19
May
2026
Watch
Presentation of the Fertilisers Action Plan (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, the EPP Group is very pleased with the presentation of this plan. I think it puts the emphasis on ensuring affordable, available and safe fertilizers and giving real answers. Above all, we are preparing the present and we are preparing the future. We support the idea of making progress on RENURE, but we also call for alternatives such as biostimulation to be promoted. I also believe that we also need to revise the Nitrates Directive because it does not reflect the reality of the Mediterranean regions, where there is drought, desertification and difficulties. Therefore, these aspects are fundamental, and we find it very interesting to consider opening new markets and corridors of green ammonia with Africa and the Middle East. We can't depend so much on gas. It is important that we gradually change the future. However, in the meantime, in the field of the environment – in this case, the competence of Vice-President Ribera – there is also a great deal of dependence on other fundamental elements that are complementary to this plan: I am referring to eliminating the impact of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) on fertilisers; I am referring to the fact that the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) now also has a direct influence. Therefore, at this stage there is not yet a sufficient European alternative and the impact of CBAM has to be significantly eliminated. Tariffs on essential fertilisers should also be suspended. If this is not the case, the difficulty will be greater. Commissioner Hansen has therefore made a special effort in a plan that we applaud. Now the Vice-President, Mrs Ribera, must also comply with these aspects. And, in addition to this, Member States must also act: This is not left here, it is a food issue that affects us all and we all have to react. Member States therefore have to react and must put strong measures on the table to make this a reality. If not, food is not guaranteed, and planting this year is complicated on many plantations.