Daniel Obajtek, a Member of the European Parliament representing the Law and Justice party (PiS), has raised concerns regarding what he describes as a scandalous decision by the German authorities. The refinery in Schwedt—reportedly the most polluting facility among Poland’s western neighbors—has been granted a special exemption allowing it to exceed standard emission limits.
Green Light for Pollution
The PCK refinery in Schwedt, located just a few kilometers from the Polish border, has received special authorization to emit sulfur dioxide at levels surpassing European Union norms. According to Obajtek, this decision was made “to serve political interests” and, in his view, exemplifies the hypocrisy inherent in the EU’s climate policy.
“Where are the environmentalists, where are the EU limits, where is all the climate correctness when Germany does as it pleases?”
the PiS MEP asks. In his opinion, this represents a flagrant case of double standards.
Obajtek also harshly criticized the Polish government’s passivity in response to the decision. He emphasized that the Schwedt refinery has connections to Russian business interests, which he argues should further heighten concern.
As previously reported by the portal Energetyka24, German regulations permit sulfur dioxide emissions up to 600 mg/Nm³, yet the Schwedt refinery operates under exemptions that allow emissions of up to 1000 mg/Nm³.