Germany Secures Long-Term Control Over Rosneft Deutschland Assets Following EU Approval

Germany Establishes Long-Term Control Over Rosneft Deutschland

Germany has moved to establish long-term control over the German assets of Russian oil company Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH. This development follows the European Commission's approval in February 2026 of a new, indefinite trusteeship structure. The decision provides Berlin with a more permanent solution for managing these critical energy assets, which were initially placed under state control in September 2022 due to concerns over energy security. The existing temporary trusteeship is set to expire on March 10, 2026.

Initial Imposition Amid Energy Crisis

The German government first imposed trusteeship over Rosneft Deutschland and RN Refining & Marketing on September 16, 2022. This measure was enacted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), with the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) appointed as the trustee. The decision was a direct response to the energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aiming to avert risks to Germany's energy supply. At the time, critical service providers, including suppliers, insurance companies, and banks, were reportedly unwilling to cooperate with entities managed by Rosneft, jeopardizing the continued operation of vital refineries.

A Series of Temporary Extensions

Since its initial imposition, the trusteeship has been extended multiple times, typically for six-month periods, to maintain energy security and ensure the stable operation of the affected refineries. The most recent of these extensions, the sixth, was announced in September 2025 and prolonged the trusteeship until March 10, 2026. These repeated extensions highlighted the ongoing need for state oversight while a more structural solution was sought.

European Commission Approves Indefinite Trusteeship

A significant shift occurred in February 2026 when the European Commission approved a new, indefinite trusteeship structure under German national law. This approval grants Berlin long-term control over Rosneft's German assets, effectively barring the original shareholders from exercising their voting rights for the duration of the trusteeship. This move is intended to provide a stable framework for the operation of these assets and remove the uncertainty associated with repeated short-term extensions.

Critical Role in German Fuel Security

The assets under trusteeship include Rosneft Deutschland's stakes in three crucial German refineries: PCK Schwedt, MiRO (Karlsruhe), and Bayernoil (Vohburg). Rosneft Deutschland's portfolio accounts for approximately 12% of Germany's total oil refining capacity, making its stable operation vital for the country's fuel supply. The PCK Schwedt refinery, in particular, is a critical component of Germany's energy infrastructure, supplying a significant portion of fuel to Berlin and the surrounding region.