German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged at the last summit of the EU leaders that there are serious problems with Europe's rapid abandonment of Russian oil and gas. This was reported by Handelsblatt.
The publication, citing sources, writes that Scholz surprised other leaders with a detailed report on Germany's energy dilemma.
"At previous meetings of EU leaders, he was always taciturn. But now he was specific. Scholz assured that the federal government is doing everything possible to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas as quickly as possible. But it takes time; there are serious practical problems," the newspaper says.
It is also reported that one of these problems is the oil refinery in Schwedt (Brandenburg), which is owned by German Rosneft. This refinery processes only Russian oil and supplies fuel to most of eastern Germany, including Berlin Airport.
"So far, despite intensive efforts, the federal government has not been able to keep the refinery running without Russian oil," Handelsblatt notes.
