Commissioner Christophe Hansen, in a written answer on 22 June 2026, outlined a series of short- and long-term measures to support EU farmers and prevent rising energy and fertiliser costs from driving up food prices, following a parliamentary question by Left MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis. The answer signals the Commission's intent to cushion the agricultural sector from volatility linked to the Middle East crisis and Strait of Hormuz instability, which has pushed up input costs. Hansen stressed that while no immediate food shortages are expected, upward price pressures could materialise over time.
The question, submitted on 16 March 2026, warned that around 20% of global oil supply and a significant share of fertiliser raw materials transit the Strait of Hormuz, creating risks for EU farmers and consumers already facing high living costs. In his response, Hansen pointed to the Fertiliser Action Plan adopted on 19 May 2026, which includes short-term tools such as mobilising the agricultural reserve, liquidity support under the Common Agricultural Policy, and greater flexibility for advance payments. Longer-term actions aim to boost EU production capacity, promote recycled nutrients and low-carbon alternatives, and reduce import dependencies.
Additional measures already in place include a Temporary State Aid Framework adopted on 29 April 2026, a reduced flat mark-up of 1% on CBAM default values for fertilisers, and a temporary duty suspension for ammonia, urea, and other nitrogen fertiliser imports from non-Russia/Belarus sources within given quotas. The answer provides concrete policy direction but lacks specific numerical targets or deadlines for the longer-term resilience goals. Institutional follow-up is expected as the Fertiliser Action Plan is implemented, with the Commission likely to report on progress in the coming months.