, and do they meet the formal and substantive requirements? 2. Does the Commission plan to take any action regarding the PCK refinery? 3. What sanctions can be imposed on a company or Member State if national permits to increase SO₂ emissions are not in line with EU law? Submitted: 11.4.2025 PE772.952v01-00